Dropping F-Bombs
Dear Friend,
It is freakin' freezing outside!
Which, for Tampa, Florida, means the temperature is around 65° degrees Farenheit.
Sad, but true.
You know, a while ago, Arthur Chi'en (don't ask me how to pronounce that) a news reporter from CBS News up in New York City, was fired because he dropped a couple of "F Bombs" on some people who were messing around with his live shoot.
For those of you NOT from the Bronx, who aren't familiar with what an "F Bomb" is, it means he used the "F" word on TV.
No, not "fart".. the "other" F word.
Here's the thing: A lot of people have asked me over the years, about whether or not it's "O.K." to curse in your marketing or in your sales messages.
I'm not sure if there's a "right" answer, because there are so many variables here, you need to consider.
For instance, is your list cold or are they used to hearing from you?
And what's the demographics of your audience?
Stay-at-home moms will obviously react differently than male street-fighting enthusiasts... who will also respond differently than buyers of recreational S & M "equipment".
How about frequency of contact... and closeness of contact?
Also, the kind of media you're using will impact what and how you're saying things.
Saying "bullshit" in a written newsletter for example, is probably no big deal. But if you say it in person, especially if you're answering someone's question in a "live" meeting, some people may find that offensive.
That's not necessarily a reason NOT to say it, because "someone's" ALWAYS going to find "some-thing" you're saying offensive, but that's exactly what I'm talking about -- Where's your happy medium?
Let me make a confession about something: I have a potty mouth.
Yet, I don't think it's EVER O.K. to drop F-Bombs in your business communications. Reason being, you can say other things to get your point across, and it really isn't necessary.
I don't think you'll ever endear yourself to your reader doing this, unless you're selling pornography.
Which by the way, in spite of getting a few nice offers to do this, I never would do. After all, how could I tell my daughter I was doing that? My sons -- of course, they would love it.
Don't ever forget, when it comes to spending money, people are DEAD serious about where they're spending it and who they're giving their "hard-earned" money to, and if they think you're disrespectful, they're NOT going to give it to you.
Period.
And I'm not bullshitting about that.
Now go sell something,
Craig Garber
Any comments?
Send them to me by scooting over to the contact form on my "Here's How To Contact Craig" page, and maybe I'll publish them -- I appreciate your feedback!
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