Monthly newsletter - April 2020

Hi,

I hope to find you healthy and safe. I honestly can’t believe how long we’ve been staying home. But congratulations for making it this far, seriously. We need to give ourselves more credit, more often.

Each month you receive an email from me with 3-5 things. This month, I’d like to share these 4 things with you.

1. Furmanov Fun Fact

Every culture in the world laughs, but surprisingly, most of our laughter isn't necessarily a response to humor. Less than 20% of laughter comes after jokes, according to neuroscientist Robert Provine; the rest is a reaction to regular statements and questions like, "How have you been?" All language groups laugh 'ha-ha-ha' basically the same way. Each "ha" is about one-15th of a second, repeated every fifth of a second. Laugh faster or slower than that and it sounds more like panting. 🐶

2. Feelings

By now, I think we’ve all had a chance to go through some sort of grieving process even if we can’t put our finger on what it is we’re feeling. Every now and again I feel particularly sad that we all have to go through this pandemic. The other day, I went to drop off some food at my parent’s house. It was both surreal and painful to have to stand outside, 6+ feet away.

And then another day passes, and I’m continually impressed with all the heroes fighting Covid-19 on the frontlines. And all of the supporters behind-the-scenes.  

At night when I’m going to bed, I give the world a virtual hug. 

Why in the world am I sharing that with you? Because I think there’s a greater need to be sensitive to feelings right now. Your team, your family, your friends, yourself. Asking your kids how they feel, who they miss, what they miss doing, talking about that for a while.

3. Offering Help

I believe that right now, the long-term relevance of a brand is more important than short-term sales. At the same time, we have to be realistic. Forecasts have been tweaked, numbers need to be hit.

So my question for you is: what are you dealing with today, what are you trying to figure out? 

I’ve put together a list based on conversations I’ve had with clients, non-clients, and friends. What would be helpful for you? Am I missing something from this list? Let me know, because I want to help.

• How do I shift my marketing plan to a more digitally-centric approach?
• How do I plan (forecast) for the rest of the year (including best- to worst-case scenarios)?
• How do I hit my numbers with less budget and less resources? What skill sets am I missing? Can I offload some things?
• How do I make sense of the ideas and plans I have in my head?
• We were planning to bring on a full-time marketing hire but now that’s on hold. How do we keep moving based on our budget and needs?*
• How can I better set up my space and lighting for virtual meetings?
• How do I style my (now long) hair?

4. Miscellaneous

Some fun, positive stuff that you might really enjoy.

• Tired of all the bad news, John Krasinski made a Youtube channel called SGN (Some Good News) to highlight only good news around the world. He’s wonderful.
• This ‘Wait But Why’ thought-provoking post. This is like Alice in Wonderland during the coronavirus, for grownups.
• Learn A.I. in 60 Minutes (A.I. For Anyone & Mark Cuban Foundation virtual event takes place April 15!!)
• I’m keeping a gratitude journal, the 5 things I’m grateful for at the end of the day. Guess what keeps making the list? My 3-year-old son didn’t poop in his underwear today.
• We’ve been painting and placing “rocks of love” around the neighborhood, 25 so far, more to come.

That’s all for now. Please do take care, and let me know how I can help.