Here in Wisconsin, we are enjoying a late-winter/early-spring snowstorm. The weather experts are referring to it as a blizzard. We'll see if it truly lives up to the hype.
The storm has been on the radar, both figuratively and literally, for days. I think over the weekend they were already gently warning us to be prepared for heavy snow on Wednesday. These forecasts must always be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism, of course. Meteorology isn't really an exact science. One never knows for certain when a system will change direction, gain strength, or weaken. But no one around here can say they didn't know that there was a possibility of significant snowfall.
So I was a bit surprised when I received an email newsletter today from a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. The subject: It's time for the changing of the guard. They advised, "Now that the snow has melted, it's time to get your snow blower tucked away and prep your lawn mower for another busy summer." That was followed by a list of helpful maintenance tips. Those hints might be appreciated by subscribers wanting to keep their equipment in good shape for years to come.
But hold on. Even though the season's snow had melted, aren't we due for another big batch soon, as in today? Perhaps it's not quite time to store the winter tools.
I understand that customer communications are planned and created in advance. I also understand that the process can be automated to send out mailings at a designated time. I have to wonder, though, if anyone in that marketing department thought, just for a moment over the past week, that perhaps the mailing should be delayed or include an alternate topic. Maybe they did. Nobody asked my opinion. Their name is still top-of-mind for me, even though I don't have the most favorable impression right at this exact moment.
'Tis true what they say about the best laid plans, especially when it comes to weather in Wisconsin. But I hope that these folks, and you if you're in the field, remember to double check your details from start to finish, and at a few points in between.
The storm has been on the radar, both figuratively and literally, for days. I think over the weekend they were already gently warning us to be prepared for heavy snow on Wednesday. These forecasts must always be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism, of course. Meteorology isn't really an exact science. One never knows for certain when a system will change direction, gain strength, or weaken. But no one around here can say they didn't know that there was a possibility of significant snowfall.
So I was a bit surprised when I received an email newsletter today from a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. The subject: It's time for the changing of the guard. They advised, "Now that the snow has melted, it's time to get your snow blower tucked away and prep your lawn mower for another busy summer." That was followed by a list of helpful maintenance tips. Those hints might be appreciated by subscribers wanting to keep their equipment in good shape for years to come.
But hold on. Even though the season's snow had melted, aren't we due for another big batch soon, as in today? Perhaps it's not quite time to store the winter tools.
I understand that customer communications are planned and created in advance. I also understand that the process can be automated to send out mailings at a designated time. I have to wonder, though, if anyone in that marketing department thought, just for a moment over the past week, that perhaps the mailing should be delayed or include an alternate topic. Maybe they did. Nobody asked my opinion. Their name is still top-of-mind for me, even though I don't have the most favorable impression right at this exact moment.
'Tis true what they say about the best laid plans, especially when it comes to weather in Wisconsin. But I hope that these folks, and you if you're in the field, remember to double check your details from start to finish, and at a few points in between.
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