Freelance Marketing Jobs

All of the Earth Day celebrations over the last week prompted me to think about the reams of paper that I’ve used or produced as a marketing professional. 

Back when I was the marketing director for a conference and event company my direct mail campaigns included hundreds of thousands of conference brochures, postcards, and letters. 

During the third or fourth round of edits my favorite graphic designer in the world would remind me that we were producing junk mail.  Of course, we didn’t really believe that, but it always caused a moment of levity in the midst of deadlines.  

My mailing lists were targeted, but even the best lists didn’t pull much more than 3%.  I can only hope that recipients recycled their mail.  While it was my job I do feel some level of responsibility for this paper consumption and possible waste.  I’m not even sure if the excess boxes of dated materials were recycled. 

I wasn’t as mindful about recycling as I am now.  But, that doesn’t mean I can’t learn from this experience.

I understand marketing concepts and the importance of multiple points of contact, etc.  But, at the same time, I think it’s important to think outside the box and find innovative ways to achieve marketing goals while conserving paper and money. 

Many mailers are now produced with recycled paper which is great.  And with the Internet, companies can drive many customers and readers to their web site for content.

Perhaps all of us can take pause and make an effort to cut what may be unnecessary from our marketing campaigns and recycle surplus materials.  We have the opportunity to change how we market and make a big difference in paper consumption. 

That’s it.  I’m stepping down from my soapbox (which I will now recycle.)  I’d love to hear your comments.

Laurel