💪 your copy of The Baer Facts 24

Published: Wed, 06/01/22

The Baer Facts Issue 24: How to destroy the annoyance

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get."

~ Forrest Gump

Forrest was right. But what remained undiscussed in that film is whether the mysteries contained in that chocolate box are a benefit, or a drawback?

I guess there's a bit of thrilling adventure when you reach for an unidentified confection...

Is this chocolate filled with hazelnut praline? Fantastic!

Or is this chocolate filled with orange cream? Absolute crap!

When a crowd assesses an open box of chocolates it's like Celtic witches scattering bones and trying to divine the future...

"I think the little bumpy part on the top means it's caramel."

"There's a tiny green stripe on this one. I think that's mint?"

The only other industry I can think of where this level of opacity and lack of clarity is tolerated is in Wayfair furniture assembly how-tos.

🤔 These are the ONLY instructions that came with a table I bought two years ago. I am haunted...

In addition to being operationally similar to diffusing a bomb, the inherent uncertainty in diving into a box of chocolates can be quite dangerous.

I'm lucky. I can eat anything.

MANY people in my family are not, and are highly allergic to numerous items. We give out EpiPens in Christmas stockings.

Consequently, the unknowns in the box actually prevent many of my loved ones from even spinning the roulette wheel of chocolates.

THIS is why I was so delighted to see Blu Boy Chocolates here in Bloomington, Indiana include a menu in their new chocolates assortment. Problem SOLVED!

It's such a simple fix to a bedeviling issue. And it's a great lesson for all businesses.

This week, I want you to take a few moments and determine what is the ONE THING that confuses your customers the most?

And then, write down three ways you can close that Uncertainty Gap.

I really want to know what you come up with on this one, so I'm going to make it worth your while. My favorite two answers each get $25 worth of JAY coin + a box of Blu Boy chocolates.

Just hit reply once you have your answer, or email me directly jay@jaybaer.com.

Worth Your Time

✅ June 16

I'm guest #1 on a nifty new series of educational sessions from SiteImprove called "Check Mate: The Routines of Success"

I'll be talking about (and giving away) my content creation checklist that I developed and refined over several years. It's going to be a fun program, and SUPER useful. Would love you to tune in (no cost).

✅ June 23

I'm teaming up with my pals at Emplifi to bring you a live broadcast. This one is all about customer service in social media, and the importance of speed and responsiveness.

"Mastering Customer Satisfaction: Top Trends to Finish Strong in 2022 " is also no cost. RSVP to save a spot. Thanks!

Social Media Marketing for Business Cover

The Books Report

10 years ago, I co-wrote The NOW Revolution. It foretold the future of social media in medium and large companies.

Now with Social Media Marketing for Business, Andrew Jenkins has published a terrific book about how it actually works TODAY.

Here's my quote from the back of the book: "This is the ultimate guide to running social in a medium or large organization. Practical, current, and indispensable."

Grab a copy now. It's excellent!

Jay's Faves

As I've mentioned, we moved a couple months ago near the Indiana University campus. It's an older, verdant neighborhood with a ton of lovely greenery.

I grew up in a desert in Arizona where so little grows that tumbleweeds are ornamental. Thus, I can identify VERY few plants on sight.

I was delighted to learn this week that Apple has just added plant detection into the iPhone's camera software.

Take a photo of a plant or tree (you need to be pretty close).
Tap the photo in your camera roll, and then tap the "I" (for info) at the bottom.
Tap "Look up Plant."

It's not perfect, because - like chocolates - many plants look alike. But it's pretty darn good. Now when I walk the dog I can play "guess the shrub" along the way!

Tell a Friend

If you like The Baer Facts, please share it with your friends. Send them to TheBaerFacts.com.

And don't forget, all new subscribers receive 5 $JAY coin - my very own crypto-currency.

To get your own $JAY, just reply to this email and ask me.

Thanks! I'll be back in your inbox in two weeks.