Boy, how things have changed!

Back in 1976, critics were complaining that there was too MUCH coverage of the Montreal Olympics and that athletes were too intense about winning!

http://archives.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/clips/7333/

This was also the time when Olympic sports were called ‘amateur’ sports and funding was pretty pitiful. The Montreal Olympics demonstrated how a lack of support, financial and otherwise, can result in the first-ever host country  to go without a Gold medal. (Canada ended up in 27th position with 5 Silver and 6 Bronze – still an accomplishment considering the lack of resources for Canadian athletes.)

In contrast, the 21st 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics was fueled by a 5-year, $117-million program called “Own The Podium” designed to improve Canadian high-performance sport.

Did it make a difference?

Like… duh!

Fourteen – that’s 14 – Gold medal performances! 14 times that O Canada! was played on the international stage!

Canadians athletes nowadays have access to more and better training facilities, have better equipment, have more opportunity for international competitions, have access to better rehab facilities, and have the ability to better support themselves while training.

So what does this have to do direct mail?

Other than having a chance to say how proud I was to be Canadian at the end of it all yesterday and walk around with a puffed-up chest, it’s a good example of what can be achieved when you are willing to SPEND the money to achieve RESULTS!

Too many times, direct mailers are trying to find short-cuts to great results.

It ain’t gonna happen!

If you’re always going to go with the cheapest price knowing full well that you’re taking a chance, don’t expect a “miracle on ice.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_on_Ice

Be willing to pay for professional services and direct mail expertise. In the long run, it will SAVE you money and put you on the path to Gold-medal direct marketing.

Regards,
Rainer