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Every day, we’re confronted by thousands of messages imploring us to think or act in a certain way. Not just from marketers. But from our friends, colleagues and loved ones, too.

Why do some of those succeed, why do most fail miserably, and what does it tell us about how to get more done by communicating more persuasively?

That’s the stuff of strategic communications. That’s the stuff of Frank J. Oswald’s Mental Shavings. Weigh in with your comments. Or drop me a note at frank@frankoswald.com.

All opinions expressed on Mental Shavings are solely my own.

 



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Friday
Nov182011

You Cannot Be Sirius


I received a personal email from Mel Karmazin, CEO of SiriusXM yesterday.

He thanked me for being a subscriber and for my continued support.

And explained how he spends much of his time on “satellites, programming and employees,” but nothing was more important to him than me.

Then he reminded me of the unparalleled programming and exclusive benefits that SiriusXM offers.

Oh, and then he announced that he’s raising my monthly fee by 10 percent starting on January 1, 2012.

The increase really isn’t that bad: $1.54/month. But the paternalistic, old-school, back-door, corporate-voice way of announcing the increase makes me cringe.

Oswald’s axiom: Never trust a letter that beings with “Dear Valued Customer.”

Reader Comments (1)

Wow! What can I say? Congratulations bro! I've been an avid follower of Sirius but until now I haven't received any email from the CEO. :(

November 27, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKurt Whitner

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