When COVID-19 arrived in March, the advertisements and emails landing in my in-box started to change.
Most companies and organizations addressed what was dominating the news cycle — coronavirus. They expressed concern for those who were ill, those working on the front lines, and those who lost their jobs.
But not Wayfair.
Wayfair pounded my inbox with a steady stream of emails each week, advertising cheap ottomans, discounted lighting, trendy decor, and more. Their inattention to the pandemic climate swirling around the country was so inappropriate, it was funny.
During one of the COVID-19 Conversations I led in March or April 2020, I mentioned how a nonprofit might want to structure its communications so as to not appear tone deaf.
“Speaking of tone-deaf,” I said, “let me tell you about these emails I’ve been getting.”
Apparently I wasn’t the only one deluged. Class participants chatted in to say that they, too, had been receiving similar emails that were out-of-touch in the current climate.
I get it — Wayfair is a large company. Once I search for a product on the website, I suspect I’m auto-added to multiple sales funnels. The auto-email chains might be set to continue for months.
But still …
I share that story because today is the final day of the United States’ Presidential election voting season. And it just so happens that this Tuesday is not only election day, but it’s blog publication day for Red Apple Auctions.
I don’t think most folks are focused on virtual gala information today but I wanted to fulfill my publication deadline — so this video is just for fun.
You can learn more about fundraising galas and virtual galas in these prior posts.
I should mention that one project I completed during the shutdown was the purchase of a headboard — and I bought it from Wayfair.
Had I known your platform in advance… you would have had my write in vote :-)!
Thanks, Gwenna. I’m new to the whole “campaigning” thing so not yet good at it. ha!