SMART BLAST

This week, in deference to the holiday season, we bring you assorted tips and treats. We’ll be back in 2008 with more on the art and science of direct marketing.

The USPS will handle about 20 billion cards, letters and packages during the 2007 holiday season. Get mailing tips and information at http://www.usps.com/communications/news/press/2007/holiday/hpr.htm.

In 1937, the first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria. More holiday trivia is at http://www.twinklebulbs.com/trivia.htm.

Should you send a last-minute gift by FedEx, USPS priority mail, or UPS? Get information on how to choose between holiday shippers at http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,693745,00.html.

True last-minute shopping and e-commerce don’t necessarily mix. Find many online deadlines at http://www.dealhack.com/deadlines.php.

Avoid accidentally sending your life savings to Nigeria. Peruse the pitfalls of holiday e-mail scams by boning up at http://pantagraph.com/.../doc474a52275d814519991714.txt.

E-commerce rose 24% during the fourth quarter of 2006 as compared to the previous year. Although it comprised only 3.4% of total retail sales, e-commerce hit a healthy $35.4 billion in fourth quarter 2006. Enjoy a plethora of holiday facts at http://www.census.gov/.../facts_for_features_special_editions/010897.html.

In Indiana, Elkhart County leads the state as a source of Christmas trees. More key info at http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/.../1205art9.htm.

Find yourself at a loss for words? Get help for your holiday messages and writing from http://www.businesswritingblog.com/.../help-with-your.html.

When you only tell a story once a year, sometimes you forget how they go. Brush up on those classic stories at http://www.santaclaus.com/favorite-christmas-stories.php.

Forget to send Christmas cards, or just don’t have time? Send greeting cards by e-mail at www.hallmark.com, www.egreetings.com, www.bluemountain.com, www.123greetings.com and many other sites you can locate by searching online.