BOO!

 

HAHAHA! Did you jump?

 

The only problem I have with Elmer is I never get the satisfaction of seeing anyone's face when he shows up uninvited.

 

It all started when our house became a temporary frat house…

 

A few months ago, one of our friends/Chayse's band mate asked to crash in our guest room temporarily while he was in between leases. 30-35 days ish. NBD. Chayse and I being the hospitable, generous angel friends we are said, “Mi casa es su casa."

 

And then I turned to Chayse and said, “I'm going to buy the creepiest porcelain doll I can find and hide it in his room.”

 

I told my mom all about my devious plans, and after she stopped laughing, she agreed to the doll hunt. Estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores -- none of the dolls we found fit my vision.

 

Too elegant. Too demure.

 

I wanted a doll that looked like it'd been through something. A doll that could withstand being shoved in a closet, cabinet, cardboard box…

 

Then there he was. In all his glory. For just $3.99.

 

 

Elmer's first hiding spot is pictured above – snug in the back of J's guitar case – in the closet.

 

For about 10 days, Elmer moved stealthily around the house. None of us talked about him. We all just played the game.

 

But after the first few rounds, the stakes got higher. Elmer got sneakier.

 

So much so that one weekend while the guys were out of town for a gig, I searched the whole house looking for that damn doll because I COULDN'T FIND HIM ANYWHERE AND IT WAS FREAKING ME OUT! I didn't feel safe, and this was all my idea!?

 

“Who's afraid of little old Elmer?” I WAS.

 

Elmer had to DIE.

 

And now, a metaphor to give his life (and this email) meaning…

 

We all have an Elmer.

 

A thing we thought was a good idea, turned into the thing we're avoiding, turned into the thing that's haunting us.

 

Maybe it's writing or updating your copy…

 

Maybe it's the positioning, messaging and/or direction of your rebrand…

 

Maybe it's naming your company, podcast, new program, or porcelain doll you're going to buy to freak out the people in your house…

 

Point is, whatever your “Elmer” is – there's a simple solution.

 

Pass the buck. Make it someone else's problem.

 

Like I did.

 

When I helped J load his car to move and snuck Elmer inside his desk completely unbeknownst to him. :)

 

Bye-bye! 

 

So, now that I'm unburdened by Elmer, here are a few ways I can take on your "Elmer":

 

1. [FREE!] Name Drop
Have a name idea but not sure if it hits? Drop it to me. I’ll send you feedback within 24–48 hours (business days, of course).

2. IDK – Collaborative Namestorming Session
When you’re all “IDK?!” — rest assured, I do. In this 1:1 session, we’ll namestorm together to come up with a name you’re proud to promote all over the internet.

3. TBD – Full-Service Naming & Brand Strategy
The name. The narrative. The everything. If your name is still “TBD,” well — your name is my name too. Best for full rebrands, new businesses, or launching your hero product.

4. SOS – Improv Hour
One hour to riff on whatever. We find your “X” factor, get from Point A to Point B, and/or cross all your copy T’s and dot your I’s.

Keeping my distance from dolls,

Katie

 

P.S. If you're wondering if J found him after he moved in…