Your ATTN Please || Friday, 1 March

Marketers often walk the line between fact and fiction.

Especially when it comes to launching a new product.

Today we're uncovering whether James Watt's invention of "horsepower" was based in reality, PLUS what we can learn from his success. Spoiler alert: You might be shocked by the answer!

In today's newsletter:

  • World Wildlife Day (March 3)

  • The Kerwin Frost McDonald's toys craze

  • Did James Watt lie about horsepower?

  • KWESCHENS with Brooke

  • What’s going viral right now

  • Can we give you a job?

Remember to reply with your kweschens to get your social media handle in our newsletter!

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

So, What’s the Tea?

Time to get untamed with your content.

That’s not a call to start an OnlyFans (unless you want to—we don’t judge.)

But we’re talking about getting untamed because this Sunday is World Wildlife Day! 

This day’s dedicated to celebrating the many forms of beautiful flora and fauna we have on planet Earth. It’s also about raising awareness around how we can conserve it!

This is a great opportunity to create some wild content. And no, I’m not talking to you, Furries.

Want to create some wild content around this awesome day with a great cause?

Here's a fun idea: Hold a dress-up competition at work. Film and rate everybody’s costumes as they walk in. It will make for some seriously entertaining content! Not to mention, the office will look like some kind of disturbed zoo for the rest of the day.

Speaking of creatures, McDonald's has launched The Kerwin Frost Box with McNugget Buddies. And people are going nuts for these things.

If you're up for a bit of fun, here’s how you can take advantage of this trend:

  • Try livestream unboxing. Host a livestream where you unbox your own Kerwin Frost Box and share your reactions with your audience.

  • Create a narrative. If it's relevant to your brand, you could develop a backstory or personality for your McNugget Buddies. You can write short stories, create comic strips, or even film skits featuring the adventures of the McNugget Buddies!

  • Use the McNugget Buddies to spark conversations. Ask your audience about their favourite childhood toys or share your own.

If silliness is in line with your brand values, this could be the perfect opportunity to have some fun. The possibilities are endless!

- Sophie, Art Director & Caitline, Account Manager

Did James Watt Lie About Horses? The Unexpected Marketing Tactic Behind Horsepower

James Watt, inventor of the steam engine, came up with the term "horsepower" to show the capability of his machinery. But this term was more of a marketing tactic than a scientific explanation.

How does metal machinery compare to the power of an animal?

That's the question James Watt faced while selling his revolutionary steam engine in the 18th century. He decided to use the term "horsepower" to give his customers a point of reference for how effective this new invention was.

But were his comparisons based in fact? Or was the idea of horsepower a smart marketing ploy?

Here's the real story of how horsepower came to be:

  • Watt used a calculation to compare horses to his steam engine. To do this, he observed horses pulling coal from mines. He calculated the average weight lifted, distance covered, and time taken. Then, Watt added a 50% "fudge factor" for good measure. One horsepower was born!

  • While not 100% scientific, the term resonated with potential buyers. They understood horses, so “horsepower” offered a tangible comparison. Suddenly, the steam engine wasn't just a machine. It was the equivalent of several tireless steeds.

  • Watt showed the value of what his steam engine could do. He connected his invention with his audience's existing knowledge. This helped people understand what he was really offering. This human-centric approach laid the foundation for many marketing strategies we use today.

So, what can we learn from Watt's "horsepower" gambit?

  • Speak your audience's language. Don't just spout facts. Use familiar references and relatable examples to connect with your audience.

  • Focus on benefits, not features. Translate technical language into tangible benefits that resonate with your customers.

  • Think outside the box. Don't be afraid to get creative. Sometimes, a bold and unexpected approach is very effective.

By following Watt's lead, you can use messaging that resonates with your audience. Just remember, a little creative "horsepower" goes a long way!

- Stanley, CEO

Get To Know The Team

Welcome to KWESCHENS – the inside scoop on our TAS team and what's unfolding in their lives. Each letter in KWESCHENS unveils something they'd love to share with you - you'll catch the drift.

Introducing Brooke Walker, one of the newest members of the community management team! Brooke came into TAS as a creative intern but we quickly recruited her to our full-time team. And, guess what, she’s already slaying it as she manages communities for a few big-name brands.

Check out her answers to my KWESCHENS 👇

Who's Killing it in the office?

Caitline. She's adapted so well and she’s so nice!

Whose Wardrobe would you swap with?

Danya. She's got the best style.

What are you most Excited for at TAS?

The new clients we've got. They're very pop culture-orientated, so I'm looking forward to working with them.

If you had to Swap lives with a Coworker, who would it be?

Sophie. She's cool as.

What are you Hooked on right now?

I don't really get hooked onto anything to be honest!

What are you currently Exploring at TAS?

Tone of voice. Just my whole role, really.

What’s the Naughtiest thing you’ve seen in the office?

When Leish posts photos of skid marks in the toilet on our work chat.

Favourite Social media thing at the moment?

Crying cat. If you know, you know.

Check out the full interview here.

Stay tuned for more KWESCHENS with the TAS team!

- Mel, Community Manager Extraordinaire

What’s Going Viral?

Got FOMO?

Listen to our YAP Podcast Tuesday - Saturday, where Stan & Jony break down the videos that are blowing up on social media. Not only will you learn why they work, but we’ll tell you how to capitalise on these trends before they disappear.

Watch the full podcast here and subscribe to the YouTube Channel so you don’t miss an episode.

Check out what's going viral RIGHT NOW before you miss it 👇

Tweets from The Intern

Ask the Editor

Q - Hi Charlotte, I’m a new grad. Can you hire me? - Charles

Hi Charles,

Thanks so much for the very…um…interesting graphic you emailed me. I can tell you put a lot of work into that 😂.

Believe me, you’re not the first person to ask how to get a job at TAS. Just take a quick scroll through our socials and you’ll see what I mean.

So how do you get a job at TAS? Well, we post all our current vacancies on LinkedIn. (If you’re one of those people who thinks LinkedIn’s for old people, I’m sorry to say you’re going to have to get over that.)

So follow us on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for job openings. Best of luck!

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

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