Debbie Laskey's Blog

Welcome to Debbie Laskey's insights and commentary about BRANDING, MARKETING, LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES. Debbie has worked in high-tech, the Consumer Marketing Department at Disneyland Paris in France, nonprofits, and insurance. Expertise includes strategic planning, brand development, marketing plans and audits, competitive positioning, websites, communications, public relations, employee engagement, customer experiences, and social media marketing.

Friday, July 10, 2026

Who Wants French Fries Today?

Are you a foodie? If yes, then you know that each year on the second Friday in July, it's time to celebrate an American favorite, the almighty French fry. Today is National French Fry Day.

According to NationalDayCalendar, "French fries, also known as chips, fries, finger chips, or French-fried potatoes, are deep-fried potatoes. Though most people eat their fries with ketchup, some people dip their fries in ranch dressing, vinegar, or mayonnaise (very popular across Europe)."

According to the BBC, "According to popular folklore, the dish originated in the winter of 1680 in the freezing villages along the Meuse River (in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands). Because the river was frozen, the poor villagers could no longer fish, so they allegedly sliced potatoes into the shape of small fish and fried them as a replacement. Alternatively, some historians point to pushcart vendors on Paris' oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, in the late 18th century as the inventors of the deep-fried pomme Pont-Neuf, giving Paris its own claim to the dish."

But according to Mashed, "The story of how fried potatoes became "French" fries usually points to World War One. When American soldiers were stationed in the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium, they encountered the fried potatoes and dubbed them "French fries" due to the language spoken by the Belgian locals."

And let's return to the BBC, "The British staple of fish and chips is yet another contender for the most emblematic fried-potato dish. While chips are slightly different from fries, particularly with regards to their shape, the similarities between the two are incontestable. In 1928, The New York Times declared fish and chips England's hot dog."

In Spain, fries are "patatas fritas;" in France, they're called "pommes frites;" and in the United Kingdom, they're simply called "chips."

So how can you celebrate today? Here are some expected fries deals from GiveAwayGoose.com:

(1) McDonald's: Free medium fries with any $1+ purchase in the McDonald's app (MyMcDonald's Rewards). McDonald's runs a "Free Fries Friday" deal most weeks, so this is one of the most reliable.

(2) Wendy's: Typically, a free any-size fry with any in-app purchase for Wendy's Rewards members.

(3) Sonic: Free medium fries or tots with any purchase via the Sonic app.

(4) Burger King: Royal Perks members usually get a fry deal (often free fries with a purchase) on or around fry day.

(5) Checkers & Rally's: Known for a genuinely free fry promotion — in past years a free large fry, sometimes by showing a recent competitor's fry receipt, with no other purchase required.

(6) Smashburger: Often a free fry with any online, in-app, or in-store purchase (sometimes needs a promo code).

(7) Wayback Burgers: A discounted ($1) regular fry for Wayback Rewards members.

(8) Del Taco: Del Yeah! Rewards members often get a free regular fries with any purchase.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Let's Celebrate World Chocolate Day!

According to Whitakers, "World Chocolate Day, also known as International Chocolate Day, is celebrated on July 7th each year. This day is dedicated to appreciating and indulging in one of the most popular treats in the world: chocolate. The celebration is believed to mark the year 1550, when chocolate was first introduced to Europe.

In 1519, a Spanish explorer was served a chocolate-based drink by Aztec emperor Montezuma. The explorer took the drink back with him to Spain and added vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon to improve the taste. The drink gained popularity in England and France during the 1600s. Edible solid chocolates were created in the 1800s. Gradually, chocolate-based dishes appeared across the world.

There is a famous quote from John Q. Tullius, "Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always lies." Chocolate is known to raise serotonin and dopamine levels, contributing to an improved mood and overall sense of well-being."

Do you know the difference between CACAO and COCOA? Cacao is the defining ingredient in all chocolate and chocolate products. It refers to the raw, unprocessed version of the fruit and the seeds inside the fruit, whereas cocoa has been roasted at high temperatures.

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out five famous chocolate brands.

HERSHEY'S

According to the brand's website, "Milton Hershey made his mark as a successful confectioner, philanthropist and innovator. But Milton was by no means an overnight success story, nor did his achievements come without their hardships. In fact, his first two candy companies were met with failure. It wasn't until his third business that Milton's hard work and talent paid off. From then on, Milton prospered as a successful businessman and generous humanitarian that improved the lives of thousands."

The Hershey's family of brands include: Hershey's Kisses, Reese's KitKat, Symphony, York, Milk Duds, Mounds, Hershey's Mr. Goodbar, and many more.

SHARE THIS: The first HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate bar was sold in 1900 by Milton S. Hershey and has been referred to as "The Great American Chocolate Bar." #FunFact #WorldChocolateDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

GODIVA

Recognizable by its gold boxes, this brand is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary. Started in a small Brussels (Belgium) workshop by Pierre Draps, Sr., in 1926, "GODIVA carries a legacy of artistry, craftsmanship, and indulgence. Inspired by Lady Godiva's bold and generous spirit, we create chocolates that awaken the senses and transform every moment into something extraordinary."

SEE'S CANDIES

Recognizable by its white boxes and stores, this brand is timeless. "In 1921, Mary and Charles See had one dream: to Bring Joy, One Bite at a Time. Today? We're still doing things the Mary way, crafting irresistible treats with only the best ingredients. Over a century later, we've expanded from one shop to over 250 worldwide! And though we continue to grow, our commitment to service and quality never wavers." Fun fact, Mary See's black and white kitchen inspired the interior of See's stores.

GHIARDELLI CHOCOLATE COMPANY

The brand's founder, Domenico Ghiardelli, was born in Italy in 1817, and saied to America in 1849. His first store was in Stockton, California, to offer supplies to miners. Reminder, gold was discovered in nearby Sutter's Mill in 1849. He forever changed the trajectory of chocolate with his second store in San Francisco. In 1893, the company bought a building on San Francisco's northern waterfront - this is the present site of Ghirardelli Square. Two interesting historical notes: "In 1906, the great San Francisco earthquake and fire destroyed much of the city, but the Ghirardelli plant was not damaged. Manufacturing operations resumed within 10 days after the disaster. And in 1923, the now-famous Ghirardelli illuminated light bulb sign was created. Visible for miles, the sign became a welcome sight to ships passing through the Golden Gate Strait." In 1965, San Francisco declared Ghiardelli Square an official city landmark; and in 1982, Ghiardelli Square received National Historic Register status. In 2012, the company celebrated its 160th anniversary.

NESTLE

The company began in 1866 with a production facility in Europe to create condensed milk. By 1905, the company had more than 20 factories and was selling in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. By the end of World War I, the company had 40 factories. Over the years, the company has evolved with the times (like with the additions of refrigerators and freezers) and focused on health-conscious consumer needs and sustainable supply chains. Today, the company has an umbrella of brands in addition to chocolate.

SHARE THIS: Switzerland is the country that consumes the most chocolate; followed by Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. #FunFact #WorldChocolateDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

So, how will you celebrate today? You could watch a movie or read a book with a focus on chocolate. Here are some recommendations:

MOVIES:

*Wonka (2023)

*Lessons in Chocolate (2007)

*Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

*Chocolat (2005)

*Forrest Gump (1994)

*Like Water for Chocolat (1992)

*Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

FICTION:

*The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan (2013)

*The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand (2011)

*The Chocolatier by Jan Moran (2020)

*Chocolat by Joanne Harris (1999)

*Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (1989)

*Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (1964)

SHARE THIS: Snickers is a popular chocolate bar that was first introduced by the Mars, Inc. company in 1930 and was named after a horse owned by the Mars family. #FunFact #WorldChocolateDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Lastly, if today is not long enough for a chocolate celebration, there are other chocolate-themed days throughout the year. Chocolate is a popular gift for Valentine's Day on February 14th (sometimes even celebrated the entire month of February); National Hot Chocolate Day is celebrated on January 31st; and September 22nd is National White Chocolate Day.

SHARE THIS: Mama always said life was a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. ~Forrest Gump #MovieFan #WorldChocolateDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: Pinterest.

Want to be a chocolate taste-tester? Check out these tips from Ghiardelli:

https://www.ghirardelli.com/how-to-taste-chocolate

Learn more about CACAO and COCOA:

https://www.webmd.com/diet/difference-between-cocoa-and-cacao

RECIPE for DoubleTree by Hilton's Official Chocolate Chip Cookie:

https://stories.hilton.com/food-beverage/static-doubletree-reveals-cookie-recipe

RECIPE for Paula Deen's Decadent Chocolate Brownies:

https://www.pauladeen.com/recipe/maggies-decadent-brownies/

Saturday, July 4, 2026

How will your brand celebrate Independence Day?

Since today's date is July 4th, today is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States. For those of us in the marketing arena, we're tuned into brands based on how they celebrate.

Do the following brands stand out today simply because they feature the word "American" in their names?

*American Airlines

*American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

*American Express

*American Greetings Corporation

*Bank of America

Or, do these brands stand out today because they align their logo, brand messaging, social media posts, and advertising with the red, white, and blue colors of the American flag?

One of my long-time favorite brands is Sherwin-Williams, because it used one of its color swatches to match one of the colors on the American flag in a social media post years ago.

However, remember, the buzz of the moment should NEVER overshadow a brand's core brand promise, brand story, and mission.

So, which brand do you think will be the winner as this year's stand-out brand on the 250th anniversary of America's Independence Day? Chime in and share.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Best Social Media Post of the Month of June 2026

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like my favorite tweet of all time, the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a monthly series on my blog appearing during the first week of each month (hard to believe I've been writing these posts since February 2025), I share my choice for the best social media post of the preceding month. My choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from June 2026 was a post on June 8th by the Illumination's movie brand MINIONS in a response/share of Wendy's fast-food restaurant promotion for the new movie MINIONS & MONSTERS (that arrived in theaters yesterday), that appeared on Twitter/X. The partnership with Wendy's added another amusing perspective to all the buzz and co-branding surrounding the new movie.

The MINIONS account posted "Love the new profile pic @Wendy's." The comment included a share of the new profile pic of the Wendy's spokesperson DRESSED AS A MINION plus an updated header image featuring the co-branded WENDY'S x ILLUMINATION'S MINIONS & MONSTERS MEAL.

Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. And MINIONS & MONSTERS and Wendy's definitely succeeded in my book!

Which brand will stand out during July, and why? Swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog during the first week of August to read about my choice.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Celebrate International Tartan Day with an Email Marketing Tip!

As I've written a number of times here on my blog, when done well, email marketing can be a successful way to reach your brand's target audience. However, due to the number of emails that arrive in everyone's crowded email box on a daily basis, how can one solitary email capture a reader's attention? It turns out that a well-written subject line plus surprising content may just do the trick.

According to Statistica, "People send and receive around 333 billion emails every single day. And that number’s only going up — by 2026, it’s expected to reach a staggering 392.5 billion daily emails. Daily email volume varies significantly by country, with the U.S. leading the pack at 9.7 billion emails sent daily. European countries such as Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, the UK, and France each send over eight billion emails every day." And according to CRMGroup, "Nearly 50 percent of consumers made a purchase directly from an email in the past year. This confirms email’s direct impact on driving sales."

Recently, I received an email with a subject line and content that stood out. However, before we get to the email, a quick note about today's significance: Today is International Tartan Day, a date that was founded to commemorate the anniversary of the repeal of the 1747 Act of Proscription that banned wearing a tartan. Celebrated annually in Australia and New Zealand on the 1st of July, it's an opportunity for people of Scottish descent to proudly show off their Scottish roots. Now, back to the memorable email.

_______

SUBJECT LINE: A Special Thank You Gift from Great Scot

EMAIL CONTENT:

Thank you for all the LOVE.

We've been genuinely overwhelmed by the love you've shown since the launch of the Greenland Tartan. It has travelled further and faster than we ever imagined, shipped to Royals, celebrities, and diplomats, and most importantly to so many true lovers of the Arctic, both in Greenland and all over the world.

And then something made us laugh (and nod in agreement). So many of you have said some version of: "Could the polar bears and huskies please come with it?" As in...wrapped up in your scarf with you, or curled up on your picnic basket!

So, by way of a thank you, for the next 7 days only, we're sending a very plush soft toy along with qualifying orders. Your choice of Murdo (the plush Arctic husky) or Magnus (the plush polar bear).

Here's how it works: Purchase a Greenland scarf or a picnic blanket, then add your free friend. Next, enter discount code ARCTIC at checkout - and we'll tuck them into your parcel.

_______

The subject line caught my attention, and as a previous customer (who purchased the Pink Ribbon Tartan), I opened the email. After I read it, I had to smile. While I had not purchased the advertised Tartan scarf or blanket - and did not intend to do so - I appreciated the marketing promotion for its creativity and add-on that was guaranteed to be enjoyed by both children and adults.

The brand, Great Scot, sells tartans and tweeds from Scotland, and according to its website, "For many people, tartans and tweeds hold sentimental value, often being passed down through generations. They are not just textiles but carriers of personal and family histories." So, the complimentary addition of an appropriately-themed plush toy to a purchase was a great idea. Big applause to Great Scot for this marketing campaign!

What can your brand learn and apply from this brand's effective email marketing?

Today's the Day for Minion Yellow!

Are you seeing yellow today? If yes, don't worry. The color is "Minion Yellow," and it's because the newest film featuring the funny little creatures from the "Despicable Me" film franchise, "Minions and Monsters," arrives in theaters today.

According to Pantone's website back in April 2019, in an industry first, "The Pantone Color Institute is excited to announce the creation of an official new PANTONE Color, Minion Yellow. Based on the Minions characters from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's "Despicable Me" global film franchise, including the upcoming prequel Minions, Pantone Minion Yellow is an illuminating, energetic, friendly, and fun-loving yellow shade that is designed to represent the sweet characters. An extroverted hue, it projects playfulness and warmth and is suggestive of intellectual curiosity and enlightenment."

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute, explained, "Just as the sun's rays enliven us, Pantone Minion Yellow is a color that heightens awareness and creates clarity, lighting the way to the intelligence, originality, and the resourcefulness of an open mind. It is the color of hope, joy, and optimism. Color is contextual, and right now, there is a desire for colors that are more vibrant and uplifting. This is especially the case with the yellows, so given the worldwide popularity of the Minions, it seemed only natural to name a color after a character for the first time in our history."

And according to Jamie Stevens, Executive Vice President, Global Retail Development, Universal Partnerships and Licensing, "We are thrilled that Pantone's color experts saw market demand for yellow and looked to the Minions, as global pop culture icons, to add to its yellow spectrum."

And now, back to MINIONS AND MONSTERS, in theaters today. It's the third installment in the "Minions" prequel series and the seventh installment overall in the "Despicable Me" franchise. IMDB shared the film's premise, "Follow the Minions in 1920s Hollywood as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and save the planet after unleashing monsters."

From a marketing perspective, you might want to munch on some Minions-themed snacks today. Grocery Trade News reported, "Taylor Farms and Crunch Pak have launched a new range of fresh snacks, salads, and vegetable kits inspired by "Minions & Monsters." The products will roll out nationwide across the United States in May, targeting families and children with ready-to-eat, healthier convenience options tied to a major entertainment release. Products include snack trays with apples, caramel dip, pretzels, and popcorn bites as well as ready-to-eat salad bowls, chopped salad kits, and vegetable-based meal kits such as cauliflower and broccoli with cheese mixes, designed for quick preparation at home...For retailers, the combination of fresh food and entertainment branding can increase basket size and attract family shoppers. It also supports category growth by making fresh produce more engaging, particularly for younger consumers. Seasonal tie-ins with film releases can drive short-term sales spikes and in-store traffic."

And if you'd like to wear some themed jewelry while you watch the new film, check out Swarovski's Minions line. According to the brand's website, "Celebrate your love for the Minions and brighten your home with our crystallized collectibles. Faceted with precision and finished with signature details, each figurine is perfect for adding personality to your décor. For the first time, the fun extends beyond decorations. Wear your favorite Minions character with our fun Minion necklaces or playful Minions bracelets. Complete the set with a pair of matching earrings and showcase your love for the Minions."

So, if you see yellow today, to quote Pharrell Williams from "Despicable Me 2," be "HAPPY."

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Let's Celebrate Social Media Day 2026!

Do you remember the date you joined the social media world? What did you say for your first Tweet on Twitter (now known as "X")? What was your first post and image on Instagram? How detailed was your professional background on LinkedIn? And what was the topic of your first blog post?

For me, I joined Twitter/X in September 2009 and probably said "hello;" I shared a funny image of three famous yello guys with the caption "Keep Calm and Love Minions" on Instagram; my LinkedIn profile is very detailed; and my first blog post's title was, "Before you jump into social media, ask who speaks for you."

Since today is Social Media Day, let's celebrate what is often referred to as "the online water cooler."

According to NationalDayCalendar, "Founded by Mashable in 2010, Social Media Day is observed annually on June 30. In its short life, social media has redefined how people interact, communicate, and share with family, friends, and the world. With the launch of Friendster in 2002 and MySpace in 2003, social media became mainstream. 2004 brought the founding of the king of social media, Facebook. Twitter (now X) encouraged us to be succinct by posting our thoughts with fewer than 140 characters. When we express ourselves better through imagery, Instagram and Flickr offer all the sharing we can handle. And speaking of video, TikTok and YouTube are the social place for everything from how-to videos to pop culture to what not to do with your fireworks on the 4th of July...Social media makes it possible to stay connected and informed about important people in our lives. Reconnecting with classmates, past work associates, and more is a valuable part of social media. It has also made it possible to connect with ancestors and find relatives you never even knew existed."

Back in 2014, Damian Corbet, a copywriter based in England, shared several reasons why the C-suite needed to use social media. In his post on LinkedIn, he wrote, "You either keep up or become irrelevant. It's that simple." The following three reasons are just as true today as they were nearly 12 years ago:

(1) Social media is now the #1 thing people do online - more than using search engines.

(2) Social media is the most powerful networking tool available. It's an incredibly powerful way to make personal connections and expand business networks.

(3) Social media is an amazing way to listen, gain market insights, assess risks, and scan the horizon. Think of any industry trend and it's already being discussed on social media.

An interesting email recently arrived in my inbox and stood out as memorable due to its timely subject line and message:

Subject line: WE LOVE YOUR SOCIAL PROFILE!

Message: Hi, I'm one of the founders of Sashka Co. and wanted to personally reach out to you. We really love your social profile and would be honored to have you share our bracelets. We would like to give you one free bracelet at check-out! Add any item to your cart to unlock it!
Best, Anna ~ Sashka Co. Founder

What an effective form of marketing, especially for Social Media Day. This brand sells bracelets made in Nepal to raise money for women's independence in that country. Each bracelet is a work of art - and the brand sells many bracelets due to its colorful and engaging posts on Instagram. In fact, that's how I discovered the brand. So, the request for a social shout-out in exchange for a free bracelet is a great idea. Much applause!

Check out some facts about Social Media Day from Awareness Days:

(1) According to DataReportal, approximately 5.3 billion people worldwide used social media in 2024.

(2) The average global social media user has accounts on six platforms.

(3) YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok are consistently among the most-used platforms by global monthly active users.

(4) According to Reuters Institute Digital News Reports, social media has become the leading channel for news and current affairs for people under age 35.

(5) Recent observances of Social Media Day have promoted discussions on misinformation, online abuse, mental health pressures, and the future of social media platforms on life, business, and culture.

So, which social platform is your fave, and which will you be celebrating today? Chime in and share.