It’s the season for list making, so no surprise that there’s a variety to ponder in the Christian products world.

CBA Training and Consulting Manager Mike Hockett suggests ways that retailers can make the most of coupons in a piece about “The Shift to Thrift.”

Honoring coupons from other stores and putting good-for-next-visit coupons in bags at the cash wrap are among the ideas her offers at http://cbablog.typepad.com/cba/2008/11/the-shift-to-thrift-.html#more.

Meanwhile book agent Chip McGregor offers eight points for authors to consider when thinking of “branding,” which is seeing an increasing emphasis as marketing budgets are squeezed. He defines the concept as “like a promise” at http://chipmacgregor.typepad.com/main/2008/11/talking-about-branding.html. Though branding may be increasingly important, he observes, it’s not a miracle program. “A wonderfully inventive brand won’t support a lousy product,” he notes.

Michael Miller, executive publisher at NavPress, pauses to give thanks for the publishers’ parent-ministry, acknowledging that The Navigators’ “selfless investment in people for the sake of the Kingdom is infectious.” http://michaeldmiller.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/my-thanksgiving-wish-to-you/