8 Shock-Value Tactics to Grab Your Prospect’s Attention and Get Noticed

Have you ever experienced the frustration of not being able to tell your story or get your message to that big prospect you’re just dying to sink your message into? Trying to get past that gatekeeper or executive assistant—or people’s schedules, vacation times, or even egos—can be challenging, no doubt. You want a meeting instead of unanswered or unreturned phone calls from the president or owner that you’ve desperately been trying to contact.

 

 

Sure, we’ve all been there, right? Or maybe you’re the one that’s hard to get a hold of—hmmm?

 

What can be done?

There are a few ways that you can get someone’s attention. Here we go!

 

1. Bueller? . . . Bueller?

If you’ve even seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, you may remember the delivery gram he received. This is a brilliant way to get someone’s attention. Send someone to the office of the person you’re trying to meet, and have a special song or musical message performed for the person, their assistant, or even their coworker. Deliver your brochure or message in this way and it will likely be heard!

 

2. Pepperoni or Cheese?

Have you ever secretly wished someone would send you a free pizza? Here’s an opportunity to get your message or pitch read. Send a pizza to the office of the person you’re trying to contact. The smell alone will get their attention, and if a note is attached to the pizza, it will get read too.

 

3. Balloons

Balloons are more than just hot air. If you’ve ever received a half-dozen balloons, it’s something you remember. And if it’s attached to a special note or brochure, you will surely remember the occasion. Send a dozen or half-dozen balloons to the person you want to meet with. The office buzz alone will get you and your company message noticed.

 

4. Flowers

Ok, this one is for a woman. Women love flowers, even if some say they are silly or too girly. Send a bouquet of mixed flowers to the woman you are trying to meet. And maybe even see if you can find out her birthdate. Attach a note with a website address to visit or write the pitch directly on the accompanying card. Something like: “Make your life brighter with XXX Company; we’ll help you achieve XYZ.” This will get your message read, guaranteed.

 

5. Off-road Biking

I was surprised to learn just how many people like mountain biking. Even if they don’t, who doesn’t like to ride a bike—and even better, who wouldn’t be thrilled to have a bike delivered to their home or office? Don’t forget to also send your brochure or sales pitch, website, and email address. Even if the person doesn’t like the bike, they surely know someone to give it to, yes?

 

6. I’ll Have a Glass of Wine, Please

Let me state the obvious. Lots of people like to drink wine. Here’s a statistic for you: California wine shipments within the U.S. were 215 million cases in 2013, up 3% from the previous year, with an estimated retail value of $23.1 billion, up 5%.*

So, send a bottle of wine to the assistant or directly to the person you want to meet with, along with your call to action, brochure, website address, etc. You will be remembered . . . at least for the moment. 🙂

 

7. Be Fruity

I simply marvel at those edible arrangements (http://www.ediblearrangements.com). Who wouldn’t love to receive one of those and feel no guilt about indulging? Send an edible arrangement directly to the person of interest; again, don’t forget your brochure or flyer or call to action. The price tag for the bouquet will be well worth the memory you and your company will create.

 

8. Bring Las Vegas to Your Prospect

Whether or not your recipient wins, they’ll have the chance to scratch off a ticket, feel the rush of possible riches, and you or your company will be right there alongside the experience. If you’ve ever searched for a penny or dime in your couch or junk drawer to scratch a ticket, you’ll know the adrenaline rush I’m describing. Be memorable.

Some of these ideas may seem outrageous to some, but stop and think for a moment:
Are you trying to be forgettable . . . or memorable?

*http://www.wineinstitute.org/resources/pressroom/04242014