Lindsey’s Daily Deal: Scoring a Second Date, Fighting Crime with the Sun and She’s a Thing of Beauty

By Lindsey Campbell, Captains of Industry

Hey Captains’ readers,

Here’s your Tuesday Deal:

1. How to score a second date

You know that feeling you get when you’re out on a first date and things aren’t going well? Maybe you’re not clicking. Maybe you’re just not that into him. Or maybe your date never stopped talking about how awesome he is at bench pressing/drinking/being awesome. Been there, done that. I can honestly say that it’s no fun to listen to someone tell you for two straight hours how much they bench press, no matter how good your dinner might be (true story). And according to Carlos Hidalgo of MarketingProfs, the same goes for companies who dabble in B2B business.

The days of demand generation and scripted product pitches are long gone. In fact, Hidalgo reports that 70% of all buyers, upon initial contact, are not in buying mode. In date-speak this means they’re not in the mood. They don’t know you. They don’t know what you’re all about. So, why should they get in bed with you?

Here’s why. Because you LISTEN.

If you want to land that second date, you need to start wooing your potential clients. For starters, ask what their biggest challenge is. Not only will it break the ice, it’ll show you’re actually thinking about their needs. From there, just listen and process. Then, once they’ve laid it all on the table, you can begin to pitch your own product (based on your potential client’s pain point, of course). Not only will you be the superhero who gives them a product that they actually need, but you’ll also build a lasting relationship based on trust.

After all, isn’t that what relationships are all about?

2. The sun fights crime and hunger

With all the Egg McWhatevers out there to chow down on, it can be hard for a breakfast food to compete. However, in a sea of popping toaster pastries and talking frosted cereal, one brand has emerged victorious—Jimmy D’s. Rather than just waxing poetic about the low price or great taste, Jimmy D’s commercials, featuring the sun and all his planetary comrades, focus on how skipping breakfast can make you less focused, more irritable and just plain out of it. In their latest spot, Jimmy D’s sun is heading out of the office and into schools to battle DimWit, Slow-Mo and Crabby—villains who prey on innocent children who haven’t eaten breakfast. Not only is the spot smile-worthy, but it also stays true to the brand essence Jimmy D’s has built, something a lot of brands fail at when branching out with new products. My favorite? The crab snapping at the kid’s head.

Heck, I never liked science either.

3. She’s a thing of beauty

The hottest brother rivalry since Cane and Abel? Claude and Pierre. In Stella Artois most recent commercial, the actual champagne of beers features two brothers who battle it out for the lovely Bridgette’s attention. Ah Bridgette. Not only do the guys jump rope, make chocolate éclairs, play chess and build a house of cards, but they do it all with their waiter uniforms on. And ze final test? Who can pour the best Stella.

The world may never know.

Until tomorrow,

Captain Lindsey