The Genius of Pissing People Off

Do you want more customers, clients and fans?

Great… then piss some people off.

In fact, if you purposefully create controversy and agitate your enemies (and those lackluster fans), you’ll embolden your TRUE base unlike any other strategy.

It matters not if you are creating a business book, an article or a brand. We have all heard the old marketing phrase, "when we sell to everyone-we sell to no one." Therefore, it is logical to focus on a niche. Your niche can be demographic, geographic or psychographic. No matter where you go, you can't please everyone and by extension, you'll likely displease a few, too.

Why not take it a bit further?

If you intentionally “poke the bear” and make trouble for others, you may lose a few of our current customers and this can be a good thing.

You see, when you stir the hornets nest of your fan base, those estrogen-filled weenies who want to please everyone will call you out and call you names.

Let them.

There is a ying/yang to everything. Without darkness there can be no light. And for every weenie there is a warrior; waiting to beat the snot out of your enemies. 

The more you let your warriors know they can stand proud and tall and be part of your army, the better. In fact, you’ll accomplish a few things including:

Customers become fans--raving fans. Look at Apple. I love their products and occasionally laugh at those who don’t get it. Do I buy EVERYTHING they sell? No, but it would be impossible to sway me to Windows OS… ever.

Your fans are empowered. I don’t know if Taco Bell actually posted this on Twitter and I don’t care. Whoever did understands the premise of empowerment. If you get the munchies and are quiet about it, that’s fine. But if you saw this post, you’ll probably share it proudly.

You’ll attract NEW customers. For every person who is offended by cursing, there is a new person who will relate to you and not care. It’s not a zero sum game. When you disenfranchise the fair-weather fans, you’ll most likely pick up 1+ more new fans into your tribe.

You see, it’s not enough to simply stand for something. You also need to stand AGAINST something.

• Apple did it in their award-winning commercial.
• Bernie did it in their stance against the establishment.
• And, even if this ad is fake, Taco Bell is standing against those offended by Cannabis.

When you begin to craft your book, story, message, and platform it’s no longer enough to be brilliant, cute or informative. You need to be slightly inflammatory.

Find your nemesis. 

Poke fun at them.

Then, watch your warriors rally around your book, brand and message as you plant your flag squarely in the keister of your enemy.

If you don't have a nemesis, I can help you "release the Kraken" and give you a battle worth fighting for. Just send me a message and I'll bring some fresh ideas that, perhaps, you may not have seen.

Doug

https://calendly.com/dougcrowe/intro