Playing Tinder with brands?

The stuff that goes through my head gets very interesting at times. This week I realised being a category manager is like playing tinder with businesses. It’s been a few years since I did some serious swiping right trying to find the “one” but what I love is that category managers are playing this tinder every day. 

This role requires saying yes and no to brands every day. Here’s how I see the different stages of category manager tinder verses real life; 

Pied at first glance - We have all been here and let’s face it, they are just not into you at all. Your goods and brand are not what they want. Your package(ing) might be dull and boring and out of date. Be confident in what you have, but don’t become that creep who won’t leave them alone and pop up in reception unannounced with flowers. 

You get a First Date - Congratulations you sexy thing. Your goods have been noticed and you got a email, phone call or better yet a face to face at their place of choice. You better get your best lines ready and yes, you are paying for it all including the car park fee. 

First Base...nice - Is the Category Manager asking you how expensive you are and how much they can make from you? Oh you sexy thing. This is getting serious. Hopefully you listened at the first date and didn’t do all the talking so you are prepared. Show them you best figures. 

Meeting the family - You could be communicating for weeks, months or years, sent snaps of your goods from ever angle including your barcode and hopefully things are progressing. You always have to remember there could be some cheating going on with other brands but remember they need to try before they buy. 

If things are progressing well and the deal means a lot, it might be time to meet the in laws (their boss). You think you have put in enough ground work? Think again, go and get that A game back out, shirt ironed and relook at your figure(s). 

You make the boss happy, you might as well reserve the wedding venue. 

Let’s get it onnnnn - Like with all relationships, some just don’t work out. Until it becomes Facebook official or in your case business award email official it means nothing and that is why you should enjoy the journey, not the destination. 

To all the category managers who swiped right on Doggylicious, thank you.