20 weird (but effective) ways to supercharge your small business

Hey UpFlippers!

Think you've heard all the business advice out there? Think again! We've rounded up 20 unconventional strategies that could give your business the edge it needs.

Buckle up because we’re about to get funky 🕺

Unique (and off-the-wall) business-boosting ideas no one’s ever told you about

1. Embrace the Ugly: Ditch the perfectionism and get real. Unpolished content can be a breath of fresh air in a world of filters. Try sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work process. This authenticity can create a stronger connection with your audience and make your brand more relatable.

2. Reverse Referral Program: Reward folks for NON-referrals. Crazy? Maybe. Effective? You bet! Imagine emailing to ask your current clients not to share your current offerings. Offer those who opt in a free shirt or even a discount on their next purchase. The idea is to incentivize customers to keep your business their "best-kept secret." Create an air of exclusivity, and you can actually drive more genuine word-of-mouth marketing as people can't help but share their "secret."

3. Host a Failure Forum: Because sometimes, the best way to succeed is to learn from our face-plants. Invite local entrepreneurs to share their biggest flops in a judgment-free zone. Not only does this build a supportive community, but it also positions your business as a hub for honest, valuable business insights.

4. Offer an Honesty Menu: Tell it like it is. "Our coffee might taste like dirt, but it'll keep you wired for days!" Honesty is refreshing (even if the coffee isn't). This approach can be particularly effective for businesses in saturated markets. By acknowledging your flaws, you're also highlighting your strengths in a memorable way.

5. Hire Your Harshest Critic: If they care enough to complain, imagine what they could do on your team! This person clearly has passion and attention to detail. By bringing them on board, you're not only potentially gaining valuable insights; you're also showing that you truly value customer feedback.

6. The Quantum Leap Challenge: Set an impossible goal. The journey? Pure content gold. Document every step, success, and failure along the way. This transparency can be incredibly engaging for your audience, and, even if you don't reach the goal, the lessons learned and shared can be invaluable.

7. Create a Business Time Capsule: Future you will thank present you for this PR goldmine. Include predictions about your industry, goals for your company, and maybe even some current "cutting-edge" technology. The unveiling event in a few years could generate buzz and provide a great opportunity to reflect on your business journey.

8. The "Reverse" Loyalty Program: New customers get the VIP treatment. Loyal customers get... a challenge? This could involve asking long-time customers to try new products or services, or to bring in new customers. It flips the script on traditional loyalty programs and can reignite engagement with your established customer base.

9. Host a Competitor Appreciation Day: Kill 'em with kindness (and maybe snag a collaboration or two). This unexpected move can showcase your confidence and potentially open doors for mutually beneficial partnerships. It also positions your brand as one that values community over cutthroat competition.

10. Random Act of Business Day: Spread kindness, get noticed. It's a win-win! Close shop for a day and have your entire team perform random acts of kindness in branded gear. This not only generates goodwill in your community but also creates positive associations with your brand. Plus, it's great for team building!

11. Launch a "Useless" Product Line: The more ridiculous, the better. Hello, viral content! These products aren't meant to be bestsellers but conversation starters. They can showcase your brand's personality and creativity, potentially leading to media coverage and increased brand awareness.

12. Open an Honesty Hotline: Anonymous feedback + public responses = raw, engaging content. Set up a phone line where customers can leave anonymous feedback, then address it publicly in weekly videos. This shows that you're open to criticism and actively working to improve, which can build trust with your audience.

13. Implement Mistake of the Week: Celebrate your flops. It's oddly inspiring. Publicly share and celebrate your team's biggest mistake each week. This creates a culture where innovation and risk-taking are encouraged, as employees know that mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures.

14. Run a Backward Sale: Raise prices for a sale. Yeah, you read that right. This could work particularly well for luxury or high-end brands. The audacity of the move could generate buzz, and it plays into the psychology that higher prices can be associated with higher value.

15. Create a Founders' Fan Fiction Contest: Let customers write your origin story. Who knows? You might like their version better! This engages your audience in a fun, creative way and could provide fresh perspectives on your brand. The best entries could even be incorporated into your actual marketing materials.

16. Do the Opposite Day Challenge: Flip your business model on its head for a day. Breakfast cafe serving dinner? Sure, why not! This shakes things up for both your team and your customers. It can lead to innovative ideas and shows that your business isn't afraid to experiment and have fun.

17. Launch a Conspiracy Theory Marketing Campaign: "Our ice cream is made by time-traveling cows!" The sillier, the better. Create a playful, obviously fake conspiracy theory about your product or service. This can be a great way to inject humor into your marketing and potentially create a viral campaign that people want to share.

18. Implement Customer Takeover Days: Hand over the reins to your customers. Scary? Yes. Engaging? Absolutely. Let your most loyal customers run your social media or even your business for a day. This builds deep engagement with your customers and can provide fresh perspectives on your business operations.

19. Start a Business Buddy System: Partner with the most unrelated business you can find. Florist + Auto Shop, anyone? The more unlikely the pairing, the more attention you'll get. This can lead to creative cross-promotions and help both businesses reach new audiences they might not have accessed otherwise.

20. Go for the "Legendary Customer Service" Stunt: Go to extreme, newsworthy lengths to solve a customer's problem. Skydive to deliver a forgotten item. Why? Why not! While not sustainable for every customer interaction, a few of these over-the-top gestures can generate positive PR and set the tone for your company's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Real-Life Example: By focusing on customer service, Brandon Griffin of Triangle Painting Pro transformed his service into a business that generates an average of $335K a month.

You can learn how by registering for his workshop in the UpFlip Academy.

5-Star Success: Elevate Your Service, Resolve Any Conflict

📅 When: Fridays September 13, 20, and 27
🕛 What Time: 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT
📍 Where: Inside the UpFlip Academy

Replays will be available!

Remember, sometimes it's the crazy ideas that make the biggest splash. Don't be afraid to get weird—your business might thank you for it!

In a world where everyone’s trying to fit in…

Sometimes the key to success is standing out. These unconventional strategies might seem risky, but they could be just what your business needs to break through the noise and make a lasting impression.

Remember, it's not about being weird for the sake of being weird. It's about finding creative ways to connect with your customers, showcase your brand's personality, and solve real problems while making a positive impact for your business and beyond.

So, which of these wild ideas are you brave enough to try? Or better yet, what unconventional strategies have worked for your business? We're eager to hear your stories!

Stay curious, stay creative, and keep it (just the right amount of) weird,
The UpFlip Team

Level Up Your Business Game With the UpFlip Academy! 🚀

Are you ready to take your business skills from "meh" to "whoa"? Look no further, it’s all happening inside the UpFlip Academy!

Why join? Glad you asked:

• Learn from real entrepreneurs who've been in your shoes.

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Don't just dream about business success—take the first step now.

What's cooking at UpFlip? 🍳

• 🎥 New YouTube video: Lucrative Business Automakers Miss Out On!! ($7M/Year)

• 🎧 Latest Podcast Episode: How to Find the RIGHT Business Idea for You

• 📰 Blog Post of the Week: How to Make $1,000 a Day (a no-B.S. take)

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Remember, UpFlippers, sometimes being a little "unreasonable" is exactly what your business needs!