Inbound & Outbound Marketing

So I am not a big fan of the traditional dates over coffee/ drinks. It becomes too formal and small talk-based. I went on a date that began with wine in coffee cups at Starbucks, shifted to a music-filled car ride, and ended with a palm reader at India Gate trying to sum up our lives in minutes. It was followed by dinner, and again some great music on the way back. It was a memorable date, not because of her gorgeous looks, but because of the spontaneity and the whole vibe.

Anyway coming to the MBA concept of ‘Inbound & Outbound Marketing‘.  These are two types of marketing strategies used by companies to sell products. The primary difference between inbound and outbound marketing lies in how consumers are approached. In inbound marketing, the idea is to promote products by pushing them to people. Outbound marketing builds a loyal following and draws consumers to products.

For example, a store attendant offering free samples shows inbound marketing in action. The spam calls you get from credit card/ insurance companies are a classic example of inbound marketing. They feel really irritating to the receiver, but companies still continue with this practice. Ever wondered why?

Well, they have the highest conversion rate of about 2% from the marketing funnel and are the best returns on investment (ROI).

Outbound marketing is different and about the pull. Apple under Steve Jobs exemplifies classic outbound marketing—customers bought products instantly, driven by strong brand loyalty. Outbound builds long-term loyalty, while inbound focuses on short-term sales.

The two concepts of marketing can be quite insightful in the modern-day dating scenario. One can have two approaches to potential dates.

First is pitching yourself and making the other person feel your worth. This works well for casual encounters with short lead time, especially using scarcity principle. But if poorly done, it makes you seem desperate and lowers your value.

Second, build your value and show confidence to attract serious interest and filter out unworthy suitors. Though at times it can backfire, you might come off as self-absorbed and a bit arrogant.

The best dating strategy mixes both approaches as needed. It keeps the other person intrigued and prevents them from labelling you as self-obsessed or desperate. So sounding a bit cocky as well as complimenting them from time to time. Showing care and affection, but at the same time, not clinginess.

The palm reader told me to stop overthinking and chasing people (inbound marketing) and focus on money to attract them naturally. Taking a hint, I didn’t pursue her any further. We had a fun night, but our different traits show some encounters are best kept as memories.

Later

Sidhant