The Sideways Marketing sidewalk campaigns test everyone’s third least favorite form of marketing—random people trying to stop you on the street. While Louis Sideways liked big ideas, he also liked to test out strategies and donate his findings to his company’s nonprofit wing.
Riddles is the Sideways man on the street. Louis Sideways gave him that nickname, and no one knows why. His real name is Tony. Riddles tested Louis Sideways’ many theories about approaching people on the street and asking them for money.
This week, the strategy was to see if Riddles could pressure guys on first dates to donate to a cause. Was that an effective sidewalk strategy?
The Applebee’s in Middlebridge is known to be the go-to place for first dates, especially since the launch of its dating app. The Sideways Sidewalk Strategy called for Riddles to wait for couples to finish their dinner and catch them walking to their cars.
Cali walked out with Ralph, surprised by how well the date was going. He’d asked her questions and let her pick a shared appetizer. Then, the pair encountered Riddles and his Save Baby Snow Leopard campaign.
“Hello, you two,” Riddles said, smiling. “Do you have a second to save baby leopards?”
“I’m sorry, we’re heading down to the river,” Ralph said, walking past, but Cali stopped.
“What’s happened to the baby snow leopards?” she asked. Ralph sighed and turned back.
“Snow leopards, in general, are a vulnerable species,” Riddles said. “They’re wanted for their fur and for medicinal purposes. We’re particularly concerned about the babies.”
“Understandably,” Cali said.
“Would you consider making a donation to the baby snow leopards?”
“Sure,” Ralph said shortly. “Can I give you cash?”
“Oh, we can’t accept cash. Please fill out this form so you can be added to our mailing list for the rest of your life.”
“For a five-dollar donation?” Ralph asked. Cali frowned, and Riddles laughed.
“What are you saving? A Leopard’s lucky paw?”
“Listen,” Ralph said, frustrated. “I’m not going to donate today.”
He walked off.
“I’m glad we had this talk,” Cali said to Riddles. “I thought our date was going well until this conversation. He’s not very considerate.”
“Just doing my job,” Riddles said, although what job remained unclear. Riddles gestured as if he was tipping a hat to her.