Andie Anderson is a journalist at a woman's magazine who wants to be taken more seriously as a writer. She will do
anything to have the opportunity to write about topics she
actually loves. In walks Benjamin Barry, who is in a similar position to Andie and is willing to take a chance on doing something new to advance his career.
Between all of the antics of the characters working their way up to the top of their careers, they hilariously (and unknowingly) sabotage each other's chances to reach their goals.
But what tips and tricks does this funny favourite have for marketers who are also trying to reach the prime of their careers?
Find out here as
media update's Lara Smit delves into this cult classic for gimmicks that can give you some guidance.
Grab your popcorn, we're going in:
Andie — always take the challenge
As the how-to girl at
Composure, Andie
constantly puts herself in odd situations that she must learn how to master. The famous introduction of this charismatic character shows her doing a multitude of peculiar things to write about in her articles. This includes:
- suspending herself from a gym ceiling
- tumbling around her apartment as she 'feng shuis' it, and
- speeding in her car so that she can talk her way out of traffic fines.
Ah, and who can forget the most bizarre thing that Andie does for an article … Yes, the article that inspires the title for one of the greatest rom-coms in history.
Andie makes a man fall in love with her, only to drive him away again to write
the article
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
So, what can this charming and tenacious character teach marketers? Always
take the challenge. Whatever wild article idea that gets thrown her way, Andie takes the challenge head-on (with only one "But Lana" the
whole movie).
Now, marketers, you will inevitably face various challenges in your career — sometimes even on a daily basis — like:
- lead generation
- strict deadlines
- unsatisfied clients
- the unpredictability of trends and technology, and
- sticking to your budget.
But, the audacious Andie teaches you that you can master any challenge as long as you are confident in your capabilities and have a clear goal in mind. Just remember to not bite off more than you can chew.
Michelle — always put your all into it
Oh, Michelle … yet another key instigator in the
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days article (and the inspiration for many of Andie's antics to drive Ben away).
Michelle is a
hopeless romantic and the quintessential clingy queen — but her
yasss falls flat, I'm afraid.
She is heartbroken after being dumped by a man who she was convinced was the love of her life. But she was swiftly scooped up and recomposed by her colleague Andie.
Yas team player!The only problem is that Michelle only dated this guy for
two weeks — oof. Michelle does just about
everything that could be construed as off-putting to the male species to poor Mike. This is because she gives it her all, through excessive affection and obsessing over Mike, despite society and her friends cautioning her to take it slowly. But, there is a valuable lesson we can learn from this passionate idealist:
Always put your all into something that you love, regardless of what people say. Marketers, you're going to have to fight for ideas that nobody else believes in
all the time. Even though not
every idea you have will be seen as a gem by everyone, Michelle teaches you that you should block out the haters.
If you believe it will work, then ignore the neigh-sayers and do what you love — it will benefit you in the end. After all, Mike comes knocking on Michelle's door not long after their breakup. And didn't Ben fall in love with Andie after she replicated Michelle's clingy behaviour
anyway?
Lana — be your brand
As the editor-in-chief of
Composure, Lana definitely fits the bill. She is always poised, elegant and — well —
composed. She accidentally lets slip to Ben that he is the case study for Andie's upcoming how-to article. However, the ever-graceful Lana does not panic or make a fuss about it.
Heck, even when Andie sings impromptu karaoke terribly with Ben (which swiftly turns into an argument) at one of the most prestigious events of the year — Lana still remains cool and collected.
So, what does this sophisticated professional teach marketers? Quite simple: It is that as representatives of their brands, marketers must also embody it. It would do no good if the editor in chief of
Composure lost her composure, now would it?
Similarly, marketers, if what you choose to do does not align with your brand, it will cast doubt on consumers.
Your work may not extend to
all aspects of your life. But, when you are called to represent the business you market for, channel your inner Lana.
Benjamin
Benjamin — (
swoon), every
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days fan's favourite advertising executive. He's a little cheeky and a
little arrogant, but that's alright (
alright, alright) with us because
it pays off. His ticket into what he calls the front row of the "one woman circus" that is Andie (or
ulterior motive Andie) all starts with a bet.
Ben wants to renounce his role in advertising sports equipment and alcoholic beverages for a new role as an advertiser of luxury goods. So, to prove to his boss that he is ready to be placed on the Delauer diamond campaign, Ben takes part in a bet.
If Ben can get a woman to fall in love with him in just 10 days, then he's allowed to be on the campaign.
The bold agreement that Ben makes teaches us that you should
always bet on yourself. In the field of marketing, people are always encouraged to take risks. Ben teaches us that
you should take them — regardless of how impossible they may sound.
Marketers, frost yourself with confidence until you have 'more ice than Liberace'. Why? Well, as we see with Ben, risks can be the stepping stone to greater opportunities.
So, by taking risks, you can turn a basketball into a diamond. Or, simply put, you can make strides in your career. Don't believe me? Maybe we should bet on it!
What other lessons do you think marketers can learn from this popular rom-com? Let us know in the comments.
*Image courtesy of Instagram and GIPHY