5 Marketing Lessons from The Golden Bachelor

Nov 30

<7 minute read, “Will you accept this rose” free gift at the end.

I've only ever watched one other season of The Bachelor. It was the Jake/Vienna season in 2010, during the writer's strike, before reality TV had a choke-hold on every channel in the cablesphere.

However, throw a septuagenarian into the mix, and I'll bite. Elder boomers navigating the pop-culture waters of reality TV is fascinating, and looking for a second chance love to boot? Hand me the remote.

I instantly liked Gerry; he resembled my most charming Uncle, tall and tanned with kind eyes and a big smile, but with a little more mid-western "aw-shucks" vibe than Wall Street swagger.

And, then, there are the women. I love the women. They are all interesting, smart, vibrant, beautiful, and fun, like a Barbie® branded Granny set. And they became friends, y'all!

As my own girl gang gears up for tonight's finale watch party, I'm trying to focus on the day ahead. But, my mind is a heated pickleball match, 🏓 Golden Bachelor 👀 Marketing 👀 Golden Bachelor 👀 Marketing.

See how that happens? Now imagine that 137 times per day and marvel at how anything actually gets done around here. It's a wonder how a pickleball 👀 pickle internal debate didn't ensue and derail this whole project.

Check out the five marketing lessons I learned from Gerry and the Gals.

**Show spoilers are included herein. Unless you are caught up to the finale, which airs tonight, you might want to bookmark this for later.

Lesson #1: Provocative = Memorable

On the Golden Bachelor: Each woman showed up ready to rumble in their unique way. From Teresa "flashing" Gerry in her "birthday suit" to Faith's motorcycle entrance and subsequent hair flip as she removed her helmet to Sandra's profanity-laced Zen mantra grounding exercise, these women did not shy away from some risky moves right out of the gate.

In your marketing: I think my word of the year could have been "provocative," as I'm positive I've used it with every single client. Why? Because most content is boring af. I know you have something new and exciting to say about your industry, the way we work, your solutions, the future, something. So, say it! Shake the tree, rock the boat, streak the quad! And, for the love of all things holy, act like you want to be here, telling us your thoughts and getting excited by your own ideas.

Lesson #2: The One and Only

On the Golden Bachelor: Gerry does a great job of being fully present and engaged with each woman when he's with them. He does it so well that every woman believes they have a deep connection with him. He seems to be a good listener and finds something about each woman that he can reflect back to her as her special strength. They always leave wanting more but also content with their interaction.

In your marketing: If we've learned nothing else in 2023, it's that transactional relationships aren't cutting it anymore when it comes to marketing. Your audience is too savvy for you to simply bank on reciprocity anymore. Your connections and conversations are more important than ever to attract better prospects and earn their trust. It's the rebound effect of information overcommodification. Relationships create repeat clientele and referrals. If your clients aren't satisfied with your solutions while simultaneously asking to work with you more, think about why.

Lesson #3: Authenticity Wins

On the Golden Bachelor: Nothing is more literal than this in episode 3 when Joan, alleging she is talentless, is mortified by the thought of getting onstage to perform in a talent show in front of the whole cast, crew, and "judges" including dreamy Gerry himself! While other contestants tried a little too hard (cough, Leslie 😱), Joan simply stood on stage and read an endearing original poem about her experience on the show. Her performance was not even a little bit manufactured. It was real and risky and, in the end, made her stand out more than even a tacky lap dance, winning her that week's one-on-one date with Gerry.

In your marketing: Authenticity is how you show up for your audience. Make sure to distinguish this from vulnerability. You get to choose your own level of vulnerability-never share more than you are ready, but authenticity is your truth, and that is where you hold your head high, flirt with the border of your comfort zone, and find a way to show up as yourself. This lesson works hand-in-hand with Lesson #1. Be yourself, and say important sh*t.

Lesson #4: Producers Make it Look Easy

On the Golden Bachelor: This is where the Bachelor detractor in me comes out. Gerry doesn't have to do shit, but shower, shave, and show up. These "amazing" dates that these women experience with him? Ha! They're planned over months by a literal TEAM of producers. The flash mob at the diner after driving there in a vintage car? Producers. The custom-made gown and diamond earrings he gave Ellen? Arranged by a producer. A helicopter ride to a yacht? Pro-duc-ers. Help makes it happen. For all we know, Gerry can't plan his way out of a public restroom.

In your marketing: Achieving spectacular record-breaking launches, creating slam-dunk offers, and just plain old-fashioned reveling in your zone of genius is only possible with support! Your "producers" are your contractors, employees, systems, and metrics that fulfill and execute your big ideas. Sometimes, an intentional, data-driven plan alone is your most indispensable ally when pulling off a new marketing endeavor. Since you are most likely functioning as both the Thought Leader and Head Marketer of your brand, you've got an internal pickleball game of your own going on in your head. Let's talk about creating a high-level marketing strategy customized to your strengths and energy level. Book a free call here.

Lesson #5: Consistency --> Longevity

On the Golden Bachelor: I frantically scribed my emotional rollercoaster regarding my favorite for the final rose to my friends in Messenger each week. Joan and Ellen were my endgame favorites until they weren't. But Teresa was the most consistent...ly annoying. "Ugh, Teresa is too needy, clingy; I hope she doesn't win...Oh, but she's also charming, and I think she's being her true self; I like her better than Leslie...Wow, her career fascinates me; I hope she finds love..." Teresa is who she's always been and is now in the final episode.

In your marketing: Clients often initially confuse my recommendation for consistency with frequency. This is where I put on my copywriter hat and discuss the recurring themes in your brand messaging and content. One constant thing I talk about with my audience is that your messaging is fluid. If you haven't updated your website copy, checked your email sequences, or tweaked a lead magnet at least once this year, you're missing opportunities to connect on a deeper level. It's okay if your audience occasionally rolls their eyes or shakes their head while reading your stuff; it's okay to be polarizing. Consistently showing up this way will have some leaning in and others stepping out. And that's when you know they are actually listening.