Little White Lies

I am not much of a Halloween costume person.  I love them on other people, but I've just never really gotten into it for myself.  My son is the same way, in fact as a little kid he used to make me carry his costume while trick or treating so that he wouldn't have to wear it.  I guess we are just not a costume family!

So you can imagine my dilemna over the weekend, prepping for my agency's annual Halloween party on Monday.  I couldn't just blow it off and make my folks think that I don't care.  So I did what every good marketer does ... I turned to my consumer and to social media.

My agency is all about marketing to women, so I wanted to do something themed around women.  But nothing in drag!  When I did an online search, I found a blogger who had listed great costume ideas that were cute, clever, and easy to execute.  Sounds good.

She suggested "little white lies that women tell" --- simply use white paint on a black t-shirt and write out little quotes.  Small little white lies that women (and men too by the way) tell so as not to offend their friends.  I loved it.  Now I am  known for wearing scarfs so I painted up both a t-shirt and a scarf.  Couldn't resist.

The best part was coming up with the little white lies.  I turned to social media, and my own experience, for those as well, and here's what I came up with:
- I got it on sale
- I don't know
- You're my first
- He's just a friend
- I was working late
- You're baby is so cute
- These are real
- Size doesn't matter (I know, such a cliche but I had to do it!)
- That doesn't make you look fat
- I'll pay next time
- You haven't changed in years
- I'm 29 (should probably adjust that to 39 these days!)
- I made it myself
- I'm not mad
- That was broken when I got here
- I'm not a real drinker
- I love your family (that's for the Real Housewives of NJ)
- It's ok, it happens to everyone
- I lost your number
- I'll be ready in 5 minutes
- I'm the same size I was in high school
- Thanks, I just love it

And my all time favorite:  I'm fine.

Wow, that's a lot for a t-shirt!

No intention to offend or to reinforce any stereotypes, just a fun Halloween costume based on human behavior.  From a marketing guy who hates wearing costumes!

What's your experience?  Jim

Jim Joseph
President of Lippe Taylor
Author of The Experience Effect