But, Is Your Business Interesting Enough?
- Joseph Haecker
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Let me ask you something… when was the last time your business actually surprised someone?
Seriously—when was the last time a customer walked away from your product, your service, or your website and thought, “Wow… that was different. That was fun. That was interesting.”
I know, I know. You’re busy. You’re focused on delivering the best version of your service or product. You’ve got systems to manage, sales goals to hit, and fires to put out. But here’s the thing: being “great” just isn’t enough anymore. In 2025, “great” is the baseline. If you really want to get noticed, remembered, and shared—you’ve got to be interesting.
A Tesla, A Ridiculous Feature… and a Spark of Inspiration
The other day, I watched a video where a couple asked their Tesla, “Take us somewhere we’ve never been before.” And guess what? The car did just that. It analyzed their driving history, figured out what types of places they usually enjoy, and mapped out a course to a local restaurant they’d never tried—but that aligned with their preferences.
Now, pause for a second. That’s kind of ridiculous, right? No one needs that feature. But isn’t it... fascinating?
Somewhere, a team of Tesla engineers got together and said: “Let’s build something whimsical. Something that sparks curiosity.” And they did. Not because it’s efficient. But because it’s memorable. Because it’s interesting.
And that got me thinking… how many businesses are stuck just being functional?
Everyone’s Selling Something—But Is Yours Worth Talking About?
Restaurants brag about their “secret menus,” but let’s be honest—that’s old news.
Retail shops have a chalkboard sign out front. Ice cream shops have the same five toppings. Corporate events serve the same chicken dish and recycle the same two conversation starters: “So, what do you do?” or “Where are you from?”
We’re surrounded by sameness.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t need a team of engineers or a multi-million dollar R&D budget to build intrigue. You just need a little intentionality.
Want Examples? Here’s What I’ve Done
Let me share a few examples from my own work—little tweaks I’ve made, not because they were necessary, but because they made things more interesting.
1. Allison Eden’s Website – The “Lady Gaga” of Tile
On her site, if you click her logo, a secret pop-up delivers an inspirational quote. Hidden throughout the site are her iconic lips-with-a-gold-tooth icons, and each one reveals a quirky message. It’s unexpected. It’s playful. It’s... Allison.
2. One Bite Foodie
On the footer of the website, if you click the logo, it surprises you with a thoughtful message. A tiny Easter egg, but one that gives the user a moment of delight. That moment sticks.
3. My Own Booking Page
If you visit JosephHaecker.com, you might expect a standard booking tool. But no. You’ll land on a digital corkboard—like something you’d see in a laundromat—with tear-off tabs and quirky flyers. It’s effective and interesting. Why? Because I believe how you market is a reflection of your brand.
4. Pins at the CPO Event in NYC
When planning a corporate networking event, I knew the usual conversation starters were stale. So, I designed custom pins that attendees could wear: “Ask me what product impacted me the most as a child” or “Ask me what product I’d redesign if I could.”
Why? Because people remember conversations, not job titles. They remember stories. So why not invite them into one?
Now, Let’s Talk About You
I know what you're thinking: “That’s fun for someone in design or marketing, but my business is serious.”
But I challenge that. You can make any business more interesting.
Own a retail store? Add a secret passage disguised as a bookshelf leading to a hidden display or experience room.
Run a bakery? What if your cupcakes had tiny fortunes baked in?
Host trade shows? Introduce a scavenger hunt or mystery prize—get people to move, explore, engage.
Have a coffee shop? Maybe one of the tables triggers a disco light and gives away a free drink when someone sits there.
You don’t need to be a theme park. You just need to be memorable.
The Power of Being Interesting
Here’s the truth: being “interesting” creates engagement. And engagement creates loyalty. People love to discover. They love to share. When your business gives people something fun to talk about, they become your ambassadors.
Why do people post photos of latte art?
Why do they talk about the secret menu at In-N-Out or post from the Museum of Ice Cream?
Because it’s interesting. Because it’s sharable.
And in today’s marketing landscape, that’s the currency that actually matters.
So, Is Your Business Interesting Enough?
You’ve built something great. But if people walk in, buy, and walk out—what are they taking with them besides the product?
Are they smiling? Are they surprised? Are they telling their friends?
If not, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: “How can I make this more interesting?”
I'd love to hear your ideas. What’s the most interesting thing you've seen a business do? Or what’s something quirky you’ve added to your own business to make it memorable?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s inspire each other.
Because the future belongs to the businesses that dare to be different.
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