Monday Funday: Live Off Groupon

Because we all got into marketing to have a little fun mixed in with our business (come on admit it, you did too), we will highlight marketing fun on our blog every Monday. Follow and contribute and you will become an inspired marketer plus the most popular conversationalist at your next cocktail party, all courtesy Something Massive – #MonFun.

Today’s Fun? Groupon’s Live Off Groupon $100,000 challenge.

For those of you who don’t know Groupon, it’s a local coupon site with a twist. Dolling out daily deals in 51 cities across America, Groupon offers substantial discounts at restaurants, spas, tourist attractions, and any number of local businesses with a healthy dose of personality. The discounts are made possible because a minimum number of people are required to activate the deal. So, if you see something you like, say $25 for $50 worth of food & drink at your favorite restaurant, you put down your credit card and reserve your Groupon. When the minimum has been met, your card is charged and “The deal is on!” Because Groupon relies on “Collective Buying Power”, social networking and sharing the deal is a huge part of what makes the site work.

Here at Something Massive, we are big fans of anything that uses the Internet’s inherent ability to collaborate for the greater good. Naturally, we have loved watching the Groupon brand take off. And now, we love it even more. Although they have never been a brand that’s afraid of having a little fun, they have definitely taken it up a notch this time.

Groupon has launched an insane promotion, inviting fans to apply to leave their jobs, homes, families, worldly possessions and bank accounts behind and live for a year off an unlimited supply of Groupons. They are encouraged to borrow, barter, and draw upon communities of friends and supporters to meet their basic necessities. They’ll hop from Groupon city to Groupon city and if the accomplish the challenge, Groupon will reward them with a $100,000 cash prize.

It’s a perfect fit for their quirky brand, for their huge dependence on social media, and for the every jobless college kid wrapping up their last semester this May. Lots of crazy folks are interested. If you don’t believe me, search #liveoffgroupon on Twitter, check their Facebook page, and take a look at the stats on their campaign homepage. Here’s one particularly imaginative submission video:

If you or someone you know is entering the Live Off Groupon challenge, let us know! We’d love to support insanity from our very own network. And Groupon, we applaud you for bringing your fun brand personality to life. Happy Monday Funday from Something Massive!