Most lead-gen advice reads like it was copied from a HubSpot blog circa 2015. But every so often, someone throws the playbook out the window - and somehow it works.

That’s exactly what Joss Maruno did: tried a bunch of “stupid” tactics that sound half like a dare and half like genius. Spoiler: some of them actually moved the needle.

If your pipeline feels stuck, these experiments might be the weird shake-up you need.

SALES

Most B2B lead-gen strategies are by-the-book. But sometimes, the most bizarre ideas deliver real results. Joss Maruno tried a series of “stupid” tactics - and they kinda worked.

Here are all six of his most out-there methods:

What he did: He aimed to be the top comment on a trending YouTube video using humor or timely commentary. Once he got it, he edited the comment into an advertisement for his offer. Why it works: You get prime exposure - for free - in front of an engaged audience. Joss saw site traffic bump up, even without precise tracking.

What he did: Created a Loom video pitch then used its cloneable “Share” function to mass-send it to tens of thousands of scraped emails (via Apollo). He managed to send about 100K before the account was shut down. Why it works: Personalized video cuts through inbox clutter - but use with caution (and platform velocity limits).

What he did: Shared a Notion or Google document containing his pitch with a large email list. The built-in notification email ensured high deliverability instead of spam. Why it works: A clever way to hijack trust from established platforms and land in inboxes reliably.

What he did: He commented on Facebook group threads - even minimally relevant ones- and worked his offer into replies. The trick was to avoid looking spammy, so as not to trigger bans. Why it works: Strategic placement in active discussions builds visibility among a niche, engaged group.

What he planned: Sticker bomb a city with eye-catching messages and a QR code pointing to his funnel. Ideal spots? The financial district, or wherever your ICP hangs out. Why it’s promising: Physical outreach that demands curiosity — especially from niche professionals. He’s planning to test it next in NYC.

What he did: Applied for jobs at organizations he wanted to work with (like insurance agencies). When recruiters called, he pitched his services instead. Why it works: It flips the dynamic—agencies reach out to you, and you're already in the conversation. Best for small-to-mid-sized businesses where the contact maps to decision-making.

What he notes: Inspired by Karston Fox, he sends SMS to business owners saying he has a referral for them. Once they respond, he offers his real service—and delivers value far beyond the bait. Why it works: It opens doors using curiosity—just make sure your service genuinely overdelivers.

Final thoughts

These tactics aren’t recommendations for your core GTM strategy - but they shine as experiments. They’re absurd, unexpected, and can spark traffic or conversations when everything else feels worn out.

What method you liked the most and have you used any of them ever?

HEADLINES

→ Millions of new businesses open each year. How will You find them? Every day, thousands of new businesses open their doors across the US. And each one represents fresh opportunities for the businesses that serve them. Payroll processors, IT suppliers, banks, lawyers, the list goes on: If you’re not their first call, you might as well be the last.

SOFTWARE

✅ Somewhere: Find and hire top overseas talent to help you scale your company and save 50% on salaries. Zero Risk: You pay nothing if you don't hire anyone.

That’s all for today.

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Until next time,
Team B2B Whales