Here’s a nice client who wanted creative ways to “meet the girl in 2B.” (He also wanted her name and phone number, but we’re idea guys, not private eyes.)


We suggest a greeting card slipped under door! Buy a “blank-inside” greeting card with flowers or cityscape on the front. Inside write:

Dear 2B,

[Write a little personal note here — we’ve given you a suggestion below if you need one].

Can I buy you coffee? (Or other delicious, low-commitment, refreshing beverage of your choice.)
YES – SOUNDS FUN [checkbox]
NO THANKS, WEIRDO [checkbox]

If yes, let me know where and when and I’ll be there.
Where:_______
When:_____

~From [the guy’s name], the nice guy in [your apt. # here and phone number].

Suggestion for text:

“Ever see a neighbor in the hall and think ‘he looks like a nice person, wish I had a way to meet him.’ Well, that’s just what I thought when I saw you a couple days ago. (Except, of course, not the ‘he’ part.) Finally decided to see if meeting you would be possible.”

Bonus ideas:

  • Hire a singing telegram to ask her out to coffee for you.
  • Put together a packet of coupons from local restaurants and coffee shops — tie them to a small, potted plant and leave them on her doorstep with a note saying you’d love to try one of these coupons out with her (and something similar to the text in the first suggestion).
  • Pretend you have a telegram for 2B from “the guy in [your apartment]”. Give her a “telegram” of the text above rather than putting it in a card; that way you can guage her reaction — and maybe even reveal yourself — in real time. Be prepared to move from the building out of embarrassment if she rejects the idea.
  • Ask to borrow a cup of sugar (use the “I know this is totally cliche, but…” line), then repay the favor an hour later by delivering a plate of yummy, warm, baked goods. (If you don’t bake, buy them from the store and heat them up before delivering. You can laugh about the ruse a year from now at your wedding reception.)