Running a business in today’s world is about more than just offering great products or services. With fierce competition and rapidly changing trends, companies are turning to unconventional—and downright weird—services to gain an edge. From hiring professional line-waiters to outsourcing office pranks, businesses are embracing the bizarre in their quest for innovation and efficiency.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the strangest services that companies are using to stay ahead of the curve. You might just find one that’s perfect for your business (or at least entertaining to read about).
1. Emotional Support Clowns for Layoffs
Imagine this: instead of delivering bad news in a dull HR meeting, your company hires a professional clown to make the situation less awkward. Yes, this is a real service!
Companies have started using emotional support clowns to soften the blow of layoffs. The clowns perform silly antics or offer words of encouragement to lighten the mood during an otherwise stressful event. It’s quirky, memorable, and definitely unusual—but maybe not for the faint of heart.
2. Corporate Apology Services
Made a mistake that went viral? Some businesses specialize in issuing heartfelt, public apologies on your behalf. These services craft carefully worded statements or even videos, often paired with creative campaigns, to repair a company’s reputation after PR disasters.
One such company, Apology Concierge, has been known to send personalized apology gifts to disgruntled customers, complete with handwritten notes and curated care packages.
3. Office Pet Therapists
It’s no secret that workplace stress can impact productivity, so why not bring in the big guns—puppies or llamas? Companies are hiring pet therapy services to bring animals into the workplace. Employees can de-stress by cuddling kittens, feeding goats, or even taking a selfie with a mini pony.
Some services, like LlamaZoom, specialize in providing llamas for corporate events. Whether it’s stress relief or just a fun photo op, these furry companions make office life a little more bearable.
4. Professional Line-Waiting Services
Need tickets for a conference or the latest tech gadget? Skip the hassle and hire a professional line-waiter. These individuals are paid to stand in long lines for businesses that don’t want to waste their employees’ time.
One company, Stand & Deliver, caters specifically to businesses needing physical presence in queues for product launches or exclusive events. It’s a weirdly simple service that can save hours of productivity.
5. Custom-Branded ASMR Campaigns
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) has become a global trend, with millions of fans turning to soothing sounds like whispering or tapping for relaxation. Now, companies are cashing in on the craze by hiring ASMR specialists to create custom-branded ASMR videos.
For instance, a luxury pen company could commission an ASMR artist to create a video featuring the gentle sound of pen strokes on paper. It’s a niche way to connect with younger, trend-savvy audiences.
6. Virtual Reality “Stress Testing” for CEOs
Ever wonder how CEOs keep their cool during high-pressure situations? Some companies now offer VR stress simulations, where executives are placed in extreme scenarios—like giving a presentation while being heckled or making a tough decision during a fake crisis.
This service helps leaders build resilience in a controlled environment, so they’re better prepared for real-world challenges. It’s weird, sure, but incredibly effective.
7. Office Prank Services
Got a fun-loving workplace? Companies like Prank Professionals specialize in orchestrating elaborate (but harmless) office pranks. From filling the boss’s office with balloons to staging a fake alien invasion during a company meeting, these services bring laughter and team bonding to new levels.
Just make sure everyone’s in on the joke to avoid any HR nightmares.
8. Brand Mascot Dating Services
Yes, you read that right. If your company has a mascot, why not give it a love life? Some businesses have started hiring mascot dating services to create playful “relationships” between brand characters as part of viral marketing campaigns.
For example, a fast-food chain’s burger mascot could “date” the pizza mascot of a delivery service, sparking funny interactions on social media and boosting engagement. It’s bizarre but surprisingly effective for building brand buzz.
9. Silence Consultants
Is your office too noisy for productivity? Hire a silence consultant. These professionals analyze your workspace and implement strategies to reduce noise, from rearranging furniture to installing soundproofing solutions.
Some companies take it even further, creating “silence zones” where employees can work in absolute quiet, free from distractions.
10. Funeral Services for Failed Projects
In the fast-paced business world, projects fail all the time—but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from them. Enter project funeral services, where companies hold mock funerals to “bury” failed initiatives.
Complete with eulogies and tombstones, this quirky service allows teams to reflect on lessons learned in a lighthearted yet meaningful way. It’s weird, but it fosters growth and closure.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Weird
In a world where standing out is essential for success, weird services are becoming the norm for forward-thinking businesses. Whether it’s reducing stress with llamas or orchestrating viral mascot love stories, these unconventional solutions help companies build morale, save time, and create unforgettable experiences.
So, the next time you’re brainstorming ways to improve your workplace or boost your brand, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. After all, the weirder, the better!
