What was the WORST marketing tactic you ever used?

[Jerry Puckett]

Hi Folks,

Over time, I've tried many different things. It took me nearly 3 years to construct a marketing machine that works well and keeps my business going forward. My hat's off and many, many thanks to the great Members of BP I learned so much from. I still try different things all the time to keep myself current. But I love swapping stories about the stupidest things we try.

I just answered in another post my experience with bandit signs when I was new and foolish. I think that is my personal worst. But I heard one today I just had to share....

The following is a TRUE story......

An associate of mine tried using lumpy mail (where you stuff something in the envelope to heighten curiosity and get the thing opened in a saturated market) once upon a time when it was still doable without extra machining costs from the USPS. 

He asked in his letter "are your tenants giving you a headache?" and would place two Tylenol in the envelope. After processing, (in which the letter was machined), when the letter arrived, the prospect opened the envelope, saw some white powder inside and called the cops. My associate was picked up for questioning due to recent terrorist anthrax scares.

What about you? What's your personal worst? (Assuming that it is now funny to you as it is to my associate rather than tragic)