Humans are simple. We absorb information into our brain and it is stored there – subconsciously. We are quick to judge and often make rash decisions. Not so great for human kind – but great for business. Did you ever wonder why infomercials that air at 3am are so damn successful. They make you believe that if you don’t buy the doo-dad that will hang 250 pounds on your wall that your picture of Aunt Matilda is going to fall and break – forcing Aunt Matilda to haunt you for years to come.
Perception is everything. I consider myself a fairly smart individual. I also understand the psyche behind marketing and I’m not a label hound. I’m the queen of a bargain. Yet, ask me why I only drink Grey Goose vodka when having martinis. I don’t know – beyond the fact I saw a ton of ads saying it was the best damn vodka. I caved. Don’t get me wrong – I love Grey Goose – but there are probably other vodkas out there just as good if not better – I just haven’t seen their ad or no one in my peer group has told me that I should without a doubt switch. Perception and a hefty marketing budget won me over.
If you tell enough people that you are the best and you have a “good” product AND you get the “in crowd” to buy in - you will soon be known as the best. Does Mercedes have the best car? No. But millions drive a Mercedes because of its status. Perception.
So…how does one achieve Mercedes and Grey Goose status. You work hard. You become cocky without being arrogant. You get your product or service into the right peoples hands. You woo that “in crowd” – you want them to tell the rest of the world that your product or service is what they “have” to have.
You see, although we don’t like to admit it – we as humans like to be part of the “in-crowd”. It starts at around age 5 and doesn’t end. Before you raise an eyebrow at me – listen….
I consider myself, beyond the traits listed above, to be a leader not a follower. I’ve created my own style – I’m pretty eclectic blah blah blah – yet – there are certain things I simply join the masses on: Good vodka, good food, a good gym and I treat myself to expensive (yet great!) facial products. I’m 99% sure I caved to peer pressure – subconsciously of course – to many a thing in my life. Vodka was only the beginning.
Cocky, confident, the ‘In Crowd” = Being the Goose of your brand.
Now go get em! Oh…and send me your ad, I’ll probably buy in.
Cindy
