Archive for the ‘Psychology’ Category
Tuesday, April 1st, 2008
Behavioral economist Dan Ariely says free things have a bewitching power over us. Just read the free :) excerpt from his new book Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions. And if you want to read further, you can read Professor Ariely's complete academic paper describing ...
Posted in Psychology | 1 Comment »
Sunday, March 16th, 2008
If you're writing copy for a website sale, be sure to mention the cents in your price discount figures; it will make the discount look bigger. Conversely, if you're just stating prices, try omitting the cents; it will make the price look smaller.
Posted in Psychology | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 20th, 2008
Dealing with clients who "just won't settle?" The case for settling for Mr. Good Enough might give you ideas on crafting some persuasive language.
A few years ago, Professor Barry Schwartz wrote a book called The Paradox of Choice, in which he argued that people making decisions ...
Posted in Psychology | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008
In case there was any doubt in your mind, read this New Yorker article on behavioral economics. According to behavioral economists, people reason that there's no visible possibility of loss if a "free" offer is accepted, because it's, well, free.
Posted in Economics, Psychology | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 12th, 2008
Embracing the diversity of human beings leads to true happiness ... and profit. Here's Malcolm Gladwell talking about how to squeeze an extra $600M out of the spaghetti sauce market.
Posted in Business, Psychology | No Comments »
Saturday, February 2nd, 2008
I was just listening to a CFR Podcast on Preventing Nuclear Terrorism in which the speaker said that one of the problems with our current strategy is that it focuses on very expensive exhaustive test measures (100% inspection of all cargo ships), rather than smaller measures across a broader spectrum ...
Posted in Planning, Psychology | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 30th, 2008
New connections mean new opportunities and new business - be open and default to yes. January's almost over. If you're still looking for a New Year's Resolution that will help you build your business, this is a good one. As we get older, there's a tendency to be dismissive ...
Posted in Psychology | No Comments »
Sunday, January 6th, 2008
No, not Charles R. Schwab the discount broker - Charles M. Schwab, the industrialist.
Charles M. Schwab was the first man in the United States to make a salary of one million dollars a year, while in the employ of Andrew Carnegie. Schwab's motto was simple:
Be hearty in your approbation, ...
Posted in Communication, Psychology | No Comments »
Thursday, January 3rd, 2008
If you're running low on fresh ideas, try exposing yourself to new things - new creative inputs that might generate new pathways. Here are three suggestions:
The blog KillerStartups.com gives thumbnail reviews of new startups - some of them are crazy of course, but many are ingenious.
The website (and ...
Posted in Business, Psychology | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007
The Internet Merchants Association blog had an interesting post about how eBay sellers are forced to reduce prices to overcome the reluctance of suspicious buyers. Conversely, Amazon's high trustworthiness allows them to charge a premium. How can the individual shopowner avoid being forced to give an "eBay discount?"
Probably ...
Posted in Sales, Psychology | No Comments »
