The Key to Marketing Success: Testing (Maybe the Free Waffles Work)

By Peter Hodges, on July 7th, 2010%

Free Waffles In Frisco, CO

I spent U.S. Independence Day weekend in the Colorado mountain town of Frisco. My agenda included fireworks, grilling and Odell’s 90 Shilling. A fun time was had by all.

Before we left, we decided to drive around and explore the town. The yellow banner on the Ramada Inn caught my attention because . . . → Read More: The Key to Marketing Success: Testing (Maybe the Free Waffles Work)

One comment   Behavioral Economics, Direct Marketing, Effectiveness, Happiness, Marketing, Peter Hodges, Target Marketing, Unique Selling Propositions, Word of Mouth

Do You Inspire Confidence?

By Peter Hodges, on June 11th, 2009%

Florence Nightengale monument in London, England

My son is one month old. Having your first kid makes you think about a lot of stuff.

One of the biggest thoughts for most first-time parents is “How in the world are they putting me in charge of this little person?!” Insecurity and paranoia are large pieces of the joys . . . → Read More: Do You Inspire Confidence?

One comment   Behavioral Economics, Confidence, Effectiveness, Marketing, Social Media, The Boy, Twitter, Unique Selling Propositions

TED Talk – Dan Barber Discusses Foie Gras and Respecting the Nature of Things

By Peter Hodges, on April 12th, 2009%

Foie Gras is a topic that can inspire passion. Chefs and epicureans often put foie gras on the list of the highlights of life. Opponents see foie gras as the height of animal cruelty and human excess.

In this talk from the Taste3 Conference in 2008, Dan Barber describes his experience with Eduardo Sousa, a Spanish . . . → Read More: TED Talk – Dan Barber Discusses Foie Gras and Respecting the Nature of Things

One comment   Behavioral Economics, Community, Effectiveness, Food, Green, TED, Unique Selling Propositions

What Questions Do You or Your Business Answer? Google and Jeff Jarvis Want to Know

By Peter Hodges, on April 4th, 2009%

Some Questions Can't Be Answered By Google by Mykl Roventine

A lot of marketers, PR people and corporate executives spend a ton of time and energy writing a shiny mission or positioning statement every few years.

According to author and blogger Jeff Jarvis, figuring out which questions you or your business answer is probably a more important . . . → Read More: What Questions Do You or Your Business Answer? Google and Jeff Jarvis Want to Know

One comment   Behavioral Economics, Direct Marketing, Google, iPhone, Mobile Marketing, Social Media, Target Marketing, Word of Mouth

TEDTalk – Barry Schwartz Reminds Us To Have Moral Heroes

By Peter Hodges, on February 26th, 2009%

Barry Schwartz is awesome. He urges all of us to “celebrate moral exemplars.” Who is a moral hero that inspires you?

I could say Gandhi, Einstein or Nelson Mandela are moral heroes (and they are). But they are easy choices. Here’s one you may not have heard of: J.P. Hayes.

Hayes is a golfer who won a chance . . . → Read More: TEDTalk – Barry Schwartz Reminds Us To Have Moral Heroes

One comment   Behavioral Economics, Clarity, Give Back, Green, Happiness, TED

Books You Should Check Out – Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely

By Peter Hodges, on January 19th, 2009%

First in a ongoing series of book reports. My junior high English teachers would be so proud.

Mr. Ariely is a Behavioral Economist at MIT.  His book explores the seemingly irrational ways people make decisions. His work shows there are a number of different ways marketers can present an offer to make it even more enticing. . . . → Read More: Books You Should Check Out – Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely

Leave a comment   Behavioral Economics, Books, Marketing