The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

Bob Goodson, co-author of 'Like: The Button That Changed the World' and the first employee at Yelp, dives into the fascinating journey of the 'like' button. He shares its origins, revealing how this small feature reshaped online interactions and consumer behavior. Bob examines the psychological impacts of social media, the evolution of language intertwined with technology, and the shift from customer experience to customer context. He also discusses the dual effects of the like button on society, from positive engagement to potential addiction.

Explore the intriguing world of mirror neurons and their role in shaping empathy and consumer behavior. Discover how these neurons allow us to learn through observation, even influencing a monkey's reaction to seeing ice cream. Learn about the power of storytelling and visual cues in marketing, as they can enhance customer engagement and foster authentic connections. Plus, uncover how imagery can promote honesty and drive effective marketing strategies. This episode is a deep dive into how our actions and expressions impact those around us.

In this engaging conversation, Jason Voiovich, a fractional chief marketing officer with 25 years of experience and the author of 'Bullfrogs, Bingo, and The Little House on the Prairie,' discusses how the Great Depression fueled creativity and innovation. He shares intriguing tales of necessity driving inventions like Scotch tape and flour sack dresses. Jason emphasizes the importance of understanding customer psychology in innovation and highlights how historical lessons can inform today's marketing strategies, revealing that challenges can lead to incredible opportunities.

Greta Harper, who champions Maker's Mark's advocacy efforts for the service industry, shares the brand's innovative crisis response during the pandemic. She discusses the impact of empathy and reciprocity on customer loyalty, highlighting how Maker's Mark supported struggling bars and restaurants through initiatives like virtual cocktail classes and meal support. Their commitment to long-term thinking and sustainability not only strengthened community ties but also led to impressive growth in the aftermath of the crisis.

Explore the captivating psychology behind unboxing videos, where the thrill of anticipation meets sensory engagement. Discover how mirror neurons and dopamine elevate viewing experiences, making them irresistible. Learn about the power of priming and the importance of engaging all five senses to heighten excitement. Uncover actionable tips for creating compelling content that resonates with audiences, and find out why viewers feel joy even when they don't own the item being unboxed.

Join Pat Flynn, host of Smart Passive Income and author of Lean Learning, as he shares his incredible journey in digital entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of 'just in time' learning to avoid overwhelm and the power of micromastery for skill enhancement. Pat reveals his strategy of focused bursts of effort, dubbed 'Power 10s', to drive significant results. He also dives into the importance of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and reflects on the balance between personal fulfillment and professional goals.

Elizabeth Weingarten, a journalist and applied behavioral scientist, discusses her book, 'How to Fall in Love with Questions.' She highlights the transformative power of curiosity and how embracing uncertainty fuels personal growth. Elizabeth delves into the four Cs: curiosity, conversation, commitment, and community, illustrating their importance in navigating life's challenges. Through engaging anecdotes, she shares how reframing our questions can lead to deeper connections and greater clarity, inviting listeners to explore the art of inquiry.

Dive into the transformative power of questioning and its impact on innovation and decision-making. Discover how to generate 'beautiful questions' that inspire change and creativity. Explore the shift from traditional brainstorming to 'question storming' as a means to unlock groundbreaking ideas. Emphasize curiosity as a tool for both personal and professional growth, finding new opportunities through thoughtful inquiry. Unravel the complexity of mental associations and how they aid in effective questioning.

Siri Chilazi, a senior researcher at the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard, co-authored the insightful book Make Work Fair. In their conversation, she shares strategies for advancing gender equality in the workplace. Siri highlights the impact of unconscious biases on hiring and offers tips for making job descriptions more inclusive. She discusses the importance of reframing career gaps in resumes and the role of timely diversity training. With actionable insights, she empowers individuals to contribute to a fairer work environment for everyone.

Dive into the world of inequity aversion and discover how perceptions of unfairness can significantly impact employee motivation and organizational culture. Explore the crucial differences between equity and equality in the workplace, and learn how cognitive biases influence decision-making. Engaging examples, like the capuchin monkey experiment, reveal the consequences of perceived unfairness. Gain practical strategies for fostering a fair work environment, highlighting transparency and open communication to boost productivity and morale.