Marketing
The Surprising Upside of Manipulation
A funny thing happens when you tell people you work in marketing. You become the devil. “So (dramatic pause), you manipulate people for a living?” That’s always a fun conversation starter. (I recommend this debate if you’re bored at your next dinner party. #protip) When I started in marketing, the ethical boundary for me was very (…)
Why We Buy Things We Don’t Need
You know that feeling of standing in your closet filled with clothes, but you have nothing to wear? Most people believe that feeling is the brainchild of evil of branding and marketing experts conspiring to make you addicted to wanting more stuff. Trust me, marketers wish they could dupe you into buying things you don’t want. Heck, I’d (…)
The Real Reason Self-Promotion Sucks
No one likes promoting themselves. It’s awkward, uncomfortable, and makes us all feel like we’re bragging and annoying people. When you start to feel like, “I’m not a salesperson. I’m the subject matter expert. I shouldn’t have to do this. I’m above this.” one of four things happens: You start to explore your paid-ad options (…)
How to Write a Good Customer Survey
“Are you afraid of the impending robot revolution or do you feel completely safe and not at all worried about A.I. technology?” That wasn’t a joke. A real surveyor for a real (and prestigious!) institution asked me this. A pollster called my landline and I agreed to “answer a few brief questions on the economy.” (…)
Why Can’t Marketers Just Explain What They Do In a Way That Makes Sense
Why Marketing Is So Confusing (When It Doesn’t Have To Be)
Why Do Marketers Keep Promising You a Silver Bullet That Doesn’t Work?
How Marketers Take Advantage of Business Owners Who Don’t Know Any Better