One of the things that we often forget about marketing is that it is based entirely on emotion. After all, we make decisions not based on what we KNOW but on what we FEEL. This is where marketing and psychology or human behavioural analysis cross over.
A quick visit to any online auction site will provide an amazing glimpse into the world in which we live. Take this auction, for example.
Not only does “Hamiltonian_11” miraculously identify a piece of toasted pita bread as Jesus Christ, he continues to feed the story of his “product” via a humourous stream of commentary and answers to serious and oblique questions alike.
This Friday Folly is dedicated to the person who pays more that $65 for a piece of dried up bread.
It’s funny Gavin how you learn some theory but are still amazed when it plays out.
I had a recent experience where a bunch us boys were sitting around at the Headland pub having lunch after a spirited ride. The conversation inevitably leads back to motorbikes.
One of the lads was deciding what to buy next and as expected a lively debate about engine sizes, makes and service costs started. This went on for about 15 minutes before Mr Ducati interjected and said:
“Let’s cut the bullshit. We buy bikes purely on emotion. It’s – pardon my french – what gets you hard.
“I owned a Yamaha R1, possibly the fastest bike in the world right now, but when I saw the Ducati, it reminded me of the bikes that I saw growing up and that made me want to ride.
“I sold my R1 and bought the Ducati.”
To this, there were nods and grunts of acknowledgment. The man was spot on.
60,000 pageviews can’t be wrong though can they? I see the current asking price is over $250, not bad at all – I’ve seen so many of these sorts of auctions it amazes me people are still interested, I guess that’s the enduring power of social media…
Anyway, while I’ve got you there Gavin, I just thought I’d let you know I’ve added you to my ‘Complete List of Australian Marketing Interwebs Bloggers; Sorted by Region’ at http://www.dpdialogue.com.au/zakazukhazoo/the-complete-list-of-australian-marketing-interwebs-bloggers-sorted-by-region/ – hopefully I got your region right! If I’m wrong for some reason, or you don’t want to be on the list, let me know.
Cheers,
Matt