There’s an amazing concept being explored by neuroscientists regarding unconscious thought called experiential source code. Just like every web page you see has computer code behind it, your physical interactions with the world around you govern the often subconscious ideas you have. This is why certain physical sensations trigger certain emotions -- affection stems from an outward feeling of warmth, power results from looking down on something from a higher vantage point, etc.
Traditional marketing techniques heavily utilize celebrity endorsements, paid actors and actresses, professional speakers and tv personal to get messages across. However, in recent years a few companies have shifted the focus of their marketing strategy to stem from within the company. More marketers are leveraging the power of empathy and authenticity, values often overlooked by traditional apathetic marketers. Companies such as REI and Southwest Airlines have utilized employees to advocate for their company.
Pull up a chair and bring your appetite, because food - yes, food - is quickly becoming one of the most popular marketing mediums, unique in its ability to be adaptable to almost any industry.
The beauty of food as a marketing tool stems from its whimsical nature and the nostalgia it elicits - a steaming hot stew with pot roast and tender potatoes brings you all the comforts of home, and a citrus salad topped with char-grilled shrimp elicits the feeling of a salty summer breeze on the back of your neck. The reaction that food evokes is unparalleled by other marketing tools because of its capability to engage all five of the senses in fully immersive participation. Tapping into this power would enable a company to control the consumer experience like never before -- which is exactly why some of the biggest titans of industry have decided to incorporate food into their marketing strategy, despite the fact that many of these companies have nothing to do with the culinary world.
Growing up in New York City, it’s easy to forget how difficult it can be to be a woman elsewhere in the world. Sure, I may get the occasional catcall as I’m walking down the street and I get my period every month, but generally, I can honestly say I feel more or less equal to our male counterparts. In fact, I may even argue it’s more difficult to be a man sometimes given the social pressures to be strong, emotionless, and always the one to make the first move.
But, in a privileged and progressive country like America, women are still paid approximately 80% of what men are paid working the same job. Our emotional tendencies due to our body chemistries are the butts of many jokes. Let’s not forget the bonus pain associated with our monthly periods (comparable to that of a heart attack) and that of childbirth. We are in pain because we help to create humanity. How is that funny?!
Podcast- n. a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer. (Dictionary.com)
Podcasts are all the rage these days. Deservedly so. Who doesn’t love a good story that takes you on an emotional and intellectual adventure on your boring commute to work? Thanks to technology, we’re able to listen to educational and entertaining soundbites of basically any topic your heart desires.
So what makes audio storytelling so engaging? What is happening in our brains as we listen?
BuzzFeed, the company behind most of today’s procrastination, is at it again. Known for its quizzes and lists, BuzzFeed has moved onto video. Its relatable content, whether through a quiz or a Tasty video, is what makes the company so successful. Garnering 7 billion views a month, the social media giant is looking to expand its audience even more.
