Start With Why- Q1

Mon, 23 May 2016 19:40:37 GMT

Part I describes several different types of manipulations utilized to entice customers to buy products. What is your reaction to the different manipulations and Sinek’s proposition that there is an alternative?

Tue, 31 May 2016 15:18:11 GMT

Novelty, peer pressure, and promotions were the three manipulations that I was able to connect with most. I find myself getting tricked by these three many times through the year while out shopping, especially if an item is new. I give a lot of trust to items and people and like to think that they are giving me the truth, which allows me to get bamboozled from time to time. Like a cat, I get distracted by shiny new things that a product has to offer. In the past they have caused me to make impulse purchases, fortunately after too many of those I have learned to pay attention to novelties more. In the past and sometimes now I would confuse good research with peer pressure, especially like the example that Sinek uses of "four out of five dentists..." type marketing. I do better at some fact checking now, but I still catch myself getting tricked by this type of manipulation. Lastly, promotions are so flooded in the market it makes it difficult for me to tell what is a good price at times. Deals become so frequent when I want to buy certain things I refuse to do so until another sale comes along. For example, when upgrading my phone. I usually wait longer than my upgrade date because I try to wait for that new deal to come out on the phone I want.

Wed, 1 Jun 2016 16:03:45 GMT

My reaction to the manipulations described were that some of them work for me and some don't. I often fall into the trap of peer pressure and inspirational messaging for products, especially if I notice that someone I admire or find credible is using the product. Additionally, I love a good sale and so when prices drop I am typically more interested in what a business is trying to sell me. I agree that there is an alternative to manipulating, like the author suggests. Getting customers or clients to be loyal is the ultimate goal, particularly in higher education where positive experiences and associations can determine whether or not a student persists (or is a loyal and involved alum later on).

Thu, 2 Jun 2016 18:38:53 GMT

I've recently found myself looking at grocery sales and thinking, "Gosh, that's a good deal!" Then I realize that the store brand of the same item is already less expensive even at full price than the name brand item on sale. Being aware of this has made me not shop the sales so much simply because an item is on sale - I know I can get that product at a good price whenever I want.

I loved reading Sinek's explanations. I found myself nodding along and thinking, "Oh I know exactly what he's talking about!" too many times. My favorite part about the whole concept of Why is how applicable it is!

Question 1 Response

Tue, 7 Jun 2016 21:01:50 GMT

While reading Chapter 2, “Manipulation vs. Inspiration”, I realized how many companies take advantage of various manipulation techniques and how I, as the consumer, fall for many of those manipulations quite frequently. Price, promotion, and peer pressure are probably the most common manipulations I fall for on a regular basis. I agree with Sarah, in that I find it hard to resist a product if it is being promoted by someone I admire or respect. Over Memorial Day Weekend I really put the contents of this chapter to this test when thinking about which of the sales/promotions/etc. were actually a good deal and which were just another manipulation tactic being used to increase the urgency that we as consumers must act now to receive the best price. I found it interesting how many companies sent out emails saying “Hurry, act before 11:59 p.m. Monday May 30, to lock in this amazing deal!” Only to get another email the next morning saying the sale had been extended another 24 hours. Reading Sinek’s alternative to manipulations was refreshing. It reminded me how important creating a sense of loyalty is when the goal is to create repeat business. As Sarah mentioned in her post, whether or not students persist at a higher education institution many times comes down to how invested they feel. As administrators and educators, one of our primary goals should be to help our students feel/create a sense of pride and loyalty for their college experience.

Q1 Response

Sat, 11 Jun 2016 20:02:05 GMT

While reading about the different types of manipulations utilized to entice customers to buy products, I began reflected on some of the various techniques utilized to encourage residents to attend in hall programs. I reflected back on my 1:1 conversations with my RAs and how we discuss food being the way to "get residents to programs". Sinek's proposition of alternatives that inspire versus manipulate allowed me to reflect on ways to redirect the conversations to the WHY behind their programs, instead of the manipulation techniques they will use to encourage attendance.

Sun, 12 Jun 2016 18:42:06 GMT

I definitely found myself nodding along when reading this chapter and reflecting on how I make decisions about things to buy. Similar to discussed I thought about how this plays out in our work with students and just my professional life in general. I felt like this idea that there are alternatives to inspire beyond manipulation seems common sense, but that in so many aspects of life we rely on manipulation because it is the easy way out and doesn't require us to reflect, be transparent, and be honest.