In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by Dr. Vanessa Patrick, a renowned professor of marketing and author of the USA Today bestseller, The Power of Saying No. Together, they delve into the critical art of saying no and how it can empower individuals to take control of their lives. Vanessa shares her insights on why people struggle with saying no, the importance of setting personal policies, and how empowered refusal can help you manage your time and energy effectively.

Throughout the conversation, Melina and Vanessa discuss the psychological barriers that prevent us from saying no, the societal expectations that push us to say yes, and practical strategies to overcome these challenges. They explore the concept of "empowered refusal" and how shifting from "I can't" to "I don't" can transform our decision-making process. Vanessa also introduces her ART framework—Awareness, Rules, and Totality of Self—as a guide to mastering the art of saying no.

In this episode:

• Discover why saying no is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Learn about the psychological drivers that make us say yes when we want to say no.
• Explore the ART framework for empowered refusal and how it can transform your life.
• Understand the importance of personal policies and how they help in decision-making.
• Gain insights into handling requests at work, especially non-promotable tasks.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina introduces Dr. Vanessa Patrick and focuses on the power of saying no.

00:04:00 - Vanessa's Background Vanessa shares her background and the motivation behind her research on saying no.

00:10:00 - The Struggle with Saying No Discussion on why people find it challenging to say no and the societal pressures involved.

00:20:00 - Empowered Refusal Introduction to the concept of empowered refusal and the ART framework.

00:30:00 - Personal Policies How personal policies can help in saying no and the difference between "I can't" and "I don't."

00:40:00 - Handling Work Requests Strategies for managing non-promotable tasks and saying no at work.

00:43:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Vanessa:

• LinkedIn 

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• The Power of Saying No, by Vanessa Patrick
• Indistractable, by Nir Eyal
• Come Up For Air, by Nick Sonnenberg
• Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes
• Work Well, Play More, by Marcey Rader

Top Recommended Next Episode: Decision Fatigue (ep 244)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Overwhelmed Brain and its impact on decision making (ep 358)
• Cassie Holmes Interview (ep 257)
• Planning Fallacy (ep 346)
• Leidy Klotz Interview (ep 322)
• An Overview of Lazy Brain Biases (ep 53)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Chase Jarvis, author of Never Play It Safe, for an inspiring discussion on living a good life by leveraging essential tools we already possess. Chase, an award-winning artist and entrepreneur, shares insights from his journey and his new book, emphasizing the importance of looking inward rather than seeking external validation.

Chase and Melina explore the seven essential tools for a fulfilling life: attention, time, intuition, constraints, play, failure, and practice. They explore how these tools can be harnessed to break free from societal expectations and craft a life aligned with one’s true passions and desires. Chase shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his own experiences, encouraging listeners to embrace failure, practice diligently, and find joy in everyday tasks.

In this episode:

• Learn about the seven essential tools for living a fulfilling life and how to leverage them effectively.
• Discover the power of constraints and how they can enhance creativity and innovation.
• Understand the importance of failure and practice in achieving personal and professional growth.
• Explore the concept of time as a long-term ally rather than a short-term constraint.
• Gain insights into how to align your life with your true passions and desires.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Chase Jarvis and the focus of today's episode on living a good life using essential tools.

00:03:00 - Chase's Background Chase shares his journey as an artist and entrepreneur, highlighting his path to discovering and leveraging his true passions.

00:09:00 - The Seven Essential Tools Discussion on the seven tools: attention, time, intuition, constraints, play, failure, and practice.

00:19:00 - Power of Constraints Exploration of how constraints can be liberating and foster creativity.

00:30:00 - Importance of Failure and Practice Insights into embracing failure and practicing fundamentals to achieve growth.

00:41:00 - Aligning with True Passions How to live a life aligned with personal passions and desires.

00:46:00 - Conclusion

What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Chase:

• LinkedIn 
• Website

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Never Play It Safe, by Chase Jarvis
• Indistractable, by Nir Eyal
• How to Change, by Katy Milkman
• Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman

Top Recommended Next Episode: Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Status Quo Bias (ep 376)
• Katy Milkman Interview (ep 151)
• Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428)
• Sludge (ep 384)
• Marcey Rader Interview (ep 323)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer dives into the psychology of resolutions and the challenges of keeping commitments. As the New Year begins, many people find themselves struggling to maintain their resolutions, and Melina provides insights into why this happens and how to overcome it. She explores concepts from behavioral economics, including time discounting, anticipated regret, and counterfactual thinking, to understand the subconscious influences on our decision-making.

Melina discusses the importance of making future goals feel real and attainable, emphasizing the need for realistic planning and the power of visualization. She also touches on the dual nature of willpower, acting as both a battery and a snowball, and how understanding this can help in setting and achieving goals. Through practical tips and strategies, listeners are encouraged to focus on small, manageable changes and to anticipate and plan for errors along the way.

In this episode:

• Explore the concept of time discounting and how it impacts our ability to stick to resolutions.
• Learn about anticipated regret and how it can hinder decision-making and goal achievement.
• Understand the role of willpower as both a battery and a snowball in maintaining self-control.
• Discover strategies for making resolutions more achievable by focusing on small, realistic changes.
• Gain insights into how businesses can apply these concepts to better serve their customers and enhance engagement.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina introduces the topic of resolutions and the challenges of keeping commitments.

00:04:00 - The Reality of Resolutions Discussion on why many people struggle to maintain New Year's resolutions and the psychology behind it.

00:10:00 - Time Discounting Introduction to the concept of time discounting and its impact on decision-making and goal-setting.

00:20:00 - Anticipated Regret and Counterfactual Thinking Exploration of how anticipated regret and counterfactual thinking influence our choices and behaviors.

00:30:00 - Willpower: Battery and Snowball Insights into the dual nature of willpower and how it affects our ability to maintain self-control.

00:35:00 - Practical Strategies for Success Tips for making resolutions more realistic and achievable through small, manageable changes.

00:40:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood
• Indistractable, by Nir Eyal
• How to Change, by Katy Milkman
• Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman

Top Recommended Next Episode: Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Status Quo Bias (ep 376)
• Katy Milkman Interview (ep 151)
• Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428)
• Sludge (ep 384)
• Marcey Rader Interview (ep 323)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Jodi Wellman, author of You Only Die Once, for an inspiring discussion on living a life without regrets. Jodi shares her insights on how to make the most of our limited time, emphasizing the importance of embracing mortality as a motivator for living fully. With a unique blend of humor and wisdom, she helps listeners explore the concept of mortality not as a source of fear, but as a catalyst for action and meaningful living.

Throughout the conversation, Melina and Jodi explore the significance of the 4,000 weeks we have in an average lifespan, and how acknowledging this can propel us to pursue our dreams and passions. They discuss practical strategies for identifying and overcoming the inertia that holds us back, and how to prioritize what truly matters in life. Jodi's approach is filled with lively anecdotes and engaging illustrations, making her book a delightful guide to living life to the fullest.

In this episode:

• Learn how to use the concept of mortality as a motivator for a more fulfilling life.
• Discover strategies for identifying and overcoming the inertia that holds you back.
• Explore the power of pre-regrets and how to take action before it's too late.
• Understand the importance of prioritizing what truly matters and how to do it effectively.
• Gain insights into how small changes can lead to a more vibrant and meaningful life.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Jodi Wellman and the focus of today's episode on living a life without regrets.

00:04:00 - The 4,000 Weeks Concept Discussion on the average lifespan and how to make the most of our limited time.

00:15:17 - Motivated by Mortality How embracing mortality can serve as a powerful motivator for living fully.

00:25:09 - Overcoming Inertia Strategies for identifying and overcoming the inertia that holds us back from pursuing our dreams.

00:35:00 - The Power of Pre-Regrets Exploring the concept of pre-regrets and how to take action before it's too late.

00:41:23 - Prioritizing What Matters Understanding the importance of prioritizing what truly matters and how to do it effectively.

00:44:00 - Small Changes, Big Impact Insights into how small changes can lead to a more vibrant and meaningful life.

00:49:35 - Conclusion

What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Jodi:

•  LinkedIn

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• You Only Die Once, by Jodi Wellman
• Your Future Self, by Hal Hershfield
• Work Well, Play More, by Marcey Rader
• Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood
• How to Change, by Katy Milkman

Top Recommended Next Episode: How to Set, Achieve and Exceed Brainy Goals (ep 70)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Time Discounting (ep 328)
• Bikeshedding (ep 99)
• Planning Fallacy (ep 346)
• Optimism Bias (ep 34)
• Dominic Packer Interview (ep 178)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by the renowned author Dan Pink to explore the intriguing concept of regret. Dan, known for his bestselling books including Drive, delves into his latest work, The Power of Regret, to discuss why this often-dreaded emotion can actually be a force for good. As the episode airs on New Year's Eve, it encourages listeners to reflect on their past year, consider their regrets, and use them as a tool for growth and improvement in the coming year.

Dan shares insights from his comprehensive research, including the American Regret Project and the World Regret Survey, which uncovered common themes in the regrets people experience worldwide. He categorizes these into four core areas: foundational, boldness, moral, and connection regrets. Throughout the conversation, Melina and Dan discuss how understanding and embracing regret can lead to better decision-making, problem-solving, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life.

In this episode:

• Discover why regret is a common and natural emotion that can be beneficial if harnessed correctly.
• Learn about the four core categories of regret and how they manifest in people's lives.
• Understand how reflecting on your regrets can help clarify your values and guide future actions.
• Hear about Dan Pink's research methods and the fascinating insights gained from the World Regret Survey.
• Gain practical advice on how to confront regret and use it as a tool for personal and professional growth.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces the episode's theme of regret and its potential power.

00:02:30 - Dan Pink's Background Dan shares his journey as a writer and how he came to explore the topic of regret.

00:10:00 - The No Regrets Myth Discussion on the cultural perception of regret and why it is misunderstood.

00:20:00 - Research Insights Dan talks about the American Regret Project and the World Regret Survey findings.

00:35:00 - Four Core Regrets Explanation of the foundational, boldness, moral, and connection regrets.

00:45:00 - Processing Regret Tips on how to reflect on and learn from regrets to improve future outcomes.

00:48:17 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Dan:

• LinkedIn

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• The Power of Regret, by Daniel Pink
• Indistractable, by Nir Eyal
• Your Future Self, by Hal Hershfield
• Work Well, Play More, by Marcey Rader
• Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood

Top Recommended Next Episode: Time Discounting (ep 328)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Bikeshedding (ep 99)
• Planning Fallacy (ep 346)
• Optimism Bias (ep 34)
• How to Set, Achieve and Exceed Brainy Goals (ep 70)
• Dominic Packer Interview (ep 178)

Other Important Links: 

• Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
• The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need
• Free Agent Nation: The Future of Working for Yourself
• Exploit & Explore: Two Ways of Categorizing Innovation Research

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Rob Wolcott and Kaihan Krippendorff, co-authors of the book Proximity. Rob, an adjunct professor of Innovation at both the Booth School of Business and Kellogg School of Management, and Kaihan, the CEO of Outthinker Networks, delve into the concept of proximity and its transformative potential across industries.

The discussion begins with the origins of the book, inspired by a tech conference and further catalyzed during a 24-hour summit amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore how digital advancements enable value creation closer to the moment of demand, impacting various sectors from healthcare to energy. Rob and Kaihan share insights on the future trajectory of industries as they move toward a more proximate model, highlighting examples such as generative AI, 3D printing, and innovative pharmaceutical production.

In this episode:

• Understand how proximity is reshaping industries by enabling value creation closer to the moment of demand.
• Explore practical examples including video streaming, on-demand pharmaceuticals, and 3D-printed drones.
• Learn about the implications of proximity for legacy brands and how they can leverage existing assets while innovating.
• Discover the potential of proximity in future technologies, including virtual reality and space exploration.
• Gain insights into the strategic opportunities proximity presents for businesses to become more responsive and efficient.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces the topic of proximity and today's guests, Dr. Rob Wolcott and Kaihan Krippendorff.

00:03:45 - Background on Rob Wolcott Rob shares his extensive experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting his roles at various institutions.

00:06:30 - Background on Kaihan Krippendorff Kaihan discusses his work with Outthinker Networks and his approach to innovation in large enterprises.

00:10:50 - The Concept of Proximity Rob and Kaihan explain the genesis of their book and the significance of proximity in the digital age.

00:18:15 - Examples of Proximity in Action Discussion on how proximity is changing industries such as pharmaceuticals and energy.

00:30:00 - Implications for Legacy Brands Strategies for established companies to adapt and thrive in a proximate world.

00:40:10 - The Future of Proximity The role of proximity in virtual reality and space exploration.

00:42:15 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Rob and Kaihan:

•  Rob’s LinkedIn
•  Kaihan’s LinkedIn

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Proximity, by Rob Wolcott and Kaihan Krippendorff
• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• A More Beautiful Question, by Warren Berger
• Designing for Behavior Change, by Stephen Wendel
• Engaged, by Amy Bucher

Top Recommended Next Episode: The Most Important Step In Applying Behavioral Economics: Understanding the Problem (ep 126)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Questions or Answers? (ep 4)
• Beatrix Daros Interview (ep 424)
• Framing (ep 296)
• Warren Berger Interview (ep 200)
• CloudArmy Interview (ep 183)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits an insightful discussion on the lessons every business can learn from NASA. Originally aired in the summer of 2019 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, this episode explores the remarkable success of NASA's missions and their relevance to business strategies today.

Melina explores the historical context of NASA's achievements, highlighting President Kennedy's influential speech that galvanized public support and set a bold deadline for landing a man on the moon. The episode uncovers five key lessons from NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions that businesses can adopt: identifying problems and solutions, the significance of testing and timely action, the power of delegation and support, the impact of visibility, and the importance of word choice.

In this episode:

• Discover how NASA tackled unprecedented challenges with innovative solutions.
• Learn the importance of testing and moving forward decisively.
• Understand how delegation and support can empower teams to achieve greatness.
• Explore the benefits of transparency and visibility in rallying support.
• Gain insights into the critical impact of word choice in leadership and communication.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces the episode and its focus on the lessons businesses can learn from NASA.

00:02:00 - The Historical Context Discussion on the significance of the moon landing and the strategic vision set by President Kennedy.

00:07:00 - Overcoming Functional Fixedness Insights into NASA's ability to think beyond conventional uses and innovate solutions.

00:13:00 - Testing and Moving Forward The importance of testing phases and knowing when to progress to the next stage.

00:20:00 - Autonomy and Support How NASA empowered its teams and the lessons for business leadership.

00:27:00 - The Role of Visibility The impact of transparency and shared goals in motivating teams and stakeholders.

00:33:00 - Importance of Word Choice The power of strategic communication and its lasting impact on motivation and success.

00:36:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Alchemy, by Rory Sutherland
• Blindsight, by Matt Johnson and Prince Ghuman
• Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, by Nancy Harhut
• Immersion, by Paul Zak

Top Recommended Next Episode: Amazon (ep 159)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• A Behavioral Economics Analysis of Costco (ep 47)
• Disney (ep 292)
• Peloton (ep 338)
• Starbucks: A Behavioral Economics Analysis (ep 73)
• Apple Card: A Behavioral Economics Analysis (ep 42)

Other Important Links: 

• 14th Annual People’s Choice Podcast Awards
• Apollo 1’s Fatal Fire Almost Ended the Program | Apollo
• John F. Kennedy Moon Speech – Rice Stadium
• President Kennedy’s Speech at Rice University
• ‘No university is more synonymous with NASA than Rice’
• How The Cold War Launched The Space Race
• Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time
• NASA History Overview
• Immunity to Functional Fixedness in Young Children
• NASA Johnson Space Center Oral History Project Edited Oral History Transcript
• This is the actual hack that saved the astronauts of the Apollo XIII
• Lessons in Manliness from Gene Kranz

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by Steve Martin, the acclaimed author of Influence at Work and a leading expert in the psychology of persuasion. Steve is known for his collaboration with Robert Cialdini and his extensive work in applying influence and persuasion science to business and public policy. 

Steve shares insights into his influence equation, a framework designed to simplify the complex nature of influence by integrating evidence, economics, and emotion. The conversation explores the transformational potential of influence beyond mere transactional interactions, emphasizing its role in organizational and global change. Steve also highlights the importance of context in determining the balance of these elements and shares practical examples from his research and experiences.

In this episode:

• Explore the influence equation and learn how to apply it for transformational change.
• Understand the role of reciprocity in building relationships and networks.
• Discover strategies for influencing large organizations towards consumer-centric approaches.
• Gain insights from Steve's most frequently asked questions on influence.
• Learn about the importance of context in crafting successful influence strategies.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Steve Martin and his work in influence and persuasion.

00:04:12 - Steve's Background Steve discusses his journey and collaboration with Robert Cialdini.

00:10:30 - Influence Equation Introduction to the influence equation and its components: evidence, economics, and emotion.

00:20:45 - Reciprocity and Relationships The role of reciprocity in influence and relationship-building.

00:30:12 - Transformational Change Strategies for influencing large organizations towards consumer-centric approaches.

00:40:50 - Top 10 Influence Questions Steve shares his answers to frequently asked questions about influence.

00:50:35 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Connect with Steve:

• LinkedIn

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Influence, by Robert Cialdini
• influence Is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance
• Influence at Work, by Steve Martin
• Invisible Influence, by Jonah Berger

Top Recommended Next Episode: Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 312)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Social Proof (ep 87)
• Reciprocity (ep 238)
• Zoe Chance Interview (ep 308)
• Unity (ep 216)
• Vanessa Bohns Interview (ep 318)

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer explores the fascinating world of social proof, a cornerstone of behavioral economics and a powerful tool for influencing decision-making. Melina goes beyond mere ratings and reviews, emphasizing our inherent tendency as a herding species to look to others for guidance in decision-making. She discusses how businesses can effectively leverage social proof to build trust and credibility, using real-world examples and the six types of social proof: expert, celebrity, user, wisdom of the crowd, wisdom of friends, and certification.

In this episode:

• Learn about the origins of social proof and its significance in behavioral science.
• Discover the six types of social proof and how they can be utilized in business strategies.
• Explore practical examples of social proof in action, from testimonials to celebrity endorsements.
• Understand the psychological mechanisms behind social proof and its impact on consumer behavior.
• Gain insights into how to incorporate social proof into your business effectively.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces the episode and the relevance of social proof in behavioral economics.

02:30:00 - The Origin of Social Proof Discussion on Robert Cialdini's introduction of social proof in his book Influence.

11:00:00 - Types of Social Proof Overview of the six types of social proof: expert, celebrity, user, crowd wisdom, friends' wisdom, and certification.

21:00:00 - Expert and Celebrity Influence How experts and celebrities can provide social proof and the importance of alignment with brand values.

31:00:00 - User and Crowd Wisdom The role of user testimonials and crowd wisdom in influencing decisions.

36:00:00 - Friends' Wisdom and Certification Leveraging friends' recommendations and certifications for credibility.

41:00:00 - Ethical Considerations Discussion on the ethical use of social proof in marketing and business.

43:00:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

Let’s connect:

• [email protected]
• The Brainy Business® on Facebook
• The Brainy Business on Twitter
• The Brainy Business on Instagram
• The Brainy Business on LinkedIn
• Melina on LinkedIn
• The Brainy Business on Youtube

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Nudge, by Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein
• Thinking Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Sludge, by Cass Sunstein

Top Recommended Next Episode: Prefactual Thinking: How to Turn “What If” Into “Why Not” (ep 71)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Unlocking the Secrets of the Brain (ep 1)
• Framing (ep 296)
• Priming (ep 252)
• NUDGES and Choice Architecture: Introduction (ep 35)
• Habits (ep 256)

Other Important Links: 

• Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
• Principles of Persuasion The Psychology of Marketing: 18 Ways to Use Social Proof to Boost Your Results The Open Psychology Journal
• 20 Examples of Social Proof in Action in 2020
• Principles of Persuasion
• The Psychology of Marketing: 18 Ways to Use Social Proof to Boost Your Results
• The Open Psychology Journal

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer is joined by DJ Sprague, an expert in e-commerce, enterprise sales, and reputation management. DJ has worked with major brands such as Hyundai, Toyota, and NASCAR, and has a wealth of experience in improving online brand reputation and increasing site traffic and conversions. As the CMO of Shopper Approved, DJ shares insights into creating an integrated marketing strategy that delivers a cohesive brand experience to delight customers.

The conversation kicks off with DJ's entrepreneurial journey, including his early success in the limousine business, where he differentiated his service by providing a five-star experience. This strategy of exceeding customer expectations is a recurring theme throughout the episode. DJ emphasizes the importance of an integrated marketing strategy, where every department aligns to deliver on the brand promise, ensuring a consistent and memorable customer experience.

In this episode:

• Discover how to create a five-star customer experience that delights and retains clients.
• Learn the importance of an integrated marketing strategy for brand consistency.
• Understand the role of reputation management in driving traffic and conversions.
• Explore strategies for leveraging reviews and Q&A content to enhance SEO and brand authority.
• Gain insights into the peak-end rule and its impact on customer satisfaction.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer welcomes DJ Sprague and introduces the topic of integrated marketing and reputation management.

00:04:00 - DJ's Background DJ shares his journey from running a limousine business to becoming CMO of Shopper Approved.

00:12:45 - Creating a Five-Star Experience DJ discusses the importance of exceeding customer expectations to create memorable experiences.

00:22:00 - Integrated Marketing Strategy The conversation explores how integrated marketing ensures consistency across brand touchpoints.

00:35:00 - Reputation Management DJ explains how effective reputation management can boost traffic and sales.

00:45:30 - Leveraging Q&A for SEO Strategies for using Q&A content to improve search rankings and brand credibility.

00:49:47 - Conclusion

What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

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Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Reputation King, by Scott Brandley and DJ Sprague
• What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Choice Hacking, by Jennifer Clinehens
• Elements of Choice, by Eric Johnson
• Alchemy, by Rory Sutherland

Top Recommended Next Episode: Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 157)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Disney (ep 144)
• Rory Sutherland Interview (ep 373)
• Surprise & Delight (ep 60)
• Peak-End Rule: Why Averages Don’t Always Matter (ep 97)
• Roger Hurni Interview (ep 405)

Other Important Links: 

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