You’ve Been Marketed

No matter who you are, I assume that you fit somebody’s demographics. Somewhere in the world there is a marketing team that is trying to understand you, to reach you, to get you to act or think or believe a certain way.

Does it work?

According to Blackfriars Communication, each year U.S. companies spend roughly $615 Billion in marketing efforts (give or take a Superbowl ad or two.) A good portion of that marketing budget is directed at you.

Now take a second.

When was the last time you were influenced by marketing? Think of the last few purchases you made. How might you have been persuaded? What information did you use in considering your options? Did you have lunch today at a place that had a big sign that drew your attention? Did you see a billboard on the way to work and make up your mind that you had to have seafood today? Were you drawn in by the smell of a great local BBQ and couldn’t get you mind off of beef brisket until after you washed it down with a coke?

Take a few minutes and try to think of the last time marketing influenced your buying decisions? How did it work? Why did it work? Now share with the group.