Choose Blueberry Pancakes, Not Suzuki Samurais: The Power of ‘Yes’

Holy smokes, didn’t it feel awesome to jump back into the saddle last week? I mean, together, we really did it – I crafted a ‘fascinating’ story that had us both locked in, and you, my trusty accountability partner, sopped it up faster than the latest Chris Wendel thriller.

What, you missed it? No sweat – I’ve got your back. Here’s the link to, ‘Green Lights & Onion Rings: How Tiny Triumphs Fuel Our Happiness‘. Trust me, you’ll want to rip through that before we get rolling here.

It’s ok, we will wait, because this week, we go deeper into the huge world of why small things can deliver BIG TIME. You got it! We are about to uncover how those seemingly insignificant moments not only create joy in our lives but also wield the power to generate massive impact.

Let’s Go!

Imagine, for a moment, you’re on a first date. You aim to put your best foot forward without making your date wonder if they have accidentally agreed to dinner with someone who was featured on ‘Snapped’ or ‘Dateline.’

So, instead of going long with something like, ‘My last date? It was a bit of a disaster. I asked them, “Do you prefer having 3 kids or 4?” They gasped, and spit their drink all over the table. And get this—they didn’t even answer the question. By the way, what are your thoughts on 3 or 4 kids?’

You take a step back, opting for a safer, more palatable topic. You casually slide in with, ‘So, pancakes or waffles – which is your favorite?’

That feels a bit less like a lifelong commitment, right? Now, if for some reason they throw you a curve and say, ‘Actually, I prefer crepes,’ you might consider politely excusing yourself and walking briskly to the door. Or, if you find you like this person, you may stop and ponder: Are ten crepes equivalent to one pancake? And decide to continue with the date.

So, what do waffles, pancakes, and even crepes have to do with achieving big-time results? Well, nothing really, but I love waffles, pancakes, and am curious about testing the theory that ten crepes do equal one pancake. But, that’s a topic for another blog – here is a working title ‘Results Matter: Do 10 Crepes Equal One Pancake?’

Anyway. A simple question or a group of simple questions are just the beginning of how minor choices can lead to greater outcomes.

So, here’s the scoop: Our brains, those marvelous balls of squish are composed of 60% fat with the remainder being a mix of water, protein, carbs, and salt, are designed to conserve energy while avoiding risks. When we are faced with big decisions, we create stress. Making simpler choices, like blueberry or strawberry pancakes (SPOILER ALERT: it’s always blueberry), feels like a breeze. Each of these small “yeses” triggers the release of dopamine, a.k.a. Dr. Feelgood, nudging us towards agreeing again. So, without even realizing it, you can go from a casual “yes” to a cup of coffee and a double-chocolate chip cookie to driving away in a Suzuki Samurai soft top.

Now that we all agree on how much our brains adore simplicity and the dopamine rush that accompanies small decisions, let’s dive into how this plays out in the wild and untamed world of customer engagement. Welcome to the “Micro-Commitment Dating Game,” where every little interaction counts.

The awareness stage is like love at first sight. It’s the moment your customer first lays eyes on your brand and their heart skips a beat. It could be your latest social media post, a digital ad, or the 21st-century version of a love letter – a newsletter shared by a friend. These initial forays into the client-vendor relationship are the digital equivalent of exchanging numbers (“digits,” as they used to say) or, to be more hip, Instagram handles.

I wonder. Can you be ‘hip’ using the word ‘hip’ today?

Regardless, an exchange is made. They give you a little ‘like.’ A friendly ‘follow.’ Or if you’re lucky, an email address. You’ve certainly piqued their interest, and now you have the chance to talk more directly to them. You can show up in their timeline or inbox, presenting a real opportunity to express to them the ‘real’ you, be it through video or a product demo. This is your moment, so don’t blow it by pushing too hard.

As your relationship progresses and becomes more serious, you might want to nudge your new ‘friend’ towards a deeper commitment. This could mean a purchase, a subscription, or signing a contract. Remember, this chance for a real committed relationship didn’t emerge out of thin air. It was built on a series of small, positive interactions that made saying “yes” as natural and sweet as ordering blueberry pancakes.

Now, you find yourself in a committed relationship, ready for the long haul. This stage is all about strengthening the bond, ensuring they love your brand so much that they’re ready to introduce you to their friends and family. Here is where loyalty programs, exclusive offers, soliciting feedback and reviews become crucial. You’re not just maintaining a one-to-one relationship; you’re expanding it into a one-to-many dynamic.

But why does this matter to you?

Well, depending on who you are – the client or the vendor – it’s vital to understand the journey of small “yeses.” As a marketer, you could leverage these dopamine hits to deepen the relationship and steer towards a forever commitment. Or, as a consumer, it’s important to be aware, lest you find yourself unexpectedly committed to a 39-month lease for a 1987 Suzuki Samurai South Beach Edition.

Till Next Time.