How picking the best strawberries could boost your business :-)

Have you ever been shopping for fresh berries at the grocery store?

The other day, while picking out some strawberries in the huge fruit section at Costco, I noticed the fascinating decision-making process of fellow berry enthusiasts.

As I stood there, engrossed in the fruity frenzy, I couldn’t help but notice the thoughtful deliberation each person displayed. No one simply grabbed the first container they saw. It was like witnessing a secret ritual of strawberry selection.

My Curiosity was piqued, and I began to think, “What criteria do these people use to determine which container is the perfect one that will go home with them?” After all, there’s more to it than just appearance. Is it the way they smell? Their color? Does size matter in this juicy world of fruit?

These inquiries swirled through my mind as I continued my quest for the ideal strawberries.

Then, it struck me— There must be someone out there – an online berry detective of sorts – who has already deciphered the secrets of selecting the most divine strawberries. A knowledge seeker who has cracked the code to finding those berries that remain fresh in your fridge for days.

If not, how do people know which container is the best-looking and tasting one? Which one will prove to go bad sooner? Am I buying the one with too much moisture, and all the berries will go bad in a few days? Or am I missing out on the right info to pick berries?

Then I remembered an article I stumbled upon a few weeks ago. I kid you not. This person tested all the best methods to keep his blueberries fresh the longest because he was tired of throwing them out.

Well, I’m with him. It turns out that simply rinsing them with water, drying them completely, and storing them in a breathable container is best. Who knew?!

Before you write me off as a berry aficionado gone mad, let me clarify. The core of my learning, which I’ve shared many times here, is that I always want to understand and know “how people think and make decisions .”

I’m continually intrigued by the inner workings of the human mind.

What compels people to choose one strawberry container over another or whatever else ended up in their Costco shopping cart?

Why did they decide to buy those baked goods, sheets, batteries, puzzles, chips, or whatever else ended up in their Costco cart?

Therein lies the million-dollar question for anyone in marketing!
“How does someone make a decision to buy something?”

I’m so fascinated by this that I’ve written over 15 blogs exploring the intricate dance between psychology and marketing principles.

Today, I want to focus on something incredibly simple.

As an entrepreneur, I often suffer from what I call a “complexity disease.” It occurs when I take a seemingly straightforward concept and unintentionally complicate it (make it more complex) through my desire for improvement. But a moment of enlightenment struck during my strawberry expedition at Costco.

I realized that people buy that specific container of berries because of many things. Mainly it’s based on their own beliefs or experiences of how they felt after looking at several containers of berries. Whether it’s something, a family member taught them to look for or based on color, size, smell, and more.

Yet, the really simple reason that the container of berries ended up in their cart was that they felt these strawberries looked the best, and they wanted THAT container.

So when you simplify WHY people buy, it’s all cuz of their beliefs and how they felt about that container. That’s it.

This insight holds immense power because it should be at the core of your marketing strategy.

Remember this: People buy based on emotions, beliefs, and feelings, not just facts.

What captures this truth beautifully is one of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

I’d also add my twist— people simply don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care AND how you made them feel.

Next time you launch something, create a sales campaign, and write core messaging copy for selling a product, course, or service…

Remember to:

Share an emotional story, whether yours or a client’s that shows emotion, change, or even transformation.
Don’t just spout all the features and benefits and why your product is so great. Instead, meet them where they are on their emotional journey and guide them. Show them how you can help by taking them where they are to where they aspire to be with your product, course or service.
Talk to them like you would a friend. Share with them how you relate to their struggles, fears, goals and dreams.

That’s how you forge authentic connections and make honest, soulful, and genuine sales. The goal is that it doesn’t even feel like you’re selling them something. It becomes a natural progression, guided by trust and shared values, rather than a mere transaction.

It simply feels like the next right best step.

Happy Berry Hunting!

And this week was a doozy. We had fires, an earthquake, a tornado watch, and a hurricane, all in the same week! California has an interesting ecosystem. Let’s not even mention about global warming. I’m just thrilled we got rain in August. It felt like Christmas cuz we never get rain in the summer, only in the winter. I hope where you are in the world, you are safe and happy.

Two Quotes I’m Pondering: Both by Tony Robbins.

“Life is what you constantly focus on. When you change your focus, you change your life.”

“If you talk about it, it’s a dream. If you envision it, it’s possible. If you schedule it, it’s real.”

Powerful Mantras to Release Emotions: ~ Lara Riggio

I am willing to let go of criticism.

I am willing to release blame and move forward with love.

I am willing to surrender to love and allow it to guide my choices and actions.

Weekly Photos:

The big launch is over, and everyone is thrilled with the results. So Alice and I had to venture out into the bigger world outside. We visited a sweet little city about an hour northwest of us called Weaverville. You’d never expect a Chinese Temple in the middle of this little town—so much history. We got a private tour of this little temple built in China, and all the materials were brought over from the 1800s during the Gold Rush. The docent told us story after story of this town and the surrounding towns. It was a fun way to spend an afternoon at the Joss House.

Then we went about 7 miles north to Junction City, CA where we walked around the Buddhist Temple there – Rigdzin Ling. It is another fascinating place with a big fountain, huge prayer wheels, and 8 great stupas to walk around. It was so peaceful there. What inspiring pieces of history lie within 60 miles of your home? Venture out and share with me! I’d love to know. 🙂