“Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy” by Martin Lindstrom is a groundbreaking book that delves into the captivating world of marketing and consumer behavior. Known for his previous work “Buyology,” Lindstrom once again unveils the secrets behind the psychological strategies employed by companies to influence our purchasing decisions. Drawing on his extensive experience in the branding industry, Lindstrom exposes the intricate web of techniques and tactics utilized to win over our hard-earned dollars.

In this thought-provoking book, Lindstrom explores a wide range of captivating topics, picking up where Vance Packard’s classic “The Hidden Persuaders” left off. He presents new research findings that shed light on the deliberate targeting of children from an alarmingly young age, even before birth. Additionally, Lindstrom reveals the startling results of an fMRI study, exposing the true thoughts and reactions of heterosexual men when confronted with sexually provocative advertising.

Furthermore, Lindstrom uncovers the ways in which marketers and retailers capitalize on public panic surrounding global contagions, extreme weather events, and food contamination scares. He also presents compelling neuroscientific evidence demonstrating the addictive nature of smartphones and how companies exploit this addiction to their advantage. From mining our digital footprints to creating chemically addictive products, Lindstrom offers a comprehensive examination of the techniques employed by companies across various industries.

What sets Lindstrom’s work apart is his reliance on hard scientific data, using fMRI studies to unravel the inner workings of our minds when encountering brands, products, or stores. As a true insider in the marketing industry, his firsthand experience as a consultant adds authenticity to his storytelling.

In “Brandwashed,” Lindstrom exposes the power of peer pressure, the allure of sex in advertising, and the deceptive promises of eternal health associated with certain products. He emphasizes how advertisers and marketers target children to shape their future consumer behavior, employing tactics such as distributing promotional toys to establish brand loyalty from a young age.

The book also highlights the exploitation of fear by marketers and retailers, leveraging public panic to drive sales of insurance policies, hygiene products, and other unnecessary items. Lindstrom reveals the addictive nature of certain products, including how lip balm manufacturers intentionally adjust formulas to create chemical dependencies.

Additionally, he explores the ways in which companies like Amazon utilize our digital footprints and personalized advertising to tailor their offers to our psychological profiles. By leveraging social proof and disclosing the purchasing habits of others, Amazon influences our buying decisions.

“Brandwashed” offers an eye-opening journey into the tricks, techniques, and seductions of the 21st century marketing landscape. Lindstrom’s emphasis on scientific research and his ability to expose hidden strategies make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound influence of advertising and consumer behavior.

In “Bounce,” Matthew Syed, a three-time Commonwealth table tennis champion and two-time Olympian, delves into the rules of success and challenges the notion of talent. Drawing inspiration from Malcolm Gladwell’s concept of the “10,000 hours rule” in his book “Outliers,” Syed explores the power of practice and the role it plays in achieving excellence.

Syed begins by sharing his own autobiographical story, taking us back to 1978 when his parents bought a table tennis table for their ordinary suburban home in Southeast England. Little did he know that this simple purchase would open doors to endless hours of table tennis practice and lay the foundation for his success.

Together with his older brother Andrew, Syed spent countless hours playing table tennis, honing their skills, and experimenting with different techniques. Unbeknownst to them, they were accumulating the crucial practice hours that would later propel them towards mastery.

Enter Peter Charters, a teacher at the local primary school and a passionate table tennis enthusiast. Charters’ unwavering dedication to the sport led him to establish Club Omega, an opportunity for children interested in table tennis to train and compete. Through Charters’ guidance and the brothers’ membership at Club Omega, they had access to consistent practice sessions and matches, further cementing their progress.

Syed’s personal story exemplifies the importance of dedicating time to a specific subject to achieve success. He goes beyond this to argue that talent itself is a myth. According to his research, anyone who invests significant time and effort in a particular field can excel. To support this claim, Syed refers to the work of Anders Ericsson, who conducted a study at the renowned Music Academy of West Berlin.

Ericsson divided the students into three groups based on their expected level of achievement. Surprisingly, their biographical histories were remarkably similar, with the only notable difference being the number of hours devoted to serious practice. The highest-achieving violinists had practiced an average of 10,000 hours, followed by the second group with 8,000 hours, and the third group with 6,000 hours. The distinction in skill was not determined by inherent talent but rather by the time dedicated to deliberate practice.

Book Review: “The Art of Being Indispensable at Work” by Bruce Tulgan

As someone who has often questioned my own value in the life, I was drawn to “The Art of Being Indispensable at Work” by Bruce Tulgan. This book offers valuable insights into what sets go-to people apart and how they consistently make themselves valuable to others.

Tulgan’s exploration of go-to people opened my eyes to the fact that they come in all shapes and sizes, working at every level and in various industries. While I initially believed that technical expertise was the primary factor in becoming indispensable, I soon discovered that there’s much more to it. Go-to people possess a unique mindset and set of strategies that enable them to win influence, manage overcommitment, and prioritize tasks effectively.

What resonated with me the most was Tulgan’s emphasis on the peculiar mathematics of real influence. It’s not about self-promotion or seeking personal gain; it’s about genuinely serving others and adding value in every interaction. By embracing this mindset and focusing on the long-term impact of our actions, we can become richer in real influence.

Another aspect that struck a chord with me was the importance of vertical alignment. Tulgan stresses the need to communicate effectively up and down the chain of command before working with colleagues at our own level. This ensures that we are aligned with organizational priorities, ground rules, and expectations, leading to smoother collaboration and better outcomes.

The book also provides practical advice on saying “no” and “not yet” when necessary, while strategically saying “yes” to opportunities that align with our strengths and add value. Tulgan’s approach to working smart by professionalizing our skills and steadily expanding our repertoire resonated with me. It reinforced the idea that specialization and continuous improvement are key to becoming known for our expertise.

I appreciated Tulgan’s insights on finishing what we start. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list, but focusing on one task at a time and dedicating focused execution time allows us to complete projects successfully. By juggling fewer responsibilities and executing effectively, we can deliver quality results.

Tulgan’s emphasis on building strong working relationships through the work itself rather than personal rapport resonated deeply with me. Celebrating success, conducting after-action reviews, and planning future collaborations together create a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.

The final chapter, which focuses on promoting go-to-ism throughout the organization, left a lasting impression. Tulgan encourages readers to become go-to people, identify and develop go-to people in their teams, and foster a culture of influence and support. It’s a powerful concept that demonstrates the interconnectedness of success and the positive impact we can have on our work environment.

“The Art of Being Indispensable at Work” is a practical and insightful guide that has helped me reframe my perspective on my own value and contribution. Tulgan’s writing style is engaging, and his anecdotes and real-world examples make the concepts relatable and actionable.

If you’re looking to overcome self-doubt, win influence, beat overcommitment, and get the right things done, I highly recommend delving into this book. It provides a roadmap to becoming indispensable in the workplace and unlocking your full potential.

Understanding the Lean Startup Approach: Strengths, Limitations, and Key Considerations

The Lean Startup approach has gained significant popularity and acclaim in recent years as a methodology for developing businesses and products that meet customer needs and achieve market success. This approach emphasizes rapid experimentation, iteration, and customer feedback in order to create sustainable and successful businesses. While the Lean Startup approach has many strengths, it is also important to consider its limitations and potential drawbacks in order to effectively implement the methodology.

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The hit television series “Breaking Bad” follows the journey of a high school chemistry teacher named Walter White, who, after being diagnosed with cancer, turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine to provide for his family. While the show is not an ideal depiction of ethical business practices, it does provide several valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. Continue reading →

The Netflix original series “How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)” is a fascinating and thought-provoking show that offers valuable business lessons for entrepreneurs. The show tells the story of Moritz Zimmermann, a high school student who decides to start an online drug-selling business in order to win back his ex-girlfriend. Despite its questionable premise, the show is surprisingly informative and sheds light on some important business concepts.

One of the key business lessons from the show is the importance of innovation and creativity. Moritz’s drug-selling business becomes successful not because he is selling a unique product, but because he finds a new and innovative way to sell it. He creates an online platform that allows customers to purchase drugs anonymously, and he leverages social media to build a following and promote his business. This approach sets him apart from other drug dealers and allows him to become one of the top sellers in the game.

Another lesson from the show is the importance of customer service and feedback. Moritz realizes early on that in order to be successful, he needs to provide excellent customer service and build a relationship with his clients. He makes sure to respond quickly to messages and complaints, and he even goes above and beyond to provide extra services, such as offering refunds or free samples. By doing so, he gains the trust and loyalty of his customers, which helps him to expand his business and increase his profits.

The show also highlights the importance of partnerships and networking. Moritz partners with a childhood friend, Lenny, who has the technical expertise to help him build his online platform. Together, they are able to create a product that is both innovative and effective. In addition, they make connections with other drug dealers and suppliers, which allows them to expand their product line and increase their revenue. By building a strong network of contacts, Moritz and Lenny are able to stay ahead of their competition and grow their business.

One of the most important lessons from the show is the need to adapt to changing circumstances. Throughout the series, Moritz and Lenny encounter numerous obstacles and challenges, from police raids to supply shortages. In order to survive and thrive, they must be able to adapt to these changes and find new ways to keep their business going. This requires creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks and try new things.

Finally, the show highlights the importance of ethical and legal considerations in business. Moritz’s drug-selling business may be profitable, but it is also illegal and unethical. As the show progresses, Moritz begins to realize the dangers and consequences of his actions, and he must make some difficult choices about the future of his business. This underscores the importance of considering the ethical and legal implications of one’s business decisions, and the need to operate within the bounds of the law and common decency.

In conclusion, “How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)” may seem like an unusual source of business lessons, but it offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship and innovation. By emphasizing the importance of creativity, customer service, partnerships, adaptability, and ethical considerations, the show can help entrepreneurs to develop a successful and sustainable business model. As Moritz and Lenny’s story shows, with the right mindset and approach, even the most unconventional business ideas can become a reality.

Cast: (left to right) Ellen Muth as George, Mandy Patinkin as Rube, Laura Harris as Daisy, Jasmine Guy as Roxy, and Callum Blue as Mason
Photo: Norman Jean Roy/Showtime
Photo ID: DLM2_HiCL_018_KeyArt

The television series “Dead Like Me” on Amazon Prime tells the story of an eighteen-year-old girl named Georgia who dies when a toilet seat from the de-orbiting Russian space station falls on top of her. After her death, she is assigned as an angel of death. Her job becomes taking the souls of people whose time has come. The two-season drama offers interesting opportunities to question life and death. Georgia is not the only angel of death; there are others. One of them is a character named Betty. Betty takes Polaroid pictures of the people before she takes their souls. In the fifth episode of the series, she gives tens of thousands of photos to Georgia. Dozens of shopping bags full of pre-death pictures. I found this scene very dramatic. Everyone reading this article may consider themselves the center of the world, and maybe lost in their daily hustle and bustle without ever remembering that we will die one day. If we knew this series depicted reality, perhaps we would go into one of Betty’s polaroid photo bags one day, and this life we care so much about would end. Fortunately, Betty takes pictures of people whose souls she has taken; because if she doesn’t, there would be no one to remember them fifty years after their death.

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a movie that tells the story of a man who is stuck in a monotonous, routine life, with his dreams and aspirations confined to his imagination. The movie follows Walter Mitty, played by Ben Stiller, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, exploring new places and experiences that help him break free from his mundane existence.

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Urban people generally do not think about death or reflect on it. They may remember it for a brief time after an acquaintance or neighbor dies, but it quickly fades from their minds during their daily lives. Only those who have lost loved ones have a true grasp of their own mortality. The coronavirus pandemic has created two significant differences in our lives. Firstly, it has forced city life to grind to a halt. Secondly, it has reminded people around the world of their mortality and fear of death.

The daily rush has a drug-like effect, preventing us from focusing deeply on anything. For example, after having a nice meal at a restaurant in the evening, one may quickly find themselves on a subway or bus heading home without even realizing it. After completing a work project, a new to-do list arrives, and in the evening, a glance into the fridge may reveal missing food. At the market, a notification reminds us of our bills. A whole week may go by without realizing it, and if someone asks, “How are you?” the answer might be “I don’t know where the week has gone.” During this rush, it is nearly impossible to remember our mortality.

The television series “Dead Like Me” on Amazon Prime tells the story of an eighteen-year-old girl named Georgia who dies when a toilet seat from the de-orbiting Russian space station falls on her. After her death, she is assigned as an angel of death. Her job is to take the souls of people whose time has come. The two-season drama offers a unique opportunity to question life and death. Georgia is not the only angel of death; there are others, including a character named Betty. Betty takes Polaroid pictures of people before taking their souls. In the fifth episode of the series, she gives Georgia tens of thousands of pre-death photos, filling dozens of shopping bags. This scene is particularly dramatic. It reminds us that we are all prone to losing ourselves in our daily hustle and bustle, forgetting that we will die one day. If this series depicted reality, we might find ourselves in one of Betty’s polaroid photo bags one day, ending the life we care so much about. Fortunately, Betty takes pictures of the people whose souls she has taken so that someone will remember them fifty years after their death.

We only judge what is right and wrong by time. Taking something that is not ours is stealing, but until we get caught, we might think it is the right thing to do. For example, during the protests after the death of George Floyd in America, a few opportunists ransacked shops and stole goods. During the protests, cameras captured one person stealing a big television screen in New York. This person may have believed that what they did was right while watching the TV that they stole. However, two months later, when the police identified the thief from the camera footage and went to his house to arrest him, he realized he had made a big mistake. Many things may seem right in the short run, but in the long run, they may prove to be wrong.

Knowing the time of our death can have a huge impact on our decision-making. There is a big difference in our to-do lists between dying the next day and fifty years later. Moreover, the existence of a reward and punishment system affects the decisions we make. Reflecting on the concept of death with the coronavirus pandemic and “Dead Like Me” has led me to review most of my choices.

Whether we believe in the existence of heaven or hell, it will not change the result. Not believing in gravity does not change its existence, and the same is true for death.

Reflecting on our lives is important, and birthdays provide a perfect opportunity for such reflection. Recently, I celebrated another year of life, and this one felt a little more special. It was a moment to take stock of my journey so far and to appreciate all the good things that have happened since my birth. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget the importance of reflecting on our past and being thankful for what we have. It’s easy to get caught up in short-term goals and forget the bigger picture. However, taking a moment to focus on the positive aspects of our lives can bring us great joy and happiness. It is essential to appreciate the things that we may take for granted in our daily lives. For me, reflecting on my life brought a sense of calm, joy, and a renewed appreciation for the things that matter most. It reminded me to be thankful for my life, my family, my friends, my career, and all the opportunities that have come my way. I believe that this exercise is essential for everyone, and I encourage you to try it for yourself. Look back at your journey since your birth and reflect on the things that you’re thankful for. It will bring a renewed sense of gratitude and help you to focus on the positive aspects of your life.