The Power of Perception: A Lesson for Marketers

Jay Clair
3 min readJun 1, 2023

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Dive into a world where perception and reality intertwine, where two identical circles can appear different. This is a journey that challenges norms, questions traditions, and uncovers the stories we tell ourselves. It’s about seeing the unseen, questioning the unquestioned, and discovering the power that lies within our own perceptions. Are you ready to see the world anew? Let’s begin.

As marketers what can we learn from this video, here are some thoughts:

The Illusion of Perception

In a thought-provoking video titled “Which spot is bigger, red or blue?”, the speaker demonstrates how easily our perceptions can be manipulated. Two identical circles, one red and one blue, are presented. Despite their identical size, the audience is convinced that one is larger than the other. This illusion of perception is a powerful tool in the hands of marketers. But remember, while perception can be influenced, it should not be done deceptively. Honesty and transparency should be the cornerstones of ethical marketing practises.

Photo by Brendan Church on Unsplash

The Echo of Repetition

The speaker goes on to discuss how a lie, when repeated enough times, can become part of one’s reality. This is the echo of repetition. Consistent messaging across different platforms can help establish brand identity and influence consumer behaviour. But marketers, tread carefully. Your messages should be truthful, not misleading. The echo should not turn into a cacophony of falsehoods.

The Tapestry of Culture

Beliefs can become part of a culture and eventually a tradition. This is the tapestry of culture. Marketers often weave their products into this tapestry, making them more appealing. But respect for cultural sensitivities and diversity should be the threads that hold your marketing tapestry together.

The Art of Questioning

The speaker challenges the notion that we need to consume meat for protein and cow’s milk for strong bones. This is the art of questioning. Marketers can use this approach to challenge existing market norms and position their products as innovative solutions. But remember, the art of questioning should lead to enlightenment, not confusion.

The Emotion Connection

The speaker uses the example of the food industry to evoke emotions about animal welfare. This is the emotional connection. Marketers often use emotional appeal to connect with their audience and create a deeper relationship with their brand. But ensure that such appeals are genuine and not exploitative. The emotional connection should be a bridge, not a trap.

The Ethical Compass

The video raises ethical questions about the food industry. This is the ethical compass. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the ethical practises of companies. Marketers should consider these factors in their strategies and communicate their ethical practises to consumers. Your ethical compass should always point towards honesty, transparency, and respect.

In summary, while the video provides valuable insights into how perceptions can be influenced, it also underscores the importance of ethical marketing practices.

Marketers, remember, you have a responsibility to ensure that your strategies are not only effective but also respectful of consumers and society at large. As Seth Godin says, “Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell.” Make sure your stories are truthful, respectful, and meaningful.

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Jay Clair
Jay Clair

Written by Jay Clair

Head of Marketing at Bluesfest. SEO Nerd & Writer. About Me: Contrarian, rational optimist, curiosity is king.

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