The smoker's itch for the cigarette. The alcoholic's sniff of uncorked cabernet. The vibration from the phone in your pocket that you know you shouldn't check now, but you have to, you must.
We all operate with triggers, and, while some are more mutually shared, like tech addiction, others are more nuanced, like what you put in your coffee every morning, or what you put in your hair every shower, or how much salt and butter you add while cooking your favorite meal.
These behavioural triggers bridge the gaps in our lives to become the habits that define us, like only a Venti Caramel Frappuccino, Extra Shot of Caramel, Extra Shot of Espresso, Extra Whipped Cream can.
But does what triggers someone to take action really say that much about them? Is it possible Pavlov's dog was well balanced before the bell, and, even during the bell experience when it had some free time?
As a marketer, I think a lot about behaviour and how it's flicked along ever-so-delicately with just that extra touch of data that we're able to use to help get someone closer to what they've been browsing around looking at. Perhaps it's the product of their dreams, OR, maybe it's filling a short term need. Perhaps it's a gift. Or perhaps its something they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.
Either way, learning others' triggers for purchasing goods and services closes the gap in marketing, often with a revenue result.
Learning our own triggers for all-things (including our purchasing behaviour) may just set us free.