Sometimes, we just can't help it

Everyone has a pet-peeve. Actually, make that peeve[s]. As much as people like to think that we have complete control over what we do (and don't) like, there are some things that just get under our skin.

Traffic, speeding tickets, Mondays, burnt toast, and toe nail clippings might be a few universal no-nos.

But what about the things that catch our attention in a good way? I'm talking about the ones that, even if we question our reasons for liking them, turn our heads so we can't turn them away? Things that make us crack a smile, even when we're facing a completely miserable day. Things that make you say, "Thank God for small favors."

Here's a few tools marketers use that have the potential to make us a little fuzzy inside.

1. Giveaways. Even when we are children, marketers had us chomping down eight boxes of our favorite cereal to get the proofs of purchase necessary for a couple free baseball cards. Today, everyone's favorite promotions involve some sort of free swag. Whether you're going to a trade show, spring break, or sitting in the bleachers of a baseball game, people will always open their arms wide for the free stuff. No matter if it's something of necessity. From free food samples, to fishing poles, to XXL t-shirts... we want it all, and we're not giving it back.

2. Green. If you've read one of my previous posts "Money Officially Grows on Trees," you already know my thoughts on eco-twisted marketing. Being pro-environment isn't just the right thing to do anymore. It's cool. How convenient that money is also the same color.

3. Convenience. A bank on every corner. Our entire music libraries crammed into an iPod. Green lights at intersections. Who can pass up an opportunity to get ahead? When you stop to ponder our society, our entire economy is built upon the marketing of convenience and efficiency. To illustrate my point, America has gone from using a telephone booth for making calls, record players for listening to music, over-size road maps for directions, black and white TVs, and the radio down to..... the iPhone. Oh, and it has the internet too.

4. Watching people embarrass themselves. Two words: Reality Television. Everyone loves to hate VH1 and MTVs latest reality disasters. Flavor Flav, Bret Michaels, The Real Housewives (just to name a few), have become pseudo celebrities. We have been sold out on the idea that their lives are far more interesting than our own. I argue that America loves these shows for one reason: We can talk about these people all day... and it will never come back to us.

5. Not being annoyed... but not being left alone. We want to be pursued, but on our own terms. Unfortunately, everyone has the same desire. Some say that being hated by the world is better than being entirely ignored. It's all about the drive for significance. If marketers can lead us to believe that a product will draw more attention to us (clothes, perfumes, cars, etc.), we're all over it. But don't forget, we want tinted windows on our new BMW. We're saying "Look me, but close your eyes!"

6. Babies and puppies. Enough said.

7. Lists. Come on, you knew this was coming. People are inherently pattern-seekers. We understand lists. Just like everyone understands the two most common excuses: Time & Money.

For example:

"I'm sorry, my schedule is just to hectic"
Our typical response: "Of course, I know how you feel!"

"I just don't have the funds."
Our first thought: "Come to think of it, I could use some extra cash."