Why money smells

The human olfactory sense, or in other words our sense of smell, just doesn't get enough credit. Your nose accounts for up to 95% of what you taste, can alter your mood and hormone levels almost instantaneously, and is proven to be the most potent of all human stimulus receptors.

Having a big schnoz myself and given the joy that a good sense of smell can bring us, I find it appalling that 13% of the American population feels the need to get a rhinoplasty.

Not to mention that our ability to sniff is a marketer's best friend. When used correctly in supermarkets, clothing retailers and restaurants, there remains little doubt about the power of our Pinocchio's. Here's a few examples you may be able to relate:

Yum

1. The smell of a significant other's cologne/perfume. You'd recognize that scent anywhere.

2. Walking by or entering any Chipotle or Taco Bell (or fill in your favorite fast food joint). Some of you may disagree, but for those of you who don't, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

3. The smell of a new car's interior. Who cares what gas prices are - let's go for another drive!

4. Cookies while they're baking in the oven.

5. Gasoline. Believe it or not, some people enjoy filling up for more than one reason. And Exxon knows it.

Ugh

1. SBD. (Silent but deadly). He who smelt it, dealt it.

2. The waiting room at any oil change business.

3. Hospital hallways.

4. That guy who never showers two days in a row.

Here's a little test: think of any room or building you enter on a regular basis. Now mentally reconstruct it's smell when you enter that place. It's all part of creating your perception, yes?

So there's my (un)biased list. Time to wake up and smell the coffee. Or the roses.

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