by Gabrielle on March 22, 2010
Think it’s strange when a salesperson keeps you talking about your personal life instead of plugging the product you’re considering purchasing? He or she may simply be fishing to find something you share in common, such as the same birthdate, hometown or hobby. And for good reason! A study out of the University of British Columbia shows that we’re far more likely to purchase a product when we have something in common with the salesperson who’s selling it. That’s because we all have a fundamental desire to connect with others, and having something in common creates this connection, making you feel closer and more trusting of the other person instantly, the resesarchers explain.
[photo: Tennessee-Mary]
by Gabrielle on March 11, 2010
Next time you need to make a purchase (such as a car, appliance or new home), watch out if the salesperson does this: He begins by flooding you with facts, technical jargon and even nonsense words. Then [more…]
by Gabrielle on March 4, 2010
Scientists from the University of Trieste in Italy deciphered a secret code in your dog’s tail: A wag to his right means he’s excited to see you. A wag to his left, however, [more…]
by Gabrielle on March 2, 2010
We’re more likely to believe gossip—even when it contradicts what we’ve witnessed with our own eyes! To prove it, researchers from Germany and Austria recruited 126 college students to participate in a revealing [more…]
by Gabrielle on January 27, 2010
Ever been stuck on a bad date, in a boring meeting, in a tedious conversation with a chatty co-worker or somewhere else you wanted to escape? Here’s your chance to make an easy exit: [more…]
by Gabrielle on January 19, 2010
Love it when stores offer free samples, complimentary coffee or other giveaways? So do the store owners. That’s because freebies put you in a great mood, which [more…]
by Gabrielle on January 6, 2010
You already know that outlet stores can save you a bundle on clothes and shoes. But, for the biggest money-savers, be sure to look for an “ugly” pricetag! “If it has two or three prices crossed out and it seems worn and tattered, you’ve found a great bargain,” assures Fatima Mehdikarimi, founder of shoppingqueen.com. These old tags indicate that they’re [more…]
by Gabrielle on December 23, 2009
Bored by the choices at your favorite fast food restaurant? Mix things up by trying options that are available to the public, but aren’t advertised or listed on menus, like a…
* Neapolitan shake. In most eateries that sell shakes—such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King—you can order a mix of flavors, for instance, a Neapolitan (vanilla, chocolate and strawberry), a Black and White (chocolate and vanilla) or a Creamsicle (a vanilla shake with orange soda). Prefer [more…]
by Gabrielle on December 17, 2009
Struggling over making a big change—for instance, switching careers, moving to a new town or going back to school? Find out which choice is the best by taking free online personality tests that reveal which people, places, jobs and goals make you happiest. Start by…
* Finding your top personality traits. After answering a series of questions about your daily habits and beliefs at signalpatterns.com/personality_survey, you’ll get a detailed report revealing [more…]
by Gabrielle on December 9, 2009
Having a hard time figuring out what kind of holiday gift to give a family member? Curious about whether you have anything in common with a new co-worker? Or simply want to get to know your friends a little better? According to a new University of [more…]
by Gabrielle on December 6, 2009
Suffering from a high fever that won’t go down even after taking Tylenol? Have a sudden itchy rash that won’t respond to OTC ointment? Then waiting days for an appointment to see your doctor can seem like torture. Luckily, getting into your health provider’s office today is easier than you think. “Most doctors hold one morning and one afternoon appointment aside just for emergencies,” reveals [more…]