Decoding Decisions: Bridging Business and Science

Are you a rational being? ?? Hmmm…!!!

Do you make choices using your free will? ??♀?

No one influences your decisions? Hmmhmm, think again. ??

We all like to believe we are rational beings, capable of making decisions independently and without external influence. It’s a comforting thought, but is it truly the reality? Perhaps not. Let’s delve deeper. ??

On average, we make around 33,000 to 35,000 decisions every day, most of which occur on autopilot. ?? Only a handful are made consciously. These decisions are influenced by various factors both around us and within us. For example, have you ever gone to a restaurant and ordered what you thought you wanted? Were there other factors that influenced your choice? ???

My expertise lies in connecting science with every aspect of business and professional development. With a background in IT, Six Sigma, service excellence, customer experience, and a solid foundation in science and mathematics, I understand how businesses subtly influence customers without them even realizing it. ?? I see how leaders inspire teams, how sales professionals spark the desire to buy, and how customers transform into brand ambassadors—all deeply rooted in scientific principles. ??

Recently, I collaborated with a client in the food industry on smart sales strategies and customer excellence. Our discussions were incredibly engaging, filled with insights that led to numerous "wow" moments. ?? Curious about the role of science in business? Here are a few intriguing examples:

1. Positioning Plays a Vital Role ?? Did you know your eyes follow a specific path when reading a menu? Typically, your menu gaze shifts to the middle, then the top left, bottom left, back to the top right, and finally to the bottom right. Text heavy content is read mostly in "F" shaped pattern while content with images is read mostly in "Z" pattern. This makes the top right corner prime real estate for high-priced items, while the bottom right is the least profitable spot. That’s why restaurants often place their most expensive dishes in the top right corner.
2. The Decoy Effect in Pricing ?? Items are strategically placed in three categories: one very expensive, one moderately priced, and one least expensive. After seeing the priciest option, the middle one appears more reasonable, leading most people to choose it. For example, have you noticed coffee prices like Small-Medium-Large at 18-22-24? Most people will choose the medium. But if it’s 18-20-24, many might go for the middle again. Are you as rational as you think? ??♂?
3. The Shape of Taste ?? In 2013, Cadbury's Dairy Milk bar changed its shape to rounded edges, sparking controversy among customers who claimed it tasted different, even though the recipe remained the same. This is because round shapes are perceived as sweeter than square ones. Try it for yourself. Shape influences taste, visuals influence hearing, and color influences decision-making. ?? I can give hundreds of examples of how one thing influences another across all industries.

That’s not all—like your products, services can also be influenced by making the right choice. Let’s take the same example of dining. ???

The Science Behind Restaurant Service ??

1. Have you ever wondered why the menu is taken away once you place your order? It’s not just to clear the table—it’s because if you keep looking at it, you’re more likely to change your mind, potentially influencing others and leading to wasted food as the chef is already preparing your dish. ???
2. Why does everyone at the table get a food menu, but only one person receives the drink menu? And why is it given to the most influential person? It’s not that they can’t print more drink menus; they want one person to guide the choice, often toward higher-end options, influencing everyone else. ??
3. Here’s another fascinating fact: wine tastes better when poured from a heavier bottle. ?? Restaurants know this and strategically place wine on the front page because they earn more profit from wine than beer. ??

I could go on and on for hours about how applying the right triggers can help your business stand out. Having worked with over 150 companies across various industries in more than 30 countries, I know how deeply science is intertwined with business and professional growth. ?? How science influences sales, customer experience, employee happiness, team performance, and managers' rapport with the team—you name it, and I can show you how to use science to stand out, how to create the best experience, and get the best results. ??

Understanding how people make choices, what influences them, and why they behave as they do is crucial for business and professional growth. ?? I emphasize this in every training, keynote, and coaching session: when technical skills, services, or products are similar, this knowledge gives you an edge over the competition. There are science-based methods for communicating effectively, resolving conflicts, negotiating smartly, enhancing team performance, handling angry customers, becoming your customers' first choice, and excelling in sales. It’s simple: create the cause, and the effect will follow. ??

When you’re ready to stand out in the market, you know how to reach me, don’t you? ??

Neetu Choudhary

[email protected]

?? Award-winning keynote speaker, internationally recognized corporate trainer, UAE's top professional development coach, author, idea presentation advisor, and business excellence expert.

You might also be interested in another insightful newsletter by Neetu Choudhary, which explores the different shades of life, society, and self through thought-provoking topics: Sunday Shades Newsletter ??

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