Comments on: Small Business Superstitions and Why They Work

By: Scott Asai

Scott Asai — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:43:43 +0000

Think of how superstitious athletes are with their pre-game routines. It’s not the actual superstition that makes them perform, but it becomes an added mental edge. It’s that type of visualization and mental focus that can push you over the top!

By: Holly Hoffman

Holly Hoffman — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:38:33 +0000

@Ryan: The psychology aspect of superstitions is really interesting to me. The idea that superstitions create persistence, the impetus to keep doing something over and over again, believing that it will finally work one of these days, is so cool.

@Eric: I have a confession to make: I have a business crush on Brains On Fire! You guys appear to have an awesome company culture, and as our little company grows, I hope to emulate that. Thanks for contributing!

By: Eric Dodds

Eric Dodds — Fri, 21 May 2010 12:37:18 +0000

Eric from Brains on Fire here – what a great post! I couldn’t agree with you more – our superstitions as a business go far deeper than just superstition. Whether we think it’s a bad omen for a new hire to eat lunch alone on their first day or a gigantic flag flying off of the side of the building every time we sign a new client, our weird beliefs mean something to us. New hires are new members of the family – it reminds us all that we’re all fighting together. Flying the flag reminds us to celebrate victories and work hard to have more celebrations in the future.

May your bamboo continually encourage you to get up everyday and get after it for your business.

And thanks for the mention – always love the opportunity to share our quirky weirdness.

By: Ryan Stephens

Ryan Stephens — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:58:20 +0000

I was just going through my reader thinking, “When was the last time Holly wrote something,” and then BAM! What kind of reinforcement is that?

And as someone who played collegiate baseball I’m not stranger to some pretty bogus superstitions, and I’ve seen them work first hand.

Finally, I’m psyched that Neovia is doing so well! Hopefully at some point it will be able to finance your coffee/sandwich shop/cafe dream.

By: Honey

Honey — Thu, 20 May 2010 23:08:20 +0000

Hey lady, good to see a post! Yes, TONS of studies have shown that intermittant reinforcement is the most effective way to instill a particular behavior. And I love Alton Brown.

By: Holly Hoffman

Holly Hoffman — Thu, 20 May 2010 22:20:00 +0000

Thanks, Julie! I’ll post some photos of the new office on the Neovia fan page once we’re done. It’s so exciting!

By: JulieD

JulieD — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:54:21 +0000

Congrats to you, Holly, and your company! I love seeing your tips appear on my news feed via the Neovia fan page. Hope the bamboo brings you great luck. My Mom has tons at her business in Orlando.

By: Tweets that mention WorkLoveLife » Small Business Superstitions and Why They Work -- Topsy.com

Thu, 20 May 2010 21:50:44 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nan Palmero, MBA, Holly Hoffman, Stephanie Mayne, Internet Direct, David Stinemetze and others. David Stinemetze said: RT @hollyhoffman Small Business Superstitions & Why They Work: http://ow.ly/1NR0N ~ I feel famous now. Lol [...]