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The discourse continues to deepen regarding the differences between men and women.
An interesting survey by HARBINGER, a marketing firm specializing in engaging in understanding women, demonstrates once again that while our understanding of the opposite sex is improving, the nuances continue to matter.
HARBINGER found that women identified the following five items as the top gifts that they'd like for the holidays: clothing, vacation, an experience, gift certificates, and home electronics. Their male counterparts thought that what women would want was: clothing, jewelry, a vacation, an experience, and cosmetic/beauty products. In its report, HARBINGER explores how retailers can activate that information and translate a purchase into an experience.
Hmmm, but what does this say about men women and real-life? Does it mean that we're close and getting closer? That mind reading between the sexes has come a long way? Or are we really talking and listening better?
And it's interesting that what we all want in life is "Experience". It's no longer enough to have and to hold the must-have for the holidays possession;there has to be a story in the buying experience, and that story has to involve us.
What does this mean? Does it show consumers want and need to combine purchasing with personal growth? Or is it a recognition that the time has come to put aside "childish things" as Obama said in his inaugural address? Are we demanding more because it's all about me? Or are we seeing an opportunity to experience life more deeply by engaging with it and others?
In a world that seems to be spinning faster and faster, where no nation can stand alone at the helm, creating a holiday season where we can restore and reconnect with a life experience greater than ourselves, seems to be the most valuable and elusive gift of all.
We need experience. We need to just be. Figure out how that you can give that to yourself and to those you love and "yule be surprised".