Consumer Catalyst

Nicole Arnett Sanders PhD
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Consumer Catalyst, where we empower you to harness the power of consumer behavior, business strategy, and everyday inspiration. From actionable marketing tips to the basics of building a thriving business—and even a little lifestyle insight along the way—we’re here to spark ideas and fuel your success. Follow us on Instagram at @nicolearnettsandersphd or @fiftysixagency for more marketing tips and freebies. 

Episodes

  1. High Impact, Low-Cost Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses

    06/11/2025

    High Impact, Low-Cost Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses

    In this episode of Consumer Catalyst, Dr. Nicole Arnett Sanders dives into effective, budget-friendly marketing strategies for small businesses. Covering topics like intentional social media use, leveraging micro-influencers, conversational email marketing, community collaboration, and creating evergreen content, Nicole provides actionable tips for maximizing impact without breaking the bank. Listeners will walk away with practical steps and fresh ideas to enhance their marketing efforts and build stronger connections with their audiences. 00:00 Welcome to Consumer Catalyst 00:44 High Impact, Low Cost Marketing Strategies 02:37 Using Social Media with Intention 05:43 Building a Micro Influencer Network 08:52 Email Marketing That Feels Like a Conversation 12:59 Leveraging Community and Collaboration 16:16 Creating Evergreen Content 19:31 Wrapping Up and Action Steps

    22 min

  2. 06/11/2025

    Beachside Buys – Why Vacations Turn Us Into High-Spending Consumers

    Why do we splurge on $60 beach towels and $12 bottles of water while on vacation—without a second thought? In this episode of Consumer Catalyst, Dr. Nicole Arnett Sanders unpacks the fascinating psychology behind vacation spending. From dopamine-fueled “vacation brain” to impulse buys, social proof at the shore, and the convenience premium, you’ll discover how our brains shift into high-spend mode the moment our toes hit the sand. Whether you're a curious consumer or a savvy marketer, this episode reveals what really drives those beachside buys—and how businesses can use those insights year-round.

    28 min
  3. Millennial, Marketer, and Managing It All

    05/01/2025

    Millennial, Marketer, and Managing It All

    In this deeply honest reintroduction, Nicole Arnett Sanders, PhD shares what it’s really like to wear all the hats — marketing professor, brand strategist, agency founder, business operator, and mom — while navigating imposter syndrome, creative burnout, and the pressure to keep showing up. She talks about what it means to be a millennial marketer in a Gen Z-driven digital world, how she bridges theory and real-world application in her classrooms and consulting work, and why she hit pause to reconnect with purpose. From AI-powered customer service and curbside groceries to teary dance recitals and marketing lectures called “Scroll, Click, Buy,” this episode is for anyone who’s ever asked: “Am I doing enough?” Spoiler: you are.  And the best is still ahead.

    25 min
  4. From Browse to Buy: The Impulse Purchase Formula

    12/06/2024

    From Browse to Buy: The Impulse Purchase Formula

    Consumer Catalyst: The Psychology Behind Impulse Buying and Unplanned Purchases In this episode of Consumer Catalyst, host Nicole delves into the psychology behind impulse buying and unplanned purchases, exploring the key factors and emotional triggers that drive these behaviors. Using the context of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Nicole distinguishes between impulse and unplanned purchases, shares intriguing insights from her PhD research, and provides practical tips for both marketers and consumers. From emotional triggers to scarcity, social proof, and atmospheric cues, this episode is packed with strategies for understanding and leveraging purchasing behavior. Nicole also offers actionable advice for mindful shopping and maintaining control over spending. Don't miss this engaging exploration of consumer behavior and marketing tactics! 00:00 Introduction to Impulse Buying 00:51 Black Friday Shopping Insights 01:38 Personal Black Friday Experiences 03:51 Understanding Impulse vs. Unplanned Purchases 08:42 Emotional Triggers in Shopping 15:22 Effective Marketing Tactics 25:19 Mindful Shopping Tips 27:56 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Free Resource 💡 From Browse to Buy: The Impulse Purchase Formula Download Nicole’s free workbook to learn how to turn your marketing mix into a tool for creating unplanned purchases—while keeping your customers’ values at the center. 👉nicolearnettsanders.com/freebie-1 Connect with Nicole Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your Black Friday stories or your thoughts on this episode: Instagram: @NicoleArnettSandersPhD Next Episode Preview Episode 3: Emotions in Emerald – The Storytelling Genius Behind Wicked Discover how this Broadway sensation uses emotional storytelling to build fan loyalty and engagement. Don’t forget to subscribe to Consumer Catalyst so you never miss an episode! For more actionable consumer tips, follow Nicole on social media and join her newsletter.

    30 min
  5. What is Consumer Behavior and Why Does It Matter?

    11/22/2024

    What is Consumer Behavior and Why Does It Matter?

    This week on Consumer Catalyst, I’m Dr. Nicole Arnett Sanders, a retail strategist and consumer behaviorist, taking you on a deep dive into the psychology of shopping. Why do we splurge on some items but pass on others? How do brands like Amazon and Lululemon influence our decisions? It’s no accident—it’s consumer behavior in action. In this debut episode, we’ll explore how emotions, habits, and subconscious triggers drive up to 95% of purchase decisions. You’ll also learn actionable tips to apply these insights, whether you’re growing your business or making smarter personal choices. From personalized marketing strategies to the power of social proof, this episode is packed with real-world examples and practical takeaways to help you understand why we shop the way we do. Tune in now, and let’s start unlocking the secrets of consumer behavior together! Shopping Value Decoder Quiz Don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram @NicoleArnettSandersPhD and share your thoughts! Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Consumer Catalyst 00:30 Meet Your Host: Nicole Arnett Sanders 00:50 Understanding Consumer Behavior 01:40 Real-World Example: Amazon's Data-Driven Marketing 02:15 Defining Consumer Behavior 03:10 Breaking Down Consumer Behavior 04:29 Case Study: Lululemon vs. Amazon Dupes 05:12 The Evolution of Consumer Behavior 05:38 Actionable Tips to Boost Sales and Engagement 07:29 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

    9 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Welcome to Consumer Catalyst, where we empower you to harness the power of consumer behavior, business strategy, and everyday inspiration. From actionable marketing tips to the basics of building a thriving business—and even a little lifestyle insight along the way—we’re here to spark ideas and fuel your success. Follow us on Instagram at @nicolearnettsandersphd or @fiftysixagency for more marketing tips and freebies. 

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Arnett Sanders PhD
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Consumer Catalyst
  • Show Website
    Consumer Catalyst