The Lollapalooza Effect

Charlie Munger shared in his speech at Harvard University the lollapalooza effect. It occurs when different tendencies or mental models combined to act in the same direction provide a greater result. It is like synergy, 1 plus 1 is not 2 but 3 or more. The outcome is much bigger than the sum of the parts.

One of their investments that yielded great returns was their investment in Coca-Cola. Here are the factors that contributed to the Lollapalooza effect on Coca Cola:

1. Great product

2. Powerful stimulants – sugar and caffeine

3. Availability – it is available in every supermarket

4. Clever marketing – “the brain of man yearns for the type of beverage held by the pretty woman he can’t have”

5. Social proofing – almost everybody drinks it