It may have sounded a little farfetched when the idea was first presented, but studies have proven that it is nothing to be sniffed at. In terms of increasing business and revenue, scenting the air in an office or store has proven to be highly effective. Understandably, the area of sensory marketing, which involves the baiting of all five senses, has grown dramatically, but the sense stimulated by an attractive scent is arguably the most effective. For many businesses seeking an edge over the competition, these techniques are proving well worth the investment, and the growth of scent marketing has resulted in the creation of an array of mechanisms specifically designed to release scent into the air. It is not quite the same method as impressing customers or clients visually, with living wall systems, for example, creating a striking contrast between the typical office view and a lush green wall. But smell does have a proven influence when it comes to memory, association and relationship building. Of course, the concept of it is not alien to any of us. After all, when we spray a fragrance from an aerosol can, in an effort to freshen up a room inside the house, there is an immediate effect on us. We may turn up our noses at the initial stuffy odor, but the sprayed fragrance encourages us to breathe deeply and to relax in the space around us. In recent years, research has shown that scent can have a marked influence on moods, turning a grumpy, reluctant morning riser into a positive and productive office worker within minutes. It is also noted to make people more alert, reduce stress and be more communicable, cooperative and more patient when dealing with customers. But it is not just the effect that scent has on the staff working for a company that makes it so valuable. It is also the lasting impression that the brand associated with a particular smell creates in the minds of consumers and clients. For many businesses seeking to secure contracts with new clients, making a good impression is essential. Research also indicates that a pleasing scent can effectively leave a happy memory in the minds of a prospective client, increasing the chances of the client choosing that company. Because of the happy memory, this can be the case even if a final decision is made a number of weeks after the initial visit to the offices. Meanwhile, consumers are shown to have a greater willingness to make purchases when they are content and anxiety free, both of which can be achieved when they are greeted with a pleasant scent upon entering a store. The development of dedicated scent machines, which can be placed discreetly around an office or store, means that it is possible to affect clients and customers without them ever really knowing about it. However, there is also a risk of over doing the job, which would more than likely be counterproductive, potentially leaving people with a sickly feeling. That is why these machines are a great deal more high tech in their design than at first seems to be the case. The technology used in the machines allows for scent to be released automatically, but also in the precise dosage required to counter any stale or bad smells in the room or office. The result is that this balanced scenting of the air can be done in a very cost effective way, with nano droplet technology ensuring the scented oil itself lasts for the longest period of time possible. There are, of course, a number of different sensory marketing techniques acting in unison when it comes to modern marketing efforts. From the green colored bulbs over green vegetables in the supermarket, to soothing music in the waiting room of a dentist surgery, we are all affected by strategically utilized sound, light, smell, touch and even taste. While the use of living wall systems, generally regarded to be impressive feast for the eyes, can generate some natural scent from the plants used in them, scent marketing cannot rely visually on an extravagant creation being placed everywhere. The use of scent machines is far more realistic, allowing the desired smells to emanate from strategic locations to ensure maximum effectiveness.