How can some people be so persuasive while others can’t seem to convince anyone to do anything? Persuasion is part art and part science. Some people are born with the charisma that the rest of us lack. But anyone can become more persuasive with the right approach.

 

Resources:

• Register for my special course: How to Embrace the Growth Mindset for Success – only $19.99!

More about the Episode:

How can some people be so persuasive while others can’t seem to convince anyone to do anything? Persuasion is part art and part science. Some people are born with the charisma that the rest of us lack. But anyone can become more persuasive with the right approach. Anyone that can read or write can influence others effectively.

What would it mean to your professional and personal life if you could reliably influence others? Few skills are as wide-ranging in their benefits.

Persuade others to your way of thinking:

1. Create a connection with those you wish to influence. Whether you’re trying to influence one person or a thousand, it’s important to create rapport. The level of trust and connection you can establish will directly affect your ability to influence others. This is an important first step. There are many ways to establish a connection.

2. Be convincing. You might feel small and insecure, but presenting yourself that way won’t convince anyone that you are worth following. There are several ways we show a lack of conviction, such as body language, using qualifiers like “I think, probably, maybe, and possibly,” and lack of eye contact.

* Stand tall, look them in the eye, and present your opinion like it’s an obvious fact. Your confidence is key.

3. Use reciprocity to your advantage. Studies show that you’re much more likely to return a favor after someone does something for you. That’s why the people that knock on your door and try to sell you vinyl siding give you a pen or a magnet. They know that you’ll be more likely to purchase from them.

* Do something for the person you’re trying to persuade. You might buy them lunch, drive them to the airport, or let them borrow a cup of sugar. Do something for them before you attempt to persuade them. Your odds of success will go up dramatically.

4. Consider their interests. Even the noblest of people wonder what’s in it for them. Make it clear what they’ll be receiving out of the deal. Your neighbor might not want to sign off on your idea of building a fence between your respective properties. However, he might change his mind if you can show him the benefits he’ll enjoy.

5. Be a good listener. The other party matters a lot. We tend to only consider ourselves when we’re trying to be influential, but this is a grave mistake. Open your ears and close your mouth. When you understand the needs of the other person, you’ll know how to influence them.

6. Establish yourself as an authority. If you’ve spent time with the Dalai Lama and wrote three books on meditation, your opinions on meditation are more likely to be respected. Dressing in a suit would convey authority in the right setting.

Persuasion is a highly researched field. There are numerous resources if you wish to learn more. The ability to influence others is useful both in and outside of work. Invest some time in practicing this valuable skill. You’ll be glad you did!

Let me know what are you doing to learn from your mistakes. Let me know. I can’t wait to hear from you!

• Register for my special course: How to Embrace the Growth Mindset for Success – only $19.99!

Ask Alen!

Send me your sales-related questions and I will answer them in the upcoming podcasts – send your questions via Linkedin or fill out the form here.