Success | Immediate Influence

Think Like An Ethical Persuasion Expert

Many years ago, I went to visit Tim, one of my closest friends and his fiery, red headed, girlfriend, Nancy, in their high rise apartment. Right away I noticed an unusual tension in the air. As it turned out, Tim and Nancy had been arguing. Nancy’s face was flush and she was sniffling. On the other hand, Tim was clearly very irritated.

Initially, I thought about leaving them to continue their heated discussion. However, Nancy promptly grabbed her purse and coat and left. I quickly asked Tim,”What’s the matter?” In an angry tone of voice he responded, “Nancy left a *x#@ cup of juice on my keyboard again!” While Tim was talking he walked over to his keyboard and pointed at a circle of water remaining from the cup. He went on to say, “I’ve told her over and over again to not put drinks on my keyboard but she does it anyway. I’m tired of this crap!”
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100 Million Dollar Negotiation and Influence Skills

Last year, Mark Jankowski, Co-Founder of the Shapiro Negotiations Institute (SNI) joined me on my radio show. Mark has trained tens of thousands of people throughout the world in negotiation and influencing skills. He regularly consults clients on deals ranging above the 100 million dollar mark. He’s also the best selling author of The Power of Nice and Bullies, Tyrants, and Impossible People.
You can find him on twitter @markjankowski
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What Does it Take to Succeed?

After reading the title of this post, you probably repeated the question to yourself, “What does it take to succeed?” Now, here you are– curious to find out if your answer is similar to mine. What’s my answer? I’ll sum it up in the words I heard a tall gentleman with “big Donnie Osmond teeth” say back in the early 90s.

“Success happens because every single day you do something to make it happen.” -Tony Robbins

Of course, as you know there’s more to achieving success than taking action everyday. However, without action all other advice about manifesting your dreams is pointless. Isn’t it? Even the best selling book of all time informs us of that crucial truth in these words. “Faith without action is dead.” Whether you believe in the bible or not, it’s difficult to deny the validity of those simple words. Wouldn’t you agree?

The other factor that greatly determines our success is belief. Have you heard this saying before? “If you believe you can, you will. If you believe you can’t, you won’t.” I’m curious. Do you believe that you can succeed beyond your wildest dreams in this economy? Hold that thought, please. Before you answer, read about Casas Bahia.

Casas started out on his own selling blankets and bed linens door to door in Brazil. Eventually, he grew his company to the largest retail chain in the country. The shocking part of Casas’ story is his company sells electronics, appliances, and furniture to poor people. In fact, 70% of his customers have no formal income or consistent income. Casas Bahia grosses over $1 billion dollars and very loyal customers. [1]

I ask you again. Do you believe that you can succeed beyond your wildest dreams in this economy? I can’t hear you! Is that you screaming? “Yes, I can!”

Why am I writing about this topic again?

Last month I had the good fortune to be interviewed by a young man and friend of mine named Garrett Pierson about the topic, “What Success Takes.”

His questions really made me think about where I am in my life and how success is an ongoing journey.

I wanted to give you the opportunity to learn more about Garrett and his new upcoming book “What Success Takes”.

The best part is…

He is giving some freebies away before his book is made available to the public!

If you want to get access visit my affiliate link below:

http://immediateinfluenceblog.com/success

You will want to be sure to get V.I.P access which will give you an early jump on getting Garrett’s book absolutely free.

Take advantage of this offer because you will be able to learn from some great Success Mentors such as:

- Maria Reyes McDavis
- Joel Comm
- Alex Mandossian
- Michelle McPhearson
- Russell Brunson
- Carolyn Ellis
- Justin Brooke
- Mike Filsaime
- Me!

and the list goes on and on!

So check it out now by visiting my affiliate link below:

-> http://immediateinfluenceblog.com/success

To your success,

Ron

[1] Vitale, Joe. Hypnotic Writing. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons 2005.

A restaurant’s artful use of influence that surprised and delighted me

“Aged and hand–cut especially for Friday’s, half a pound of one of the most flavorful, popular steaks around, expertly seasoned and fire–grilled to your order. Then glazed and served with our Jack Daniel’s glaze and creamy mashed potatoes.”

“Honey, I’m ordering the Jack Daniel’s Flat Iron Works entree! It looks delicious!” After reading the same description, my wife says, “Order that for me too.” Mouth watering, I quickly picked up our cordless phone and began dialing the number listed on the TGI Friday’s website. Seconds later, I found myself impressed by how professional and courteous the young lady was that answered the phone. After learning that I wanted to place a carryout order, she placed me on hold. About a minute or so later, a young lady name Miriam picked up and began interacting with me. Miriam, was personable, cheerful, and eager to help me!

You might be wondering, “Where is the artful use of influence that surprised and delighted you?” The incredible reality of influence is, it frequently effects us without our conscious awareness. In this particular situation, I found myself liking both of the TGI Friday’s employees right away. What’s amazing is I didn’t realize the specific tool of influence that had started working on me until I sat down to write this post. No, it wasn’t hunger! It was what Dr. Robert Cialdini labeled as “Liking” in his best-selling book, “Influence: The New Psychology of Modern Persuasion.”

I’ve owned that book since 1991. I’ve read it countless times. And, I’ve even completed an advanced training course with six tapes and workbook about the principles Dr. Cialdini revealed in the book. Hopefully, you recognize that the reason I’m divulging all that info is not to impress you, but to impress upon you that regardless of my extensive study and utilization of the principles of influence, they still have an impact on me. The main reason for this is that I go into many situations knowing what I want. What do I mean? I knew full well what I wanted from TGI Friday’s. I wanted to be treated courteously, cheerfully, and in a timely manner. I also wanted a delicious meal. With the exception of my steak not being cooked exactly the way I wanted it, the folks at TGI Friday’s located at 61st & Memorial in Tulsa, OK, delivered on all fronts.

Wait a minute! Now, let me tell you how they surprised and delighted me. After I arrived at the restaurant, Miriam greeted me with the same cheerful and eager-to-help attitude. Then she went the extra mile by offering me a drink while I waited for her to get my food and change. By the way, I turned down the drink. Anyway, when Miriam returned with my bag of piping hot food, she also handed back the Buy One, Get One Free Jack Daniel’s entree coupon I was given for my birthday with the manager’s approval. I remember asking her, “You’re giving the coupon back?” Miriam cheerfully said,”Yes, I am! You can use it again until the April 30th expiration date. Isn’t that cool?” I said, “Yes, that’s very cool!” I grabbed the bag food and gave her a tip.

Do you think I used the coupon again before the expiration date? Absolutely!

I’m curious. Can you identify all of the six principles of influence that occurred during my experience with TGI Friday’s staff? If you’re a master of influence, it should be easy for you. Please write your answer in the comment section below.

I also highly recommend that you sign into that Twitter Remote thingy to the right over there. You see it? It’s a great way for you to be seen (and discovered) by the other, almost *1,900 folks who visit my blog each month. I’m so grateful to know that you and many other people enjoy my blog. Have a great weekend!

To your success,

Ron

*The number denotes an approximation of the average number of unique visitors to this blog during January 1, 2009 – April 30, 2009. The exact total number of unique visitors is 7,575. Thank you so very much for being one of those visitors!

How to Influence A Buying Decision – A Farmer’s Story

Welcome back! This post is a follow up to my previous post, “10 Powerful Offers that Influence Buyers Decisions in Your Favor.” However, as you can see, I haven’t provided another list of offers, but a story. The reason is that stories oft times convey messages much faster than other forms of communication. By the way, this particular story is a favorite amongst marketing consultants. Ready? Read.

Once upon a time, a father went shopping for a pony to buy for his daughter. After looking at a few dozen ponies, the man’s decision was almost made. It had come down to a choice between two ponies. They were quite similar, in fact, the price was the same. He decided to take another look so he could make a final decision.

The first farmer was eagerly attempting to sell his pony and went on and on about how gentle and cute his pony was, but the father didn’t decide. The second farmer was different in his approach. He didn’t brag about the pony, he simply said…

Farmer and a pony “Sir, I’m certain your daughter will love this pony so here’s what I’ll do: Give me a check, and I’ll hold it for 30 days. I’ll bring you a saddle, a bridle, the pony and enough hay for 30 days. If your daughter decides to keep the pony, let me know at the end of the 30 days, and I’ll cash the check. Otherwise, I’ll give you back your check, pick up the pony and even clean up where he’s been.”

Which farmer do you think sold their pony?

Can you see that if you eliminate the risk of transacting business with you, it will powerfully instill confidence in buyers?

Additionally, the farmer delivered value far beyond what the father anticipated–or even imagined. How much more value can you deliver than buyers anticipate, or even imagine?

I’m curious. Have you had experiences similar to the father in the story that caused you to make a purchasing decision? Which part of the experience impacted your decision most? Why? If you truly have something that will benefit other readers, please write your comments below. Thanks!

Warmly,

Ron

Seven Men With Long Lasting Influence

In years past, like me, you have witnessed the ascension of a few men to worldwide prominence. Each man impacted the lives of many in ways that led to new thoughts, actions, and results. As a matter of fact, you can probably remember the exact words specific men eloquently spoke many years ago that shifted your perspective about important issues. As I approach my 45th birthday, I decided to share the words of men who dramatically shifted my outlook regarding life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

By the way, I numbered this list for simplicity’s sake, not to convey that one man impacted me anymore or less than the other. With that in mind, enjoy the words of men who have left a mark that cannot be erased on the lives of countless people around the globe.

1. “It’s not what happens, it’s what you do that makes the difference.”
-Jim Rohn

2. “We need men who can dream of things that never were.”
-John F. Kennedy

3. “Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress. With it there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis.”
-Henry Ford

4. “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
-Sir Isaac Newton

5. “A coward dies a thousand deaths and courageous man only one.”
-William Shakespeare

6. “If a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

7. As you can see, I decided to include a video that includes the words of the seventh man that I believe has long lasting influence. As you watch it, I hope that it will impact your thinking about what it may take for you to achieve your life’s ambitions. Ready? Press play.

In closing, I want you to know that I believe you are capable of accomplishing more than your heart’s desire. The key is strengthening your resolve to bring your vision to pass during incredibly tough times. How do you do it? “When you believe in a thing, believe in it implicitly and unquestionably.” -Walt Disney

With your success in mind,

Ron Hudson

What Success Takes

A twitter friend of mine, @GarrettPierson invited me to answer several thought-provoking questions about “what success takes.” My answers to the questions, along with the answers from several other successful business people, will be included in his upcoming book, “What Success Takes,” so keep your eye out for it. In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy the following video presentation regarding what leads to success in life.
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Immediate Influence