Influencing others starts with understanding what motivates us as people. Being aware of tactics that influence behaviours allows us to identify which situations require which actions. Building influence helps explain how and why many selling skills actually work and how mastering these tactics will help you. Selling is embracing these influencing tactics and choosing your message based on them. Social scientists have researched and identified 8 ways in which humans are influenced. By understanding each of them, you will be able to recognize when you can use one or more to gain influence ethically.
1) Authority
People follow advice when it comes from a source that appears to have authority on the subject.
2) Reciprocity
People feel the need to return favours when one has been bestowed on them. Everything must have give and take.
3) Rapport
Individuals are more likely to follow the advice of someone they like or share a common interest with. Build a rapport with your customers based on shared interests to show you understand and value their ideas.
4) Logic
People will follow advice that makes logical and reasonable sense. Be able to provide constant clarity to your customers.
5) Efficiency
People seek the simplest solution. Demonstrate the efficiency of you and your product or service to gain agreement and reason.
6) Consistency
People act consistently with their behaviour, communication, and commitments. As a salesperson, you must demonstrate how your product or service is in line with your customers’ culture and meets your promise.
7) Social Evidence
People follow the actions of others. By leveraging references and testimonials, you will create a sense of envy that is highly desirable.
8) Scarcity
People want what they can’t have. Salespeople can use this principle to leverage the limited-time at which products or services are available.