Learning from Bus Buddhists
In psychological terms, context is almost everything. Much as we like to think that we know how we will act and react in a given situation, without the richness of...
In my work as a consumer behaviour consultant I often find that I’m writing a presentation with information I’m familiar with, but that is going to be very challenging for my audience.
At the moment I’m working on a project for a retailer who wants to increase the number of choices they give customers. Nothing wrong with that, you might think.
Unfortunately, lots of studies show that you quite quickly reach a point in some categories where more choice is damaging to overall sales. I’ll save the details for another time (since it’s not the purpose of this blog).
My challenge is how to convince my audience that what they fundamentally (and rationally) believe is wrong.
My plan is to warn them of the possibility and encourage them to run an extended trial so they can see the impact for themselves. According to my analysis this will lose them a lot less money (but finding out will still be damaging financially in the trial stores).
Any other suggestions would be welcome!
Philip
Hi Philip,
What an awesome first post! It’s great to have you blogging away with us!
Your desire to really help, rather than simply make yourself popular, is clear.
I look forward to reading more of your ideas.
JJ Jalopy.
http://www.jjjalopy.com
Hi Phil,
what a persuasion challenge indeed! I look forward to reading about the process you follow in doing this.
Certainly enlightening and intriguing within the context of your business relationship and how you will communicate that effectively with your desired results.
All the best,
April Braswell
Online Dating Coach, Dating Expert
Philip,
Your idea to test is probably a good one.
In some areas, choice is probably not as harmful. For example three different styles, and once they settle on a style, they can get it in choice of 6 colors.
This breaks the choice down from 18 options to two decisions, one to choose between 3 and another to pick a color from 6.
The key is to structure the buying process into a series of choices rather than the overwhelming possibilities.
I am looking forward to connecting more with you in the weeks ahead, I have been impressed very much by the work you have done in the interim… Spot on!
Seize the Day,
Rob
Is Your Corporation Protecting Your Personal Assets?
Phil:
I have found that it is best to test everything and not to rely on our best guess or conventional wisdom. Testing will quickly and easy give you an answer and settle any discussion.
Steve
Phil,
I’m looking forward to your post and learning more.
Lynn Lane
http://www.Warriorofsuccess.com
Phil
I am looking forward to reading your information.
Bob Kaufer
If you MOVE like the Tin Man, you will THINK like the Scarecrow and FEEL like the Lion
Phil,
Great to read you post, and looking forward to more. Your idea for a trial is a good one. Are you going to rely your research on increased choices to your client and ask them to keep the trial to a minimum number of stores because of what research shows?
Darryl Pace
Thanks for the post
The DIY Lawyer
DIY Lawyer – Where you can learn to do your own estate planning
What a challenge you’re faced with. I have many clients who simply want to do the wrong thing. They tend to get dropped off our client list pretty fast.
Understanding behavior and helping people make their best decisions. A challenge you’re up to.
-Pat
Business Owners Fast Track to Internet Profits
Hey Phil, I’ve been watching your site grow (or was I just not scrolling down far enough before? ) . I still click thru daily. Love all the articles. It looks great!
Lisa McLellan, Child Care Expert – Babysitters, Nannies, and Au-pairs
Hey Phil,
From my perspective, nobody on earth like’s to hear that they were wrong! Especially when it’s business related!
Being able to frame it in such a way that your idea (what you want them to do!) is seen as coming from their own conclusions… rather than flat out proving what they are doing is wrong…will disarm those missile defense systems we all have ready to go!
Great read on this subject is Buyology by Martin Lindstrom
Duane
Tap Into the Psychology of the Mind with Persuasion Expert Duane Cunningham
Hello, am really looking forward to hearing more about this.
JC
Wow,
I like the post. Never thought having more choices for a business could be negative.
Phil,
I agree with Duane’s fundamental approach that no one wants to be proved wrong. So I won’t say that you are “wrong” 🙂 but suggest that you for the moment while you write, are just unable to choose a better word to defuse your client’s resistance.
The challenge is to make them see what you see WITHOUT telling them what to look for! So they discover their shortcomings without you telling them directly what they are and yet they know it is you who guide them gently to the right directions.
Wow, this is certainly an art in it. May be peeking into your client’s personality with Pure Numerology will help?
Like Lisa, I love your articles in your website as they have substance and the depth. The trick is to monetarise them. That’s what I find challenging too for my own stuffs.
John Ho
Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion
Phil,
You must know the secret of turning off the “moderation” step in getting comment published. I notice that my comment here does not attract that dreadful “moderatoin” step.
Pls tell me where Ican do it. cPanel? But which part?
Thanks in advance!
John Ho
Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion
Great post. I remember arguing this point with my head chef when designing new menus in a previous life.
Looking forward to learning more from you. This is fascinating.
All the best,
Yann
http://www.ProfitsTactics.com
The power of the unconscious mind is vast!!!!
David Power
Expert in Medical Hypnosis,Success Thinking and Practical Parenting
David Power’s Hour