The Six (6) Elements of Persuasion for the Entrepreneur.

Having looked into the ten (10) traits, commonly found, in all success-minded persons or entrepreneurs, in the previous post, the focus is now on another vital trait that could be very much needed by entrepreneurs or business owners - and that is the element of persuasion. The science of influencing and persuading one's target clients and customers or stakeholders in any business field is something that critical to the success of entrepreneurs. What exactly will influence an investor or customer or client to say "yes" while seeking that from them? Over the past 60 years, researchers have been looking into that and the fact is there must be a science as to how we are persuaded.

In a brief but concise manner, this post will focus on the six (6) most vital methods of conveying what entrepreneurs need their stakeholders - customers, investors and clients, to hear, believe and accept. Some of these are quite interesting while others may be challenging to do, but hold tight, knowing you can do it!

• RECIPROCITY - It is the obligation to give back what you have received from others, when the opportunity arises. The key to using the principle of reciprocation is to be the first to give and making sure that it is personalized and done in an unexpected way. Put in your speech or action what you are offering your stakeholders and how their interests are well taken care of in your business plan and operations.
• SCARCITY - This is more like playing the mind game. People often want more of those things that there are less of, those things that are most needed but are scarcely available. It is not enough to tell your stakeholders what they stand to gain but also inform them, purposefully, the priceless uniqueness in what you are giving and what they may loose if not taken up by them.
• AUTHORITY - It is wise to keep in mind that people will always want to follow the lead of credible and knowledgeable experts or successful entrepreneurs, and at such it will be important to show to your stakeholders what makes you a knowledgeable and credible authority before attempting to persuade them of anything. Most entrepreneurs have met rejection and resistance to their brightest ideas due to an absence of this alone!
• CONSISTENCY - This is most activated by looking for and asking for tangible initial commitments that can be made with little or no stress or conviction. When using this consistency principle, you should be looking out for voluntary, active and public commitment, and possibly getting them in writing.
• LIKENESS/LIKING - It is noteworthy to say that stakeholders prefer to say yes to people they like. But what exactly make people to like those they choose to like? In order to harness this powerful principle of likeness/liking, you should look for areas of similarity or common grounds of interests which you share and have with them. It is advisable to genuinely compliment others especially those along the path of your business plan or target market, before you ever begin your business.
• CONSENSUS - People often look to the actions or reactions of others to determine their own actions or reactions. The science in this is that rather than solely relying on our own potentials to persuade others, we can as well show them what others are already doing, especially the similar others - those in the same sector or industry, in line with your business.

The above are six (6) scientifically proven principles of persuasion that are practical and with affordable changes that can make a whole difference in your ability to persuade and influence others for good, as an entrepreneur, in an entirely ethical method! Get more tools and information by signing up at Medianaire