How do you feel about persuasion?

You're probably right. I just now realized that consumers must think the same thing, that salespeople are going to persuade them to do something against their will. If the consumers only knew that the typical salesperson doesn't know squat about persuasion.

There are so many ways people understand persuasion that I don't find it something I need to analyze or come to understand - reading "The Economist" I use more analytical skills than in my business practices.

The reason that is is that I've found when I ask some questions, when I state my case, when I find prospects who want to know more about what it is I offer there's a natural inquiry and movement towards completion that doesn't require any sophisticated persuasive techniques to move along.

This reminds me of that process: That which offers no resistance overcomes the hardest substances. That which offers no resistance can enter where there is no space. Few can comprehend the teaching without words or understand the value of non-action [persuasion may be substituted here]. - Lao Tzu

That is exactly how I conduct my life and business as well as I can seeking always to improve. In that may come the strongest persuasions which move mountains, touch hearts and free minds to clear actions.

MitchM

What "sophisticated persuasive techniques" would you be referring to?

Ignorance is bliss!

"What "sophisticated persuasive techniques" would you be referring to?" - SalesGuy

That's a general statement about how I feel toward what I've looked over over my lifetime reading books, listening to audios presenting methods of building rapport, overcoming objectives, using emotional and rational arguments to uncover needs - what hurts - and to help someone see how what's offered will fill that need and remove the pain - those kinds of verbal gambits, logical questioning, and ways to focus conversations into getting someone to say finally YES.

All of that is fine - I'm just not concerned much about it today and I won't take the time to detail specifically what I'm referring to - I've probably forgotten 80% of it, who said it, what I learned.

Tell me this - how would a detailed description of what I referred to help you, SalesGuy? Why do you ask if not only for the sake of a conversation?

MitchM

I was interested in knowing which "sophisticated techniques" you were referring to. Considering you posted, "... I don't find it something I need to analyze or come to understand..." I wondered what you as an individual perceived as "sophisticated techniques" and/or "persuasion".

I understand. The word "sophisticated" might have been a poor word choice - I could have used "common" or "standard" or "contemporary." That was in reference to what I posted - everything I've read relating to this topic of persuasion - years of reading and listening. Also, anyone's definition of persuasion is fine with me - that's because I don't have one specific definition - persuasion can mean so many things.

My persuasion is to not define it one way or another out of some context.

The best to you.

MitchM

Thomas, you hit the nail right on the head with that one. Call them "typical", call them the majority, or call them as does SalesGuy, "the heap", most people in sales are relatively unskilled in that area which they appear to value so much.

You seem to be very street smart. I like that perspective.

When companies use "authority figures" as spokespeople is that unethical? Because that's persuasion.

When companies offer special pricing for a limited time is that immoral? Because that's persuasion.

When companies send freebies in the mail is that unethical? Because that's persuasion.

Yes. All true. All persuasion. My initial thoughts about this thread was that the topic was on one-on-one personal selling situations where persuasive "techniques" are used. I have never viewed persuasion in selling through a lens where I saw it as unethical or immoral. I'd have to read back through the posts to see if anybody else did, but I don't think so.

Your examples of persuasion from other contexts are certainly valid.