Inspired by NaBloPoMo writing prompt for Wednesday, January 29, 2014:
Are you good at influencing other people?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that I am particularly persuasive. In fact, I really don’t think that word applies to me much, if at all! Most of the time I certainly don’t try to be persuasive, and when on the odd occasion I DO try… well, most of those times I tend to be unsuccessful. (I’m not sure exactly why: lack of conviction or authenticity? Selfish motives? Unrealistic expectations? The jury’s still out on that one.)
That said, I have been told that my enthusiasm is contagious and motivating. People have been known to sign up for something, or purchase a specific product, or try out a new hobby – partly because they saw how much enjoyment I was getting from it, but also because they were already halfway there, and just needed a little push in the right direction to convince them to dive right in. (In such cases, most of the time I don’t even realize I’m pushing. Perhaps that’s what makes the difference?)
So I guess under all the perfect conditions – when I’m excited about something, when my enjoyment and appreciation for something bubbles over in an authentic way, and when the audience is receptive – I suppose, then, I could say that I am good at influencing others.
But really, only then.
How about you?
Are you good at influencing other people?
Please share!
If I were influential, I’d be rich. I think its a secret combination of confidence, passion, enthusiasm and something unknown. Salespeople have it, the good ones are seemingly born with it. Sometimes I can achieve the art of getting my own sweet way. But if I could be more of just one thing, it would be influential.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 30, 2014
I think you’re right – and I think it MOST cases (the super successful ones, at least) one is born with it. I’m not sure I totally trust the ones who have learned it! 😉
Laurel Regan recently posted… Poll: Ignore or know your enemy?
Twitter: TermiteWriter
January 29, 2014
I’ve always said that I can only remember one argument in my life that I ever won! LOL I’m not pugnacious enough! I’ll just concede the round, even though I don’t change my mind. And I do wish I had more of what you said where promoting my books are concerned: that something would bubble over in an authentic way, and find a receptive audience!
Lorinda J. Taylor recently posted… For Indie Publishers: Who Gets All the Loot after You Die?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 30, 2014
Interesting – I find that a lot of artists, writers, etc., while super creative and talented, aren’t particularly good at promoting their own work. It seems as though it’s rare that the two qualities co-exist! I guess every artist needs a promotional patron. 😉
Laurel Regan recently posted… Poll: Ignore or know your enemy?
Twitter: simplyf00d
January 29, 2014
I think if you are genuinely passionate about something it will show through you and people will not need convincing.
Nayna Kanabar ( recently posted… Strawberry Marble Cake (eggless)
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 30, 2014
I think you’re right about that!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Poll: Ignore or know your enemy?
Twitter: mktgcopywriter
January 29, 2014
As a copywriter, the content I write is designed to captivate and convert prospects. However, in life, when I’m in a conversation with friends/colleagues/prospects, I don’t think about influencing them one way or another. I think about sharing my perspective, my enthusiasm, my point of view. They can choose to agree with it or not. Guess it’s best to be detached from the outcome.
Just like you suggested, when you’re excited & enthusiastic, you come across as genuine and authentic. People appreciate that and will take away whatever resonates with them and leave the rest (so to speak).
Thanks.
D
Debra Jason recently posted… 6 Steps for Recognizing Good Copy When You’re Working with a Copywriter
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 30, 2014
It would be rather challenging for me to have to write convincing copy about something if I felt lukewarm or disinterested about the topic. I admire copywriters who can write about anything convincingly!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Poll: Ignore or know your enemy?
Twitter: lyndalippin
January 29, 2014
I am and always have been. That is probably why I am a good pilates teacher. I can get people to do what I tell them to do in order to feel better!
Lynda Lippin recently posted… 5 Pilates Tips to Improve your Workout
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 30, 2014
Nice! Using your power for good. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Poll: Ignore or know your enemy?
I think you have it, enthusiasm for something piques other peoples’ interest.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 30, 2014
I think so!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Poll: Ignore or know your enemy?
Twitter: Wordwrights, Ink
January 30, 2014
That is exactly when one is most persuasive. When one believes wholeheartedly in whatever they are presenting! If you’re not convinced yourself, your words ring hollow. You’ve discovered the secret! 🙂
Diane recently posted… The True Gentleman
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 30, 2014
I think you’re right about that!
Well, your influences on me have been (1) the very eye-pleasing layout of your blog, which is so easy to read; I especially like your short paragraphs and the way you isolate some sentences and use bold or italic font for them–I’ve started doing some of that on my blog–and your use of lists. (2) Your gratitude lists. (3) Your enthusiasm about NaBloPoMo, which I just signed up for. So you see, you are persuasive in the best way!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 2, 2014
Wow, thank you so much for the compliments, Elaine! I am glad to be an influence if it’s for all those good things. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 15
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