The 7 Rules of Influence

by amo992
11 replies
Influence in Social Psychology, understandably, is a very important part of copywriting. These seven scientifically backed rules that are outlined below are USED ALL THE TIME, by you and those great copy writers around you.

I know, for a fact, that all you smart copy writers reading this post have consciously OR unconsciously used these principals.
Scarcity for example "Only 14 out of 50 left!" Does that ring a bell?

If you don't start consciously using and understanding these "rules" you are going to miss out. Simply speaking, those who DO use the following "rules" will have an advantage over those who DON'T.

I was first introduced to these "rules" in my introductory psychology class by a famous behavioral psychologist, and they've stuck ever since! (good thing, too!) Now, I'm going to share them with you.

Enjoy your unique perspective into Social Psychology!


Consistency
We resist change
We account ourselves into certain thinking, and vice versa
We honor public, active, and voluntary commitment

Reciprocity
We return favors
We are more likely to comply after retreating

Ingratiation
We are attracted to similarities
We like those who praise us and cooperate
We actively care for the people we like

Conformity
We follow those who are similar and credible
We model most in unfamiliar situations

Authority
We follow authority blindly and mindlessly
We follow those with credibility

Scarcity
We react to protect our individuality
We value rare opportunities
We are motivated to avoid loss

Novelty
We habituate to the routine
We are attentive and attracted to the unique







Ok guys, critique my first (somewhat)real attempt copywriting. If you notice, I used all seven of those principals .

Also, if someone is doing product launch and would like to use my moderate expertise with social psychology and statistics, I'd be happy to help. You would be paying me with experience (or maybe a donation :p).
#influence #rules
  • Profile picture of the author pethanks
    I never heard this before. This can help a lot. Thank you for posting and sharing these 7 rules of influence.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2902145].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JoshuaG
    This all seems like solid information that could be applied to any business.
    Do you take this stuff in school or what?
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2904993].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Johnny12345
    These are the same ideas described by Robert Cialdini in his well-know book "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion." It's available at Amazon for less than $8 bucks.

    You would be hard-pressed to find a good copywriter who hasn't read it at least once. It's a great book.

    John
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2905054].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author amo992
      Originally Posted by JoshuaG View Post

      This all seems like solid information that could be applied to any business.
      Do you take this stuff in school or what?
      Actually, my psychology textbook (I'm in college..well it's not mine, but the one we're supposed to use for the course). Novelty, however, was added by my teacher.

      Originally Posted by Johnny12345 View Post

      These are the same ideas described by Robert Cialdini in his well-know book "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion." It's available at Amazon for less than $8 bucks.

      You would be hard-pressed to find a good copywriter who hasn't read it at least once. It's a great book.

      John
      Indeed. Everyone should read that book. Sad to say I don't own a copy; I chanced upon one in a local book store and read it cover to cover in one sitting.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2905854].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Gemmacat
    I have "Influence" but I've never read it. I will now. The post is excellent. Thanks!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2905755].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Sorensen
    I'm reading "Influence" right now. It's amazing that just through 50 pages how much there is to learn. He talks about the law of reciprocity and how it is so ingrained and such a powerful tool for people who know how to use it. Remember the strategy to get people to work with you i.e. experts? You always start by offering up services and favors to them...so that they feel the pressure to help you in return. It's all in the book!
    Signature
    Sell your web-based business for the best price in the shortest amount of time through an experience broker. Reasonable rates, no upfront fees, and no risk to list at AcquisitionStation.com.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2906463].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Bruce Wedding
    Novelty is not from Cialdini's book. He lists 6.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2906542].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author amo992
      Originally Posted by Bruce Wedding View Post

      Novelty is not from Cialdini's book. He lists 6.
      Sorry if I was misleading, but these rules are from my textbook (novelty included by my professor).
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2910211].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PMinc
    Presently reading the 7 Triggers book

    Has anyone tried their online course? Pretty expensive stuff, but I'd love to get some notes: Persuasion and Selling Skills Courses | The 7 Triggers to Yes
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2906601].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author amo992
      Originally Posted by John Breese View Post

      Presently reading the 7 Triggers book

      Has anyone tried their online course? Pretty expensive stuff, but I'd love to get some notes: Persuasion and Selling Skills Courses | The 7 Triggers to Yes
      739 USD?!

      This most definitely is not worth 739 USD... unless your time is worth a lot of money.

      I believe the the best way to learn this subject is to start practicing right away. This is the type of information that is hard to recognize and utilize unless you are practicing it directly.

      Here is what I did:

      Techniques for Changing Minds

      I picked a 2-3 technique and every day I would practice that technique (or put myself into a situation which would let me utilize said technique) until I become comfortable in recognizing and achieving success.

      That's 739 USD Well NOT Spent...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2910243].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yagnesh
    thanks for giving nice rules
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2906661].message }}

Trending Topics