The Influence to Income Advantage: How to Leverage Consistency for Greater Impact

Today, I want to talk about the power of consistency and how it can become an invaluable tool in your quest to influence others effectively. So buckle up, because we’re about to uncover some fascinating insights!

Consistency holds a special place in the hearts of people. It evokes a sense of trust, reliability, and harmony within their lives. When individuals are consistent with their words and actions, they experience a deep sense of integrity and alignment. As a result, they strive to remain consistent, not only with themselves but also with the commitments they have made to others.

To illustrate this phenomenon, let me share an eye-opening experiment conducted in a small town. Researchers noticed a prevailing issue of reckless driving within the community. In one neighborhood, they found that only a handful of residents were willing to display an unsightly wooden board supporting a Drive Safely campaign on their front lawns. However, in a similar neighborhood nearby, four times as many homeowners expressed their willingness to erect these billboards. The reason? A mere 10 days prior, they had agreed to place a small postcard in their front windows signaling support for the same campaign. That small initial commitment paved the way for a 400% increase in a much more significant, yet consistent, change.

Isn’t it fascinating how small commitments can lead to larger ones? People have an innate desire to stay true to their words and beliefs, making consistency a powerful influence. So, when you seek to employ the consistency principle, look for opportunities to obtain voluntary, active, and public commitments, ideally in written form. For instance, a recent study showcased how the simple act of asking patients to write down their appointment details on a future appointment card reduced missed appointments at health centers by a staggering 18%.

Now, let’s apply this principle to your business. Consider asking your clients for an online review after 2-3 visits. By doing so, you have gained their initial commitment and endorsement. As their treatment plan concludes, you can then ask for referrals to potential clients who may benefit from your services. After all, they have already expressed their satisfaction through the online review. Why wouldn’t they happily spread the word to their friends and neighbors?

Furthermore, allow me to introduce another ingenious strategy. Let’s say you are an orthodontist treating Brother #1 for braces. Anticipating that Brother #2 may also require orthodontic treatment, rather than waiting for the parents to reach out, provide Mom with a card that helps Brother #2 track his teeth brushing for a month. This small commitment not only adds value by fostering good dental habits but also strengthens the relationship between your practice and Brother #2. To sweeten the deal, consider offering a little prize when Brother #2 completes the chart and visits your office. When the time comes to enhance Brother #2’s smile, you will already have established trust and familiarity, making it an easy decision for Mom to continue with your practice.

Remember, consistency is like a golden thread that weaves together trust, commitment, and influence. By understanding its power and incorporating it into your strategies, you can make profound and lasting impacts on those you wish to influence.

Stay tuned for our next email, where we’ll explore yet another captivating facet of the Influence to Income Advantage series. Until then, keep weaving your path to success with consistency and conviction!