INFLUENCERS

10 Behavior Concepts Scientifically Proven to

Make You More Successful

1. Ask for favors - people will like you more.

Some call it the Ben Franklin Principle, as Franklin once turned a contentious
relationship into a long-term friendship by asking the man to borrow a rare
book. Once the book owner invested effort into helping Franklin, he viewed
Franklin as someone worthy of support, and thereby someone he liked more.
Several studies have supported this idea, so you should ask for favors often.

2. Become more memorable
When the brain is exposed to novelty, it responds by releasing
neurotransmitters to absorb the novel experience more effectively. Research has
shown that as these new memories are created, not only do people remember
the novel characteristic of an experience better, but also everything else they
were exposed to at the time. This means you, your brand, your product, the smell
of the room, and the people present all become more memorable. Ask yourself
what you can do to be novel in the way you present yourself and your brand.

3. Generosity pays
Famed Wharton Professor and author of Give and Take: Why Helping Others
Drives Our Success, Adam Grant has demonstrated that extraordinarily generous
people have a tendency to become either disproportionately successful or
disproportionately unsuccessful. What separates the two? Those who can
promote themselves in the process of giving are most successful, the others get
walked all over. Giving without an expectation of receiving anything in return
can also be the basis of developing a relationship. Generosity not only leads to
successes but to trust in relationships.

4. But what is an information gap?
Information Gap Theory suggests that curiosity is created when people are
presented with a gap between what they already know and what they are being
exposed to. The gap must be large enough that it peaks interest, but not so great
that it seems overwhelming and scary. When you are presenting yourself or an
idea, it may be beneficial to create intentional information gaps so as to induce
curiosity and engagement.

5. Become a master curator
The people you surround yourself with and the conversations you have with
them have a direct Impact on the quality of your life. This effect is measurable
and extends beyond your friends to your friends friends friends friend. Ensure
that you curate people around you based on the values and talents you admire.
For more on this topic read Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social
Networks, by James Fowler and Nicholas Christakis.
2016 Influencers Enterprises, LLC.
www.JonLevyTLB.com Instagram Twitter Facebook

INFLUENCERS

6. Dont be self-conscious; people dont really pay attention
Research on the Spotlight Effect, a social belief that occurs when you think a
spotlight is being shown on you for some reason (both positive, e.g., a cool
outfit and negative, e.g., you have a pimple) has demonstrated that for the
most part, people dont notice nearly as much as you think. Estimates have
shown that about half as many people as you expect may notice what you
believe has a spotlight on it. This should give you the freedom both to not
take yourself so seriously and to realize that no one cared that much when
you made a fool of yourself.

7. Beware your confirmation bias
Researchers have long known that we are all prone to deem our own ideas
and beliefs better, more accurate, and more intelligent than those of others.
When exposed to ideas that do not align with ours or intelligent statements
made by an opposing group (political, religious, etc.) we have a tendency to
make excuses for why they are wrong, or justifications for flaws in our own
beliefs. We are all prone to having confirmation bias; being aware of this can
allow us to be more open to reason and to catch ourselves when we are
making a mistake.

8. Is your brand or presentation wondrous?
Awe is arguably the most desired of human emotions. People often describe
this state as being struck by the greatness of nature. When in awe, people
report to feeling extremely open, generous, and often connected. Since this
experience is so rare, people will remember and cherish it. Can you put
people in a state of awe and wonder when you engage with them?

9. Dont assume that what interests you will be of interest to anyone else
A simple example of personality differences that demonstrates this idea is
that between introverts (people who gain energy from alone time or small
intimate groups) and extroverts (people who gain energy from large-group
interaction). These two types of people desire very different experiences and
interactions. Confusing the interests of one for the other can be alienating. To
better understand their strengths and differences read Quiet: The Power of
Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain.

10. Pick your meeting times strategically
Research based on parole board hearings suggests that people are most
open-minded during their first meeting in the morning and after lunch. If you
want to sway opinion, it is important to reach people when they have
experienced the least cognitive load. This research suggests that when we are
tired, we tend to default to our regular way of thinking and responding
rather than considering new information.
2016 Influencers Enterprises, LLC.
www.JonLevyTLB.com Instagram Twitter Facebook