From Victim to Persuader
Last week, Barry wrote a post talking about victimitis-thinking and how some people expect a handout when things are bad for them.
It reminded me of our new weekly date-night viewing experience — the equivalent of taking in a movie, but without having to find a babysitter or parking, and without having to spend close to $50 for the privilege.
See, we talk at times about TV being the “electronic income-reducer,” but it can also be a source of inspiration, an exercise in critical thinking, and/or fodder for blog posts.
People that go overboard — like with anything in life — suffer the ill effects of the “boob tube,” “idiot box,” or whatever you want to call it.
Those that use it sparingly and selectively, like we do, experience it as a spice of life rather than a nauseating meal.
And our date nights allow us to spend time together, connect through conversation, and ponder some of the puzzling aspects of this world…
On Friday nights at the moment, our date night involves watching The Apprentice.
And interestingly enough, just like the trend Barry’s blog post mentioned, the contestants in this season are all self-described “victims of the economy.”
Donald Trump also calls them that, which is a bit more surprising, because I figured he’d know better… but then again, as we’ve said before and will likely say again, society loves an underdog and resonates with the plight of victims.
So Trump is likely playing the pity card for ratings.
His own daughter, however, has a different outlook on business. Ivanka Trump’s advice to “make yourself indispensable” at work was published in the September issue of Glamour magazine, and it highlights a key point here:
Those that make themselves indispensable do not become “victims of the economy.”
And that’s not just in J.O.B.s, but in any area of life.
You see, the contestants include a selection of former high-rollers who’ve mostly been laid off, including some lawyers, some real-estate professionals, a financial adviser, a commercial banker, a PR person, and some recent graduates that had big expectations.
There’s also a former account manager who’s now on welfare, bitterly complaining about feeling like a loser while making no effort to live the humility he claims to have uncovered, and a district attorney with one of the most aggressively-annoying and off-putting personalities you’ve ever seen.
So are they victims… or simply incompetent?
I know that sounds harsh, but let’s put things in perspective here.
You see, regardless of the economy, there’s always going to be the need for attorneys. And PR people. And there’s even more need for financial advisors.
None of these professions are tied to having a “J.O.B.” because someone with those skills can just open their own practice or work from a corner of their living rooms.
So an “unemployed lawyer” is really just lazy… or short-sighted. And ditto to the other skill sets that are always in demand for the right crowd.
Some of these people, to their credit, have started their own business ventures, or otherwise follow their passions.
But why is it that the former corporate attorney who co-founded her own mobile cupcake business feels that serving the sweet treats is beneath her?
Umm… here’s an idea:
How about starting a business that actually ignites your passions?
How about using the skills of persuasion you supposedly possessed as an attorney to open new doors of opportunity?
If you can master the skills of persuasion, and you have a can-do attitude instead of labeling yourself a victim, there will always be doors that open for you.
Even more so if you have a desire to add value to the world and help other people.
As world traveler Simon Black, a.k.a. Sovereign Man, puts it: “Even in a down economy, there are problems to be solved and value to be created.”
And I’m not talking about sleazy tactics or black magic here.
Heck, we know a bunch of people who call themselves “marketers” who would love to sell you something — anything — regardless of whether you need it or want it.
But persuasion isn’t about being that kind of marketer, or a tacky hard-sell salesperson.
Success will always involve selling something on some level or another (whether a product, a service, an idea, a concept, or yourself)… but sales are a two-way street, and should always be treated as such.
So what would you say if someone promised to give you the power to make anyone do almost anything you wanted… including give you an opportunity that you knew you deserved?
That’s what persuasion expert Michael Lee says he can do with his How to Be an Expert Persuader in 20 Days or Less course.
It consists of an e-book that’s over 400 pages long and the accompanying audios — which is why if you can dedicate to reading just 21 pages or so each day, you can become an expert persuader yourself within 20 days.
Some of what he teaches in this course includes:
>> 5 secrets to reading minds.
>> How to use the “magic touch” to get anyone to do what you want.
>> 5 crucial things you should do (and not do) with your eyes to build trust and be liked.
>> How to easily talk to anyone and make people love to talk to you.
>> How to make people doubt and change their beliefs, no matter how stubborn or close-minded they are.
>> How to set yourself free from manipulators and controlling people who love to “dictate” your every action and decision.
>> The amazing “anti-pressure” strategy that will make your prospects beg you to sell your product or service to them!
And a whole bunch more…
So as you can see, these are important skills and strategies that will help you on both a personal and business level… and they can pretty much ensure that you’ll never be calling yourself a “victim of the economy,” looking for a handout, or unable to create the life of your dreams, regardless of what’s going on around you.
The program’s on special for the month of September, and then the price will be going up, so this is a great time to get started.
Watch Michael’s video here… and then get ready to start persuading your way to the life you deserve.
And of course, if you’d like to persuade me of something, go ahead and leave your comment below.
Your Partner in the Quest For
Living a Life Without Limits,
Filed under: Critical-Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Personal Achievement, Personal Responsibility
Anthony Robbins says that society may predict who you are going to be, but only you decide.
I completely agree about the whole “victimitis” thing, Heather. People can have way more resources within them than they even want to know. Many would rather keep on being spoon-fed everything from their daily bread to the ideas in their heads, than fend for themselves.
โEven in a down economy, there are problems to be solved and value to be created.โ
Absolutely.
I find the packaging and selling of my awesome problem-solving skills the difficult part of the equation. I can’t seem to find out what problems people need solving in my area of expertise, so I don’t know what kind of targeted offers to make.
I have the idea to offer a small handful of more well-established business owners a free “beta test” consulting service in which they can present any problems related to my broad niche and I will have my best shot at solving them, and see which questions are most frequently asked.
What do you think of this idea, and what do you think would be the best way of approaching potential beta-testers?
[Heather’s REPLY]:
Hi Nicole,
Yes, it seems that finding the audience is always the biggest part of the challenge.
I like your idea, but just for clarification — is the “beta test” to get testimonials and connections for further clients, or did you have another strategy in mind? Basically I’m all for offering free samples, but the whole point if you want to make it part of your business model is to be able to sell something later down the road.
If you have that part in place, then I would seek out some of the most visible and well-known professionals and send them to a webpage that details out exactly what you’re offering, and why you’ll give it free as a beta test. Tell them that you’d like to get a testimonial from them if you like the service, or whatever you have in mind.
If you don’t know who those people are, look for authors on Amazon that have written books on the topic, and check the reviews. Then look up their personal or business websites, or see if you can find them on Facebook etc.
Good luck with it!
Heather
Yes, besides getting it clearer for myself what products and services to create and to offer, I’m of a mind to ask for testimonials.
Making a special webpage for the purpose sounds like a great idea.
Thank you for the tips! ๐