FM Walsh & Associates Inc.

Influence Potential Consumers

This summer, I have found that persuasion and influence are key in any business relationship.  In the consumer world, companies often offer some sort of perk or promotion to encourage potential customers. The Apple ipod hook is a good case in point: when students buy a new laptop for school, they receive a “free” ipod.  

In his book titled “Influence: Science and Practice”, Robert Cialdini suggests the best way to get consumers to buy a product is to first offer a promotional gift and then sell the product rather than the other way around.  When a consumer receives such a gift, even as small as a pen or notepad, they feel a sense of obligation to buy the product, even if they dislike the company.  How could this strategy help you to gain more customers?  What small product could you give away to your future customers?  

-Katrina