How to persuade in the month of January

What you must know when

"Selling in the Month of January"

a PROFESSIONAL INFLUENCE lesson in calendar influence

HOW TO INFLUENCE IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY!

What is important to the professional persuader in January is that we understand the changes our clients are experiencing. When the clock struck twelve on December 31st, people all over the world cheered and wished each other a Happy New Year. For our clients, this was more than a flip of the calendar page. People changed, even if temporarily.The start of a New Year creates a shift within all of us. The conscious mind becomes painfully aware of the previous years failures. In an effort to sooth the pain, we vow to change. As of right now, 85% of Americans have made a list of New Years resolutions. For this reason, New Years symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. New Year's resolutions are a bit like babies: They're fun to make but extremely difficult to maintain.

(Note; The PROFESSIONAL INFLUENCE system directly opposes the notion that New Years resolutions work. Past articles reflect our belief that the unconscious mind rejects this type of goal setting. For more information on a better, and FREE, alternative to New Years Resolutions, simply send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

The exciting thing for those of us that make our living influencing others, and who doesn't, is the fact that our clients are more open to "change" than at any other time of the year. This is huge. Call everyone you know and tell them that this should, could and better be your best month of the year.

There is an awareness that

If nothing changes, then nothing is going to change.

 Additionally, the prospect just had time off from work and school to allow for reflection. Perhaps spending time with friends and relatives that they may not see often throughout the year. This will often put people in a reflective mood that tends to open them up to new possibilities.

IF PRESENTED CORRECTLY, our prospects will be open to making decisions that they have been avoiding for months. Our products and services need to be framed in a way that will highlight how we are different than what they have done in the past. The key phrases for this month are:

"Different"

&

"We've changed all that!"

The more you use these phrases in the month of January, the more attractive your offering will be to the prospect.

Make sure to link your products/services to New Years resolutions. According to surveys, the following are the top ten resolutions made by Americans:

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others show that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family/friends this year. Is there something your product or service can do to allow for the client to have more quality time with family and friends? If so, this MUST be emphasized!

2. Get Fit

This translates to wanting to look good to others. People want to impress those around them. Does your product or service help people look better (status) to their peers? Can a new car, timeshare program, or other possessions create the feeling of looking good to the neighbors? If so, be sure to explain how.

3. Quit Smoking

This one is pretty much pass/fail. If you are selling a "stop smoking" program than cool. Otherwise, read on.

4. Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. How can your offering improve the overall quality of life for the customer?

5. Quit Drinking

Nothing like a world class hang over on New Years day to instill a "No more drinking" resolution.

6. Get Out of Debt

Money was a source of stress last year. Rest assured that 4 out of 5 clients, will have gone deeper in debt in 2010 than the previous year. ANYTHING YOUR PRODUCT DOES THAT CAN HELP WITH FINANCES MUST BE HIGHLIGHTED.

7. Learn Something New

Have you vowed to learn something new? Apparently you are not alone. Americans, this time of year, want to learn a new language, discover a new career or a host of other changes. Notice a common theme here? CHANGE! Real students of Time Line Selling® know that they must fill this hunger for change with their products/services.

8. Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Does your company give a portion of its profits to the community, local charity or other worthy cause? If so, now is the time to feature this in your presentation.

9. Get Organized

Does your product or service offer the client a chance to be more efficient? If so, this will be very attractive to the prospect. Most everyone feels that they could be more organized than the previous year. Sales of day planners, calendars and time management software are at their highest in January. Make sure that your prospect understands that by investing in your product, they are making a decision to be more organized.

10. Take a vacation

People always say they are going to travel and don't. January, is the month for new hope. Make sure to emphasize how your products and services can help people travel. Based on what you sell, this might be a bit of a stretch. You will have to help the client connect the dots here but then again, we are sure you can make the needed connection.

CHANGE NOW!

People, this time of year, are in a hurry to get quick results. Because of this, they will be motivated to take action. That is, if you frame your presentations correctly.  Take a little time now, and notice that you can make a few adjustments to your presentation that will help you be more persuasive.

Have a great week of influence!