Have You Fallen for These Business Jedi Mind Tricks?

Running a successful business isn’t all about making sales and boosting the bottom line; it’s also about people skills. When it comes to meetings, conversations, and negotiations, there are plenty of psychological tips you can employ to gain the edge. Below we’ve listed a few of our favourite Jedi mind tricks for business – but have you ever fallen prey to them?

When first meeting someone, repeat their name

There are few things as awkward as forgetting somebody’s name in the middle of a conversation. Sure, you might be able to muddle through, but if you downright get it wrong, it can be a huge black mark for a potential business relationship. To give yourself the best chance of success in any conversation with a new person, try to repeat their name as much as you can in the first few minutes of meeting them. This will cement the name in your mind, and prove to them that you’re paying attention.

When negotiating, don’t break the silence

You may have heard the phrase “He who speaks first, loses” at some point – and it’s based in solid logic. Whether you’re negotiating pricing for a new deal or something more small-scale, the concept remains the same. If you’re the first person to lay your cards on the table, you’re essentially sealing your fate, at least to some extent. By allowing the other party to vocalise some numbers (or other important info) first, you’re putting yourself in the power position. So keep shtum!

Nod more when looking for positive responses

If the answer you’re looking for is ‘yes’, it’s vital that you remain aware of your body language in conversations. If you come across as negative, by shaking your head or folding your arms for example, you may be subconsciously influencing the other person. But luckily, this works both ways. The next time you’re after a positive response, try to nod as much as you can. Don’t go overboard, of course, but naturally include as many nods as you can, and you may find things go your way more easily.

Don’t neglect the power of eye contact

Few things convey a lack of confidence more than avoiding someone’s gaze. Whether that’s a kid who has scraped his dad’s car or someone trying to sell an insurance policy, the logic holds true. When you’re trying to influence a discussion to go in your direction, be sure to maintain eye contact with the other person wherever it makes sense to do so. This will convey confidence and prove that you really do mean what you say. Your body often does far more talking than your words ever could.

So, have you fallen for any of the above, or are you too strong for such weak-minded follies? Whatever the case, if you’re looking to gain an edge in business, CRM is a great place to start. Explore the AutoVu platform on our site today, or call our friendly team on 0845 474 8824. No Jedi mind tricks, we promise.