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Use Power Words to Maximize Profits |
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| Publisher: |
Jo Mark |
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2007-09-18 |
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Whether you realize it or not, making a purchase is an emotional activity. When you browse among a number of sale items, most people will choose the product that makes them feel the best. The key word is FEEL. The way you feel is an emotion. A few examples of emotional responses are: happy, sad, cozy, secure, etc. An item for the home might be purchased because it matches the surroundings perfectly and brightens the room (it makes you feel cheerful). Sitting on that sofa is so comfortable and cozy (secure). The car you are considering will impress the neighbors (proud). People buy things to satisfy their emotional needs. Some words or phrases cater to these emotional needs more than others. Use these emotional trigger words in your titles, ads, emails, and sales pages to encourage people to buy. As proof, from which ad below would you prefer to purchase: Ad 1) Sale, sale, sale! Free bonus – today only! Get a brand new XYZ Fishing Rod. Buy today and get our exclusive important fishing guide – Who’s catching What and Where. This handy guide is included Absolutely FREE! Easy Low Payment, Free shipping, Fast delivery! Your complete Satisfaction Guaranteed or your money back – no questions asked! Ad 2) XYZ Fishing rod with fishing pamphlet – no charge to ship. Both of these ads are selling the same thing. But, if you were like most people, you would prefer to buy from ad number 1. In that ad, all of the key words in the list below are used. Try using some of these words in your ads, sales pages, and emails and watch your sales increase! 1. Use the word "important" in your ad. People want important information that could change their life. 2. Use the word "guaranteed". It is reassuring to know that they are not risking their money buying a product that they won't like. They like to have some recourse if they are not happy. 3. Use the word "fast". People like immediate gratification and want fast results, fast delivery, fast ordering, etc. We value our time more than our money. 4. Use the word "easy" in your ad. We like things that are not difficult. People like easy methods, easy instructions, easy to use, easy payments, etc. 5. Use the word "free" in your ad. Everybody likes a free incentive to do business with you. Offer free ebooks, downloads, reports, etc. Please excuse me now; I have to finish up here. You see, I saw an ad for one of those new XYZ Fishing Rods that I’ve just GOT to order…
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Related Article:Use Power Words to Maximize Profits |
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Craig Harrison |
2006-12-14 |
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Title: Magic Words: What Words are Music to the Ears of Your Customers?
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Let's face it, some words have magical powers. Just as "Open Sesame" magically opens the door to a new world, so too can other words and phrases have similar effects on your customers and clients. This month we look at the power of words to create trust, allegiance and commitment in our customers and clients. Opening the Doors to Success Sometimes it’s the pleasant words we hear as doors are opening, that make a difference to customers. For Nancy Graham of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, who comes to San Francisco four times a year, it's the words "Welcome Back to Campton Place Mrs. Graham, we've missed you!" that make her feel special. Then the hotel doorman inquires about her family as he opens the door to another wonderful stay at this celebrated Union Square hotel in San Francisco. Whether customers are greeted at the door, clients are welcomed over the phone or upon arrival at functions, those initial words are music to our ears. Research tells us we like the sound of our own names. Are you greeting your new and returning customers with favor and delight? If not, why not? It’s neither hard nor expensive. Missing in Inaction Recently I dined at one of San Francisco's finest French restaurants. My companion and I had been looking forward to this night for weeks. Our night arrived, as did we, dressed in our finest attire. We drove up, I gave the valet my car keys and we entered the restaurant. And then…nothing. Nobody to greet us. Nobody to seat us. We were left alone at the front door. Diners at many tables glanced our way, and returned to the comfort of their meals and mates. As guests, we were made to feel awkward, out of place and inconsequential. Finally, a passing waiter, with plates akimbo, smiled and promised that someone would be right there to greet us. Establishments know that they must manage the entire experience of their patrons, from the initial phone call to the follow up after an interaction or event. Sometimes a few well-chosen words of ours can assuage customers' feelings, inducing comfort and care on the part of their clientele. Develop key phrases to help your customers feel comfortable about their relationship with you. Bad Form…Customer or Teller? I was at a bank recently when a teller abruptly pointed out "you forgot to fill out your deposit slip correctly." I suddenly felt as though I were back in grade school. Her words stung like a bee. Her remark felt so judgmental. If only she'd said "let me help you complete this" or even "don't forget to fill in today's date." She was so busy judging me she forgot to partner with me for a successful transaction. In most service situations our customers are looking for help, assistance and perhaps some guidance. It wouldn't have been hard for this teller to achieve the same result, a properly filled in transaction slip, without alienating her customer. Mouthing a few choice words isn't enough. They must be genuinely meant. To utter phrases without heartfelt thoughts behind them rings hollow with others. Sincerity matters. So try to let your body language, eye contact and gestures reinforce the sentiment you are expressing. In part, that helps these comforting words become magical. Even on the telephone or via e-mail, you can convey care, concern and sincerity. Consider these phrases which bring comfort, smiles and satisfaction to your customers' ears: "We can fix it." This tells your customers that you are solution oriented and partnering with them for success. "We're sorry for your inconvenience." These magic words show awareness and concern for your customers. "Consider it done!" Tells customers you are there for them, protecting their interests and serving their needs. "We're delighted to serve you." Shows your organization values their patronage. "Thank you for choosing us. It's our pleasure to serve you." Shows you are indebted to your customers. "Please let us know what else we can do to make your experience a pleasurable one." This phrase shows your availability and accountability to your clients. By being receptive you show a confidence in serving others and managing your client relationships effectively. "Welcome back. We've missed serving you." We cherish long term relationships and relish your repeat business. These aren't words like the phrase Robert Redford used in the movie The Hot Rock, when his utterance of "Afghanistan Banana-Stand" put bank personnel into a trance. What gives your words magical powers are the thoughts and care behind them. These words engender trust. These phrases build allegiance and strengthen commitment. When you're prepared to walk your talk your customers will magically reappear again and again. Treasure your customer exchanges and you and your customers can share the reward of repeat business.
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Dr. Doug Fullington |
2008-02-20 |
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Title: The Power of Words
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The ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus wrote, "Words are the physicians of a diseased mind." I use spoken words every day to help my patients learn how to improve their health and their lives. Have you ever paid attention to how words impact you? What do the words you speak and hear mean to you? More importantly, how do the words you say to yourself affect you? Famous Quotes Words have the power to heal, the power to destroy, and the power to change the world. Consider the following famous words and how they changed history. "I have a dream..." "We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal." "Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." "If you tell a big enough lie, and you tell it frequently enough, it will be believed." Self Talk for Success The most powerful words of all are the ones you say to yourself everyday. Specifically, I mean the self talk or conversation that you have with yourself throughout the day. Have you ever stopped to listen to how you talk to yourself? I have noticed that people say things to themselves that they would never say to someone else. Things like "I'm fat," or "I'm not smart enough to do that." It's rare for people to give themselves compliments-we are our own harshest critic. Words have tremendous impact on your health. Do you ever hear yourself say, "I don't have time to exercise," or "Just one more won't hurt"? Do you frequently say "I'm tired" or "I'm stressed"? Words like these create the emotion or feeling that you would have if the words were true. These emotions lead to the actions reflected by your feelings, which then reinforce the feelings. If you say you are tired, then you will begin to feel tired. Feeling tired leads to sluggish behavior which generates fatigue rather than vibrant energy. What you focus on grows. If you focus on feeling unhealthy then you will tend to have unhealthy behaviors that follow. Program Your Health with the Right Words The words you use are like computer code that becomes the software of your mind. You program your behavior with your words. If you don't like the results that you are getting in your life, you simply need to change the software by reprogramming your mind. It takes time to work out the bugs in a program, but the goal is consciously to decide what you want, use words and thoughts consistent with that desire, and then began acting on the thought. For example, if you want to be thin, you first need to change the words you use. Stop saying and stop thinking "I'm fat." Replace that thought with "I enjoy being a healthy weight" or "I am enjoying the process of becoming thin." Expand on this by changing the conversations in your head about food and exercise. Cultivate self talk that leads to healthier thinking. Think, "Healthy people eat vegetables instead of cake," and "Thin people exercise most days of the week, so I will go to the gym today." Squash all thoughts that are contrary to your goal and cultivate those that lead to healthy behaviors. Start thinking of yourself as a healthy person, start speaking healthy words and then take healthy actions. You may republish and distribute this article as long as you include the following: Dr. Doug Fullington is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with a busy practice filled with wonderful patients. He is passionate about helping people learn how to Achieve Maximum Health. You can learn more about how Dr. Fullington can inspire you to maximize your health at www.drdougfullington.com.
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Mark Crisp |
2007-11-07 |
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Title: Maximize Stock Profits: Hold The Winners And Cut Laggards And Losers
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When the stock market marches into record territory like it has been, it's tempting to take some shares off the table. The prudent investor, it's been said, will sell his losers and keep his winners. To maximize stock profits, the goal is to keep profits from the winners. Holding onto losing positions, or worse, adding to them, can put a dent in those profits. Some stocks may not rise along with their sector, or the market in general. If buyers don't appear in a stock in a rising market, it might be a good idea to get out and allocate the money elsewhere. So hold the winners and cut laggards and losers. The hardest part of investing is deciding when is the perfect time to buy or sell a chosen stock. Timing is everything in the stock market, especially when you are a small investor looking to maximize stock profits. Different people subscribe to different methods or systems for their investing patterns, but there are certain key signals you should always watch for when investing. Investors seek every clue and advantage to know when it is best to buy or sell, and many canny stock traders watch volume. Volume is a simple matter of the total shares traded during a single market day. Modern technology tracks trading volume minute by minute in real time and some use this routinely. An investor can seize an opportunity by using signals like volume because they telegraph changes, and increasing volume is linked to price volatility and the greater the volume, the more likely the prices will also be extremely increased or decreased. If you want to maximize stock profits, try scaling in and out of positions. So instead of purchasing or sell a whole position simultaneously, buy a partial position as the stock's value increases and begin to sell parts of it again as the stock's value falls. This is a safer way of investing. You know that you will make money on the way up, and you won't get caught in a really extreme turn of bad luck by holding on to a particular stock for too long. Today's bull market conditions provide lots of high performing stocks to choose from. Getting in on a stock at the right time can have a large effect on the amount of profit realized by the investment. The road to riches will be much easier to traverse if you are careful in your observing of volume signals and day to day activity in trading. Maximize stock profits by selling loser stocks and keeping winners. Gut laggards that fail to grow in the sector or the whole market. Timing is everything. Watch for certain key signs when investing, like watch volume. Increasing volume usually mirrors increasing volatility in price. Huge volume days can signal a near term high or low in price. Carefully watch volume signals and daily trading activity to make the best profit possible. Another way to maximize stock profits is by scaling in and out of positions.
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Siripong Roongruangsuwan |
2007-06-15 |
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Title: Success in Pay Per Click Advertising - 5 Models to Maximize Profits in PPC Search Engine Marketing
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Truly, with the proper combination of affiliate marketing strategies, you will generate massively an affiliate commission online in your affiliate marketing business. You will maximize your return on investment in pay per click (or PPC) advertising with those utilization and combination. You will discover and learn the example of affiliate marketing business models to show you the power of strategies combination in affiliate marketing business. There are many business models to maximize your profits online and allow you to earn huge of money on the internet. In this article, you will discover and learn 5 affiliate business models in pay per click search engine marketing to earn huge affiliate commission and grow your home based affiliate business. 1. PPC - Merchant Site. Basically, this approach is the easiest affiliate marketing strategy to earn commission online. You can start earning affiliate commission in PPC online advertising by: (1) joining the affiliate programs and getting the affiliate links (2) signing up the PPC search engine account and (3) creating PPC online advertising campaigns with those affiliate links. It is used to drive directly visitors from pay per click (PPC) search engine, like Google Adwords, Overture and MSNAdCenter, to merchants' website. The approach is suitable for testing the new affiliate products in your affiliate marketing business only. With the niche keywords, this technique is a great way for testing whether those new products can be sold in the markets. You can not maximize profits online and earn huge commission with this approach. The purpose of this approach is to test driving traffic to the merchant sites. It will be perfectly fit for new products entering into the markets. You can easily setup your PPC advertising campaigns for testing those new products. Obviously, you can use this technique only for testing those products to evaluate whether it can be sold or not. 2. PPC - Review Page - Merchant Site. The next affiliate business model is to provide quality contents along with the product reviews in the review web page. You should consider creating your own review page. This is one of the most popular affiliate marketing business models for affiliate marketing entrepreneurs. Also, it is an effective way to convenience the visitors with the contents, before they make any purchases. You can drive visitors from PPC search engine to your review page directly. Within the review page, you can give high quality content and unbiased products reviews. Also, you can embed the affiliate links into the review page in order to drive forward your visitors to merchants' website. The purpose of this approach is to drive quality content to your visitors before they will make any purchases. It can be used perfectly when you have profitable several affiliate products at the same time. Otherwise, it can be used if you ensure that those affiliate products are profitable. 3. PPC - Review Page - Tell a Friend - Merchant Site. This approach is applied the concept of viral marketing strategy in order to spread your review page or website to other people. The viral marketing strategy is one of the quickest approaches to increase your reputation, creditability and reliability. It is all about the "Word of Mouth" strategy. The "Tell a Friend" script is a great example of viral marketing strategy and it can be used perfectly for this business model. With this script, your review page will be sent out to other people quickly, like a virus. After sending to the other people, it will redirect your visitors to the merchants' website for selling further. The purpose of this approach is to spread out your review page, where the content is, to other people quickly and massively as much as possible. With the "Tell a Friend" script, your web page will be sent massively out as soon as possible too. 4. PPC - Squeeze Page - Review Page - Merchant Site. Another great affiliate marketing business model is to combine both of email promotion internet marketing, review page approach and back-end selling process. You can drive visitors from PPC search engine to a squeeze page, which is a web page used for capturing visitors' personal information. When you capture completely the personal information in the squeeze page, it will redirect your visitors to the review page where you can give them the product recommendation. Finally, it will lead your visitors to the merchants' website for purchasing purpose from the review page. There is doubt that the combination of email promotion internet marketing and product review approach is used for utilizing the power of back-end selling process. You can sell other affiliate products to those visitors or even your existing buyers in the future. You can follow-up them about the products or services. This will create the impressive to your customers or potential buyers. 5. PPC - Squeeze Page - Tell a Friend - Review Page - Merchant Site. The last affiliate marketing business model is the best approach for affiliate entrepreneurs to earn huge affiliate commission and maximize the power of several affiliate marketing strategies in this article. Obviously, you can insert the viral marketing strategies, particularly the "Tell a Friend" script, in order to spread out to the world. You can redirect from your squeeze page to the web page with the "Tell a Friend" script, before forwarding to the review page, where the content is, and merchant site respectively. The purpose of this business model is used for affiliate marketing entrepreneurs who want to increase massively profits online through the affiliate products. With the power of emails, viral marketing strategy and product review approach, you will maximize return on investment and profits in PPC online advertising for your home based affiliate business. Final thoughts, the inside secret of affiliate millionaires to your success in those business models is to drive high quality traffic through hot niche keywords with low competitors from PPC engines. Without the appropriate techniques in PPC online advertising, you can not maximize your profits online with those above business models in the affiliate marketing business. Learn more secrets of how to become a wealthy affiliate millionaire through PPC online advertising. You will discover up-to-date affiliate information, top profitable recommended online affiliate marketing programs, do effective research, improve continuously your home based affiliate business, learn how to make big money online from home over $5,000 a day and participant with other successful affiliate marketing entrepreneurs. You will discover great tips on internet affiliate marketing for your highly successful. Also, you will save your time and money for your trial & error. Join now - get the full access to unlimited business and revenue ideas, detailed reviews of your sale letter, candid critiques of your website design, traffic campaign strategies proven to attract buyers and tricks to increase your sales by 400% or more! You will discover and learn proven moneymaking secrets to instantly increase your sales over $10,000 per month or more! Read more valuable articles, news and up-to-date information about home based affiliate business at: http://www.zMillionDollars.com/blog. You will discover a wealthy of informative about how to start, build, run and grow your home based affiliate business. About The Author Siripong R. or zMillionDollars is a recognized authority on the subject of building super-profitable pay per click campaigns. His website, www.iPayByClick.com, provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you'll ever need to know about pay per click advertising. Free special reports at: www.iPayByClick.com/free-report. *Reprint Policy: Reprint in full with writer's name, contact information, active links and brief bio.
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Don Price |
2006-12-14 |
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Title: Make Millions With Word Power
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It’s amazing just how powerful words are and how little we recognize there enormous power to influence us. Scientific research, over and over again, validates the power of words to seduce our every action. In the minds of children words can surface in later years, bringing with them scars of horror or bliss and happiness and all the while not knowing there origin. John Steinbeck’s observation was as he wrote: "These words dropped into my childish mind as if you should accidentally drop a ring into a deep well. I did not think of them much at the time, but there came a day in my life when the ring was fished up out of the well." Unquestionable published research, in journals, technical papers and the indisputable proof found in sales and marketing, show that words have tremendous power. Why then do we find it so shocking that the average person has little understanding of how they impact our thinking and actions? You are about to discover, in this article, the power of words and move beyond popular misconceptions about hypnotic communication. Deeply embedded in the minds of many people is the notion that hypnotic communication is cleverly concealed in the body language of a person as if they were swinging a magical gold watch to get someone to go into a trance. Unfortunately conceptions or misconceptions are equally among the well-educated as with the uneducated. Many unsuspecting people are exposed to communication techniques that are clearly structured in the exact same way hypnotists use to put their subjects into an alter state of mind. For the unwary listener the communication may or may not have the rhythmic sound or monotone a hypnotist would use. Nevertheless they get charmed into the offering of the communicator. Other factors such as confidence, voice, and body language play a major role in influencing others – however, as you will read, the real power comes from words and how the words are strung together. As you move beyond the sensationalism, experienced while watching a movie or a television show, you’ll discover that every day words strung together have power - both fascinating and frightening. Leaving all disagreements to the experts, about the perfect definition of hypnosis, there is little to argue about as to the structure and key components. You could say that all communication is hypnosis. Arguably however, all hypnosis is communication and communicating a message hypnotically bypasses the listeners’ conscious defenses. Structure is the key: Hypnosis is a part of everyday life and is clearly evident in daydreaming or what many would call spacing out. You may best understand it as a silent committee meeting actively going on inside your head (silent self talk). Master communicators such as politicians, sales and marketing people are highly skilled at mesmerizing others. They can have you falling in love with a product by stringing the right words together – firing off the imagination of that committee meeting in your mind. Here are several examples of hypnotic communications: Look closely at the unsuspecting structure of how a sales person would communicate a message that would hypnotically bypass your conscious defenses. Sales person’s communication may go like this: • When you own this home you are going to love holding her in you arms, late at night, while sitting by this fireplace. You’ll cherish the wonderful memory for a life time. • Imagine coming home on a cold winter night and snuggling up in front of the warmth of this fireplace. • You are going to be very excited about the safe performance of this car and what it can do for you. Classical Hypnosis may go like this: • As you relax more deeply on the object you’re on it will begin to feel like you are floating back deeply into a wonderful journey. • You’ll soon discover that your mind will readily absorb all the positive suggestions that I have given you just like sponge absorbs water. The structure is the same in the sales communication and classical hypnosis but the content and verbal suggestion is quite different. All the suggestions set up expectations in the mind of the listener. Our imaginations fill in the blanks as to what the expectations are. The choice of words and the order in which you use them has the power to change how people think and influence their actions taken. If the sales communication was spoken in this manner: • After you buy this house the fireplace will be an asset on a cold winter night. The statement is cold, dry and gives little expectation to the imagination. As a direct verbal suggestion it’s a big drain for the imagination to try and figure out what the salesperson means by asset. Where as in the hypnotic communication above the listener was given several key post hypnotic suggestions. Opening up the imagination with the words such as home, snuggling up, warmth and holding her, allows the mind to spiral off into deeper fanaticism while entrancing the listener. Direct verbal suggestions are the most commonly used by people but not necessarily the most powerful way to communicate. Example: Direct Verbal Suggestion • Get out this week and cast your vote for prop xxx. You will make a difference. Example: Hypnotic Verbal Suggestion • When you vote this week, for prop xxx, you’ll be proud of making a positive impact and difference in how your money is spent for the education of children. The key is to understand the psychology of verbal suggestions. Plant them well into your communications in a nearly invisible way so that your customer cannot resist their own imagination. It truly doesn’t matter what you are selling. The most powerful and persuasive words in the world will have little effect if not set up in the proper structure. ******************end******************
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Stan Swanson |
2008-05-04 |
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Title: Power Words: How to Make Your Song Lyrics Stronger
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All songwriters struggle with their lyrics to their songs from time to time. It's one of the "hazards" of the trade. And many times we settle for words that aren't what we mean or don't carry enough punch. Even songwriters whose strength is their lyrics don't always take the proper amount of time to choose their words carefully. The solution to this problem is to use words I call "power words". These are words that instantly paint a picture the moment you hear them. They are words that demand your attention and make you sit up and take notice. They are the words that make your song more than just ordinary. And isn't that what we all strive for? Power words are words that are meant to inspire whether it is the songwriter coaxing the muse out of the closet or the listener placing a new release in the CD player. They are the words that make your song stand out from the pack. (Of course, this applies to other styles of writing as well whether you write poetry, fiction or even non-fiction. There is always a place for power words in any writing style.) Power words convey strength and character. They are usually nouns, but can also be adjectives or adverbs. If you were using power words to describe a person, these would be words like radiant, robust, dashing, charming and charismatic. Power words, however, don't need to be positive words. Descriptive words like monster, shocking, gruesome and hellish are also power words. Words like "beautiful" or "ugly" aren't power words in my dictionary of songwriting definitions. Which sounds better: "she's beautiful" or "she's enchanting"? Enchanting, of course, is a much better choice. It says so much more. And "he's grungy" or "he's grotesque" is more powerful than "he's ugly". A good definition of a "power word" is a word that when written, read, spoken or heard immediately suggests something extraordinary. They are words that startle or inspire or make you vividly see something. Magic, for example, is a power word. When you hear the word it is like, well... "magic". No doubt about it. A word like refrigerator is not a power word. Castle, crystal, heaven, hurricane, guillotine and vagabond are all power words. Lawnmower, microwave, garage, doorknob and pencil are not. See the difference? Now I'm not saying you couldn't write a song about a lawnmower or a pencil, but they certainly aren't power words. Fill your songs (or your poetry or short story or novel) with power words and good, original metaphors. Paint images as if you were an artist putting brush to canvas. You are not simply picking words at random. You are painting with words. Don't settle for a two dollar word when there's a hundred dollar gem waiting for you to discover it. You can also use power words in a free association exercise to create your next song. It's simple. Take a blank sheet of paper and jot down several power words at random around the page. Next add a few solid, descriptive verbs. (By this we mean to use verbs like "soar" instead of "fly" or "screamed" in place of "said".) Add a few adjectives and/or adverbs on the page and, presto, you have the beginnings of your next song. Take a good look at the sheet of paper and draw connecting lines between words that seem to go together. You might be surprised at what you can come up with using this simple exercise. Power words are the foundation for your songs. Use them as much as you can. Make them part of your title and/or hook so that your song gets noticed. Read through your finished lyrics and replace weak words. Don't be afraid to use a thesaurus. It's not against the rules of songwriting. After all, there are no rules in songwriting! Sit down with pen in hand and create your own "power word" list. It doesn't matter if you're trying to write a song or not. Keep these words and ideas in your notebook. If you don't have a notebook, you should. Keep it handy at all times. You never know when you might require a title or hook for a song you'll be creating weeks, months or even years from now. (Power words also make great names for bands, musical groups or titles for your next CD!)
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William Frank Diedrich |
2007-02-15 |
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Title: The Power of Your Words
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Most of us underestimate the power of our words. We sometimes miss how our words set a tone. A few words can make someone's day, or shatter it. Words can inspire someone to buy, or to go away without buying. Our words can move someone to do their best work, or to work against us. Your spoken words serve either to build up or to tear down. They serve to empower and inspire, or to disempower and hurt. Words are either life affirming or destructive. For this reason we should choose our words carefully. "The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human...like a sword it has two edges, your word can create the most beautiful dream, or your word can destroy everything around you." (The Four Agreements, Don Miquel Ruiz) When you are talking to someone ask yourself this question: "Who am I being and what is the impact of my words on the people around me?" The power of your words lies in the intention behind them. Is it your intention to create a resolution or to be right? Do you intend to help the organization accomplish its mission or to satisfy the need to take someone down? We communicate best when we are clear about who we are and what we intend. This kind of clarity prevents us from saying words that are harmful to ourselves and others. It may prevent us from engaging in harmful gossip and complaining. Gossip is usually destructive. It is often a careless use of our words. We just aren't thinking about how we are affecting others. Sometimes gossip is mean spirited and intended to cause hurt. Whether gossip is careless or intentional, it causes pain. We may be hoping for a little humor or self justification, but the results of gossip are anger, suspicion, embarrassment, and fear. These creations of gossip negatively affect morale, service, and productivity. You cannot both care about someone and gossip about them. If you think back to the last time you either heard or offered gossip, it probably didn't make you feel good. Gossip disempowers us. Similar to gossip is chronic complaining. Complaining about people and situations makes us feel and look powerless. Managers who complain in front of their employees lose credibility as leaders. Chronic complaining leads us into a dead end street where there is nothing to be done. We become victims who are powerless to change anything. While venting frustrations to a trusted friend can be helpful in releasing negative feelings, complaining to everyone tends to reinforce negative feelings. Like gossip, chronic complaining disempowers us. Our power to do harm is exceeded only by our power to do good. A simple, sincere apology (given without expectation of return) can heal a relationship. An uplifting word at the right moment can change a life, launch a career, or convince someone to go beyond perceived limitations. By consciously looking for evidence of greatness in others, and by using our words to tell them, we help others to build confidence. When we sincerely speak well of others we uplift ourselves. There is great power in making the commitment to keeping our words as positive and life affirming as we are able. As an affirming presence our influence grows. We feel better about ourselves. Constant negative speech imprisons us and prevents us from finding joy and success. Developing the habit of speaking well of self and others frees us to enjoy life more. We become a blessing to ourselves and to others. Our spoken words originate from our thoughts. The best way to increase the positive power of our spoken words is to clean up our thinking. We must become willing to think well of ourselves. Constant self criticism needs to become unacceptable. We free ourselves to think and speak well of others by thinking well of ourselves. Consider practicing the following: • Affirm life in your thoughts and your words. (To affirm life is to build up, to nurture, to support, and to bless) • Refuse to gossip. Commit to saying only words that are uplifting or helpful to others. • Refuse to listen to gossip. Compassionately tell others it is beneath them to gossip. • Refuse to indulge in complaining about another person. • Refuse to dwell on self critical thoughts. Learn from mistakes and move on. • Intentionally look for positive qualities to think about yourself. Make a list often. • Intentionally look for positive qualities in others. Tell them. • Don't take the words of others personally. Their words are more about them than about you. Let go of your grudges and your hurts and wish others well. This practice will make you happier. • Do not allow negative emotion to control you. Accept it. Be willing to let it go. Stop feeding it with negative words. Choose words that will refocus you on who you are and what you really want. Gossip and complaining are distractions and a misuse of your energy. Decide what you really want and apply your energy to it. As you become more life affirming in your thoughts and words you will experience more joy and success, and your sense of well-being will affect others. More people will trust you and want to help you. Your life will change. Affirm life with your thoughts and words and you will find that your organization, your family, your community, and you will benefit greatly.
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Craig Harrison |
2006-12-14 |
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Title: Magic Words: What Words are Music to the Ears of Your Customers?
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Let's face it, some words have magical powers. Just as "Open Sesame" magically opens the door to a new world, so too can other words and phrases have similar effects on your customers and clients. This month we look at the power of words to create trust, allegiance and commitment in our customers and clients. Opening the Doors to Success Sometimes it’s the pleasant words we hear as doors are opening, that make a difference to customers. For Nancy Graham of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, who comes to San Francisco four times a year, it's the words "Welcome Back to Campton Place Mrs. Graham, we've missed you!" that make her feel special. Then the hotel doorman inquires about her family as he opens the door to another wonderful stay at this celebrated Union Square hotel in San Francisco. Whether customers are greeted at the door, clients are welcomed over the phone or upon arrival at functions, those initial words are music to our ears. Research tells us we like the sound of our own names. Are you greeting your new and returning customers with favor and delight? If not, why not? It’s neither hard nor expensive. Missing in Inaction Recently I dined at one of San Francisco's finest French restaurants. My companion and I had been looking forward to this night for weeks. Our night arrived, as did we, dressed in our finest attire. We drove up, I gave the valet my car keys and we entered the restaurant. And then…nothing. Nobody to greet us. Nobody to seat us. We were left alone at the front door. Diners at many tables glanced our way, and returned to the comfort of their meals and mates. As guests, we were made to feel awkward, out of place and inconsequential. Finally, a passing waiter, with plates akimbo, smiled and promised that someone would be right there to greet us. Establishments know that they must manage the entire experience of their patrons, from the initial phone call to the follow up after an interaction or event. Sometimes a few well-chosen words of ours can assuage customers' feelings, inducing comfort and care on the part of their clientele. Develop key phrases to help your customers feel comfortable about their relationship with you. Bad Form…Customer or Teller? I was at a bank recently when a teller abruptly pointed out "you forgot to fill out your deposit slip correctly." I suddenly felt as though I were back in grade school. Her words stung like a bee. Her remark felt so judgmental. If only she'd said "let me help you complete this" or even "don't forget to fill in today's date." She was so busy judging me she forgot to partner with me for a successful transaction. In most service situations our customers are looking for help, assistance and perhaps some guidance. It wouldn't have been hard for this teller to achieve the same result, a properly filled in transaction slip, without alienating her customer. Mouthing a few choice words isn't enough. They must be genuinely meant. To utter phrases without heartfelt thoughts behind them rings hollow with others. Sincerity matters. So try to let your body language, eye contact and gestures reinforce the sentiment you are expressing. In part, that helps these comforting words become magical. Even on the telephone or via e-mail, you can convey care, concern and sincerity. Consider these phrases which bring comfort, smiles and satisfaction to your customers' ears: "We can fix it." This tells your customers that you are solution oriented and partnering with them for success. "We're sorry for your inconvenience." These magic words show awareness and concern for your customers. "Consider it done!" Tells customers you are there for them, protecting their interests and serving their needs. "We're delighted to serve you." Shows your organization values their patronage. "Thank you for choosing us. It's our pleasure to serve you." Shows you are indebted to your customers. "Please let us know what else we can do to make your experience a pleasurable one." This phrase shows your availability and accountability to your clients. By being receptive you show a confidence in serving others and managing your client relationships effectively. "Welcome back. We've missed serving you." We cherish long term relationships and relish your repeat business. These aren't words like the phrase Robert Redford used in the movie The Hot Rock, when his utterance of "Afghanistan Banana-Stand" put bank personnel into a trance. What gives your words magical powers are the thoughts and care behind them. These words engender trust. These phrases build allegiance and strengthen commitment. When you're prepared to walk your talk your customers will magically reappear again and again. Treasure your customer exchanges and you and your customers can share the reward of repeat business.
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Kurt Mortensen |
2006-10-05 |
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We know certain words have more pull than others, but who would have thought that simple words like "because" and "and" would have the power to move mountains? It is best to assume that with spoken language, simple is better than complex. Since we are unable to recapture or replay our spoken words, we hope that they will be correctly interpreted the first time they are heard. Unfortunately, spoken words can be the most misread and misinterpreted form of communication, and therefore, can be a great hindrance to effective persuasion. In a study by Langer, Blank, and Chanowitz, researchers found certain word choices could influence people to act against their own self-interests. The researcher would approach a copier where a long line of students stood. She would try three different word choices at different times to see how the other students would respond to each request. She didn’t change what she was asking, only the word choice. When she said, "Excuse me, I only have five pages. May I use the copy machine because I am in a rush?" 94 percent complied. When she said, "Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the copy machine?" 60 percent complied. But when she said, "Excuse me, I have five pages. May I use the copy machine because I have to make some copies?" 93 percent complied. The magic was in the word "because." Even when she used an obvious reason, for example, just to make copies, she had a higher compliance. The word "because" is very powerful. "Because" prepares the mind for a reason. Even if the reason is not legitimate, it is still a reason. Perhaps one of the most valuable words to learn how to use is "you." When you use the word "you" instead of a more general word like, “people," there is a stronger sense of identity. Your listener will be more tuned in to what you are saying. On the other hand, the one word that will impede your ability to persuade is "but." "But" negates everything you said before it. We all know the drill, "I love you, but…"or "I want to help, but…." The word "but" puts the brake on persuasion. Practice your vocabulary and use the word "and" in your persuasive communication instead of "but." Another simple change is to use the word "can" instead of "could." For example, say "Can you carry this for me?" instead of "Could you carry this for me?" Similarly, it is better to use "will" than "would" and better to use "try" than "do." Often in day-to-day living we find ourselves in circumstances where we need to direct, delegate, or even order. Usually our assignments are just short sentences, such as "Can you please do this or that?" You can create unity and alliance and lessen defensiveness when you use "let’s" in place of "you," even when that individual, not you, is really going to be the one carrying the duty out. For example, "Let’s be sure and get this out in the mail today, okay?" It’s such a simple thing, yet you will find it works wonders. Make a habit of using the word "let’s," and you will find more cooperation. Following are some simple guidelines to keep your speech and verbal packaging on the right track. * Don’t use jargon or technical language unless you are sure every member of your audience understands the meaning. * Don’t use profanity or slang. In general, using profanity damages your credibility.8 Be sensitive to whatever language your audience might find offensive, profanity or otherwise. Avoid name-calling and other forms of abusive language. * Speak in everyday language. You want your audience to relate to you and to feel as comfortable with you as possible. Use language that will make you seem familiar and easy to follow. * Keep your language simple and clear. * Keep your sentences short. Use as few words as possible unless you are painting the picture--just one idea at a time. * Use words that will engage the audience. Use "you," "we," "us," and even "I" if you are relating a personal experience. * Don’t use vague and abstract words. They muddle your meaning and confuse your listener. * Don’t talk down to your listener by using pompous and pretentious words. Be direct; don’t bluff or beat around the bush. * Use verb-driven language. By using verb-driven language, you will arouse a greater sense of action and motivation. Using these kinds of verbs will make your statement more convincing because your audience will engage their emotions, consciously and subconsciously. Verbs that are abstract or overused do not communicate excitement. With so many words in the English language to pick from, you must be very particular about which ones to use. Some will grab attention more than others. The following sixteen words are commonly used to effectively sell a product: 1. Benefit 2. Money 3. Easy 4. New* 5. Free* 6. Now 7. Fun 8. Proven 9. Guarantee 10. Results 11. Health 12. Safe 13. How to 14. Save 15. Love 16. You/Your Among all those on the list, the word "free" always gets attention anytime it is used. Suppose you were in charge of designing and wording the fliers your company is planning to send out in three weeks. Which phrase would you use? 1. Half price! 2. Buy one--Get one free! 3. 50 percent off! Each of the three denotes the exact same offer, but the second phrase is the most effective. In fact, studies have shown that phrases using the word "free" outsell other phrases stating the exact same thing, only in different terms, by 40 percent!
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Tyler Benson |
2006-10-18 |
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Words possess magic power over us. They make all the difference in our life. That is why we should devote enough attention to the words we say to each other. This article deals with the words that are light and sparkling, bright and shining. They are the most long-awaited words compliments. So, if you want to praise someone or just say something pleasant, mind some rules. Avoid generalities. We all consider ourselves to be unique and special. That is why saying some general thing about the person may be negatively accepted by that person, inasmuch as he or she will feel being underestimated. Try to be quite specific when communicating with anyone. It is good if you manage to remember some little details from previous conversations and then ask something relevant. It demonstrates your care and attention. Point out something particular and specific and explain why it has impressed you so much. Such attention is sure to touch the heart and even mind of everyone.
Find what you really like. It gives you three advantages: you will be sincere in your praising; you will get to know this person closer. Besides you will never be mistaken as you express only your own opinion. It is always easier to say what you really think and feel rather than being dishonest and saying something you do not truly believe in. If you get acquaint with some person and find that this person has, for example, some nice feature or you might be impressed by his or her dress style, do not hesitate to say it aloud. However, mind etiquette rules. Do not be too assertive when saying compliments of such kind and think well to whom you say compliments. Maybe the atmosphere is too formal for doing things like that, that is why you have to consider all factors.
Use "open" sentences. Open questions involve the person into the conversation and make him a participant of the discussion. Very often people tend to speak more than listen; they enjoy being in the centre of discussions, expressing their viewpoints and sharing their thoughts. On the contrary, they ignore others and do not feel like listening. That is the option which leads to failure, inasmuch as a person you are talking to also wants to express personal attitudes and thoughts. Find the feature overlooked by the others. Every self-respectable person knows his strong points and to hear you repeating it will not get him interested. That is why try to find really specific traits of person and speak aloud about them. Pay attention to character features: People are more pleased when surroundings value their character traits and intellectual skills, but not only their appearance. It is indeed so. Everyone likes if someone speaks about his unique sense of humor.
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