Have you heard about the psychological principle of commitment and consistency?
If not, heres what it means in a nutshell:
As soon a person commits to an action (no matter how tiny) that person feels compelled to continue to act consistently with that "first step" action.
But so what? How can you use commitment and consistency to generate cash flow into your business?
There are as many ways as your imagination can stretch.
But heres one easy-peasy way I#ve used the commitment & consistency principle with a prospective client.
The prospective client contacted me and said he was eager to hire me but he wouldn't be able to scrape my fee together for another 4-weeks or so.
He said, "Is that okay?"
I said, "Ok, but I am extremely busy so if you want me to take you for "real" theres a couple things you need to do:
1). Package up the product you want me to write for and ship it to me.
2). Send me a cheque for 20.00 pounds but DONT make it out to me. Instead make it out to So & So charity; and I'll forward the cheque on to the charity on your behalf."
Why did I do this?
Not because I wanted to look over his product (12 Internet Marketing DVDs) whilst waiting for my copywriting fee to arrive.
Also, notice I didn't ask him to make out a cheque in my name. That would have made me look like a money hungry cheapskate. Instead, I asked him to make it out to a local charity I support.
So, let's examine what happened:
I got him to commit to hiring me by sending me the product.
I also got him to commit to hiring me by sending a nominal amount of 20 pounds - which I forwarded onto a charity. This also leads to the consistency principle of him sending me my copywriting fee (i.e., I got him into the process of sending me money).
Also, by saying the money was going to a charity - it made it very difficult for the prospective client to decline without losing face. As my fee for his project was into the thousands of pounds; if he backed out from sending 20.00 he'd "show his hand" (by his actions) that he wasnt a serious prospect.
Anyway, long story short
The prospective client DID send his product and charitable donation; he DID hire me; he DID pay my full multi-thousand pound fee; and he WAS very happy with the results I produced for him.
I think the above illustrates a good lesson for any consultant / coach / copywriter etc., whose been let down by prospective clients who say they're serious but, only...
Play you like a fool.
The solution:
Get them to commit to sending you a cheque (for a nominal amount of your fee) made out to a charitable donation of your choice.
That will separate the talkers from the doers.
Try it!
Anyway hope you start thinking about how you can use commitment and consistency to your advantage and profit in business.
Warmly,
Michael Silk. The Cash Flow Generator. - 15634
If not, heres what it means in a nutshell:
As soon a person commits to an action (no matter how tiny) that person feels compelled to continue to act consistently with that "first step" action.
But so what? How can you use commitment and consistency to generate cash flow into your business?
There are as many ways as your imagination can stretch.
But heres one easy-peasy way I#ve used the commitment & consistency principle with a prospective client.
The prospective client contacted me and said he was eager to hire me but he wouldn't be able to scrape my fee together for another 4-weeks or so.
He said, "Is that okay?"
I said, "Ok, but I am extremely busy so if you want me to take you for "real" theres a couple things you need to do:
1). Package up the product you want me to write for and ship it to me.
2). Send me a cheque for 20.00 pounds but DONT make it out to me. Instead make it out to So & So charity; and I'll forward the cheque on to the charity on your behalf."
Why did I do this?
Not because I wanted to look over his product (12 Internet Marketing DVDs) whilst waiting for my copywriting fee to arrive.
Also, notice I didn't ask him to make out a cheque in my name. That would have made me look like a money hungry cheapskate. Instead, I asked him to make it out to a local charity I support.
So, let's examine what happened:
I got him to commit to hiring me by sending me the product.
I also got him to commit to hiring me by sending a nominal amount of 20 pounds - which I forwarded onto a charity. This also leads to the consistency principle of him sending me my copywriting fee (i.e., I got him into the process of sending me money).
Also, by saying the money was going to a charity - it made it very difficult for the prospective client to decline without losing face. As my fee for his project was into the thousands of pounds; if he backed out from sending 20.00 he'd "show his hand" (by his actions) that he wasnt a serious prospect.
Anyway, long story short
The prospective client DID send his product and charitable donation; he DID hire me; he DID pay my full multi-thousand pound fee; and he WAS very happy with the results I produced for him.
I think the above illustrates a good lesson for any consultant / coach / copywriter etc., whose been let down by prospective clients who say they're serious but, only...
Play you like a fool.
The solution:
Get them to commit to sending you a cheque (for a nominal amount of your fee) made out to a charitable donation of your choice.
That will separate the talkers from the doers.
Try it!
Anyway hope you start thinking about how you can use commitment and consistency to your advantage and profit in business.
Warmly,
Michael Silk. The Cash Flow Generator. - 15634
About the Author:
Michael Silk is an established expert in helping entrepreneurs, consultants and copywriters generate additional cash flow into their business. For a restricted time you can get a COMPLIMENTARY copy of Michael's book, Advanced Internet Cash Flow Strategies. Just click on: how to trigger fast cash flow surge into your business.
