photo by photosecosse

So, what’s the deal with the power of persuasion? Is it just a good business skill or is it manipulation?

Let’s talk about manipulation first. A typical sales pitch involves the motive to manipulate. It will look like a set up, and the one being set up will feel like a caged animal. The seller begins zeroing in on the potential customer’s pain. It starts as an introduction and a handshake. Then you pick up an on accent as your target begins speaking, or a ring he is sporting on his right pinkie – something that moves the conversation to a more personal nature.

This probing leads to what city the target is from, what he likes to do for fun, and what he wishes he had more time to do…until before you know it, the poor slob is bearing his vulnerabilities to the vulture. And then of course, the manipulator goes in for the kill.

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