7 Sneaky Psychological Hacks That Can Help You with Your Business - A Mentalist's Perspective

“Give your business a competitive edge and increase your chances of success.” Read what an Alberta-based mentalist has to say.

As a professional mentalist and magician, my entire career revolves around not only understanding human psychology but also how to manipulate it. And every year, I get to flex my psychology muscles and show off in front of crowds at company events, holiday parties, and more. And there are a few things I hear at these events often:

“Man, can you teach my sales guys how to get inside someone’s head?”

“You should come to work for us!”

“I wish I could do what you do…it would make my job so much easier!”

From influencing people’s decisions to swaying opinions, there’s no denying the power that a little bit of psychology can wield. And not only can understanding human psychology be helpful to a mentalist on stage, but it can also be incredibly beneficial when it comes to succeeding in the business world.

So today, this magician will be sharing seven sneaky psychological hacks that can help you take your business game to the next level. So, buckle up and get ready to learn some powerful mental tricks that can help you stand out!

1. Use cognitive dissonance to your advantage

Cognitive dissonance is when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs or values. This can be discomforting or conflicting, and people will go to great lengths to resolve this conflict.

You can use this to your advantage by creating messaging that triggers cognitive dissonance in your target audience. For example, you might highlight two common problems that your audience is facing (like, say, a lack of time and lack of money) and then frame your product or service as the solution to solve both of these problems. And who wouldn’t want that?

2. Harness the power of social proof

Here’s the scenario: you want to buy a new coffee maker.

So, you hop on Amazon and find a few you like. But, to make sure it’s a good deal, what do you do? You check the reviews. Then, you buy the one with the best rating.

Or, a company is selling a hoodie through social media advertising. You’re on the fence until you see someone pop up on a video saying, “This is the comfiest thing I’ve ever worn!” Boom. You’re convinced. Add that hoodie to your cart!

You’ve just experienced social proof.

Social proof is the idea that people tend to follow the actions of others, especially when they are uncertain about what to do. So, why not leverage social proof to make your product or service more appealing to potential customers? This can include testimonials or reviews, highlighting social media followers or subscribers, or even showcasing your company’s awards or accolades. By doing this, you’re sending a clear message that others have tried and enjoyed your product or service, which can lead to increased trust and a higher likelihood of conversion.

3. Trigger the scarcity effect

“There are only five left in stock.”

“This early bird pricing is only available until the end of July.”

I’m not even selling you anything, and I bet you’re already feeling stressed.

People tend to place a higher value on things that are scarce or in limited supply – this is known as the scarcity effect. As a business owner, you can use scarcity to your advantage by creating the perception of limited availability for your product or service. This might include offering a limited-time discount or sale or even announcing that a certain product is running low in stock. By doing this, you’re creating a sense of urgency around your offering, which can be a powerful motivator for consumers.

4. Master the art of storytelling

At its core, marketing is all about telling a story. As a business owner, it’s your job to craft a narrative that resonates with your target audience. By using storytelling techniques, you can create an emotional connection with your customers and establish your brand identity in their minds. This might include using relatable characters, weaving in emotional themes, or even focusing on your company’s origin story. By tapping into the power of storytelling, you can create a lasting impression on your audience and build brand loyalty.

A MASTER at this is Apple. They don’t tell you about the features of their products. They tell a story so you know how their products will make you feel.

5. Create a sense of reciprocity

Reciprocity is the idea that people feel compelled to give back when they receive something valuable. So, try offering something of value to your target audience. This could be as simple as a funny video, a free lesson or trial, or even sending a personalized gift to a loyal customer. By doing this, you’re creating a sense of goodwill and building trust with your audience, which can pay off in the long run. And your clients and customers will be more likely to return the favour.

6. Leverage the power of authority

People trust experts.

And you are the expert in your business. So, why not position yourself as a person of authority?

There are lots of ways you can do this…including things like creating content that showcases your expertise, highlighting any certifications or awards you’ve received, or even partnering with other well-respected brands or individuals. Even your demeanour and confidence can go a long way.

And, as an added bonus, if your clients and customers see you as the go-to person, you’re building a reputation as a trusted source of information, which can lead to increased credibility and sales.

7. Use the anchoring effect to your advantage

The anchoring effect is the idea that people’s judgment can be influenced by the first piece of information they receive. As a business owner, you can use this to your advantage by anchoring your pricing or product specifications. For example, you might list a high-priced version of your product first, which can create a “premium” perception in the minds of your customers. This can help justify higher prices for your other products or services, making them more appealing in comparison.

By using these sneaky psychological hacks, you can give your business a competitive edge and increase your chances of success. From leveraging the power of social proof to tapping into the scarcity effect, each of these tactics can help you stand out in today’s crowded marketplace. So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing some of these strategies in your business today and see the results for yourself. Remember, a little bit of psychology can go a long way.