Entries by Brian Ahearn, CMCT®

High or Low? Comparing Makes it So!

William Shakespeare penned this famous line in Hamlet, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Two people can experience the very same thing and one person views it as good while another person sees it as bad. This happens because when we make judgments about good and bad we’re making […]

Correct Ways to Respond to “Thanks!”

I thought it only fitting to share some ideas about the right ways to respond to “Thanks,” seeing as this week Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving. A theme I repeat during the Principles of Persuasion workshop is this – small changes can make big differences. How you respond to “thank you” seems like a small thing but it […]

The Overwhelmed Brain – An Interview

Earlier this month I was the podcast guest on The Overwhelmed Brain: The Journey to a Stress-Free Life. The site was recently started by Paul Colaianni. Paul and I have been connected through social media for several years. Paul’s fascination with psychology, self-help and his own personal journey led him to start The Overwhelmed Brain. […]

Hey, it’s The ASSMAN!

I love Seinfeld. It’s like Bugs Bunny, it doesn’t matter how many times I watch the show, it is always funny, and I catch little bits of humor I missed before. One of my favorite episodes is “The Fusilli Jerry.” In that episode a subplot takes place when Kramer accidentally gets the personalized license plates […]

A Good Way to Spend a day in November

  This month’s guest post comes from South Korea’s Hoh Kim. I met Hoh in early 2008 when we went through the Cialdini Method Certified Trainer® training week together. In addition to his CMCT® Hoh also has his masters in communication from Marquette University. Find out more about Hoh by visiting his website, TheLab h, and his blog, Cool […]

They’re Among Our First Words

  If you’ve raised kids then you’ll surely remember the first words spoken by your children. For many the first word was “mama” or “papa.” I’ll bet a couple of words that followed rather quickly were “no” and “mine.” The picture is clear – your cute, cuddly, loving child gives you a defiant stare one […]

LinkedIn Endorsements: Reliable or BS?

  If you’re on LinkedIn then no doubt you’re familiar with the relatively new feature where you can endorse someone for his or her skills and expertise. This feature is akin to Facebook’s “Like” option. Not too long ago I connected with someone on LinkedIn who I’d previously had no interaction with whatsoever. The person […]

Persuasion isn’t One of the Seven Dirty Words

The late comedian George Carlin had a hilarious routine about the seven dirty words you couldn’t say on television. I won’t repeat the seven words, but I will say this; persuasion wasn’t one of those words! Having shared that, I realize some people link persuasion to sales and therefore have a negative reaction to it. […]

Influencers from Around the World – Child-Like Influence

It’s always a treat to hear from Australia’s only Cialdini Method Certified Trainer® Anthony McLean. Anthony is the founder of the Social Influence Consulting Group. I follow him on several social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter) and can tell you he’s doing outstanding work! If you’re a parent you’ll really appreciate this week’s post. […]

What Would You Do?

  At the last supper the apostle Peter said to Jesus, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” Jesus told him, “I tell you the truth. This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” Peter protested, “Even if I have to die with you, I […]