The Cialdini Institute: Unlocking Your Powers of Persuasion

Four months ago, I introduced you to The Cialdini Institute, a groundbreaking venture dedicated to harnessing the power of the science of ethical influence. Since then, the Institute has been making waves in the world of influence, and today, I am thrilled to share more about our mission, the brilliant minds behind it, and the unique opportunities it presents for individuals and organizations.  

The Founders

The Cialdini Institute is the brainchild of Dr. Robert Cialdini and Bas Wouters, CMCT. We’ll get to why it was formed in a moment. For now, let me share a bit about Dr. Cialdini and Bas.

1. Robert Cialdini, Ph.D. Known as the “Godfather of influence,” Dr. Cialdini is the most cited living social psychologist in the world when it comes to the science of ethical influence. He was a professor Emeritus at Arizona State University where he taught for more than three decades. Together, his NYT bestselling books, Influence Science and Practice and The Psychology of Persuasion, have sold more than seven million copies worldwide!
2. Bas Wouters. Like myself, Bas Wouters is a Cialdini Method Certified Trainer. He coauthored the groundbreaking book, Online Influence., which shows readers how they can combine Dr. Cialdini’s work with various behavior models to help increase their influence in the digital world. Bas is the CEO at The Cialdini Institute. He was personally asked by Dr. Cialdini to head up the institute because of his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

Why was The Cialdini Institute Created?

There are three overriding reasons for the creation of The Cialdini Institute:

1. Global Demand: There was an overwhelming demand worldwide to access Dr. Cialdini’s insights and training directly.
2. Legacy Preservation: Capturing Dr. Cialdini’s wisdom on camera and continuously adding new material ensures that his legacy endures, benefiting generations to come.
3. Universal Skill-Building: Influence is a skill that transcends borders, and the institute aims to make it accessible to people across the globe on a grand scale

Prior Barriers to Learning Influence

In the past, if you wanted to learn the skill of ethical influence the Cialdini way, you had a limited number of options:

1. Reading Books: While Dr. Cialdini’s books are informative, implementing influence principles is not straightforward for most people.
2. Workshops in Arizona: Attending Dr. Cialdini’s workshops, held infrequently in Arizona, was a costly and time-consuming endeavor.
3. Certified Trainers: The limited number of Cialdini Method Certified Trainers around the world meant few opportunities for hands-on training.

Cialdini Institute Programs

The Cialdini Institute was designed to overcome these obstacles, making Dr. Cialdini’s work accessible to a broader audience. Here are the current offerings:

1. Cialdini Practitioner Program: Individuals and groups can take self-paced, online learning modules led by Dr. Cialdini himself. This program includes coaching follow-ups and live webinars with Dr. Cialdini.
2. Cialdini Certified Professionals: For those looking to dive deeper, this program provides additional training to become Cialdini Certified Professionals. Graduates can bring the workshop to their organizations or clients and coach them in the art of influence.
3. Cialdini Certified Agency: Advertising and marketing agencies can achieve certification as a Cialdini Certified Agency. Implementing scientifically proven influence techniques gives agencies a significant edge in a competitive industry.
4. University Partnerships: The Cialdini Institute partners with universities to offer practical, real-world influence training to students, enhancing their studies. 

Your Influence Journey

If you’re reading this, you’re likely eager to enhance your influence skills. There’s no better place to start this journey than The Cialdini Institute. If you’re curious to learn more about our offerings and how they can benefit you or your organization, I invite you to click here to set up a call with me. As a faculty member for the Institute, together we can explore how The Cialdini Institute can empower you to unlock the powers of persuasion in your personal and professional life.

Edited with ChatGPT

Brian Ahearn

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. 

An author, TEDx speaker, international trainer, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply influence in everyday situations to boost results.

As one of only a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers in the world, Brian was personally trained and endorsed by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.

Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time by Book Authority. His follow-up, Persuasive Selling for Relationship Driven Insurance Agents, was an Amazon new release bestseller. His latest book, The Influencer: Secrets to Success and Happiness, is a business parable designed to teach you how to use influence at home and the office.

Brian’s LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by more than 650,000 people around the world. His TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has more than a million views!