Does reverse psychology help power-driven, strong-headed entrepreneurs?

Strong-headed entrepreneurs are so passionate about their work, they’ll do anything to convince their customers that their product or service is the best.

An effective salesperson knows that the best way to sway a customer’s opinion is a strategic mix of honesty and reverse psychology. In fact, psychology has a lot to offer when it comes to married entrepreneurs becoming successful in the business world. From stroking a customer’s ego to revealing simple truths about your competition, there are plenty of ways you can use the human mind to your advantage. Here is a look at reverse psychology and how it helps entrepreneurs to make their decisions.

What is reverse psychology?

Reverse psychology refers to the persuasion technique that involves making someone believe one thing with the hopes or intentions of making them do the opposite.

For example, say you leave a letter on the counter of your home. The letter contains a list of things you wish your romantic partner would stop doing. Such as leaving their dirty socks in the living room. On the letter, you write, “Secret! Do not open!”

The letter instructs your spouse not to open the letter, even though you secretly want them to read it. This simple reverse psychology will work since your partner will find the mystery and secrecy of the note too enticing not to inspect.

How can mind games and reverse psychology help entrepreneurs?

There are many avenues of psychology that can help entrepreneurs close sales and build trust with their customers. Reverse psychology helps entrepreneurs, and these are some of our favorite methods to use.

1. Loss aversion and psychology

Loss aversion is a psychological mindset where people are more likely to experience satisfaction from saving money than they do by earning it. For example, a woman who finds $20 on the ground will experience a lower sense of satisfaction than someone who saves $20 on a product.

People are more passionate about saving money than they are about earning it. Because of this emotional mentality, it’s beneficial for you to remind your customers what they gain by buying your product or using your service. Along with telling them the benefits of your service, remind them what they will be missing out on if they go with a lower-priced competitor.

2. The scale technique

Ask your customers how they rate a product on a scale from 1-10. Of course, it is your goal to get them to give a higher number since the more satisfied they are with a product the more likely they are to buy it or offer repeat business. If they answer “6”, give a small reaction of surprise and say you assumed they would say a lower number.

How does this reverse psychology work? By saying you were surprised they chose a “higher” number, they will likely begin explaining themselves. They may begin to tell you all of the good points about the item or service that made them choose the number they did. The more they talk positively about the product the more they will sell themselves on the idea of buying it.

3. Be the opposite of pushy

The more personable you are with a client or customer, the more comfortable and trusting they will feel. One way to have clients build confidence in you is by giving them a way out.

For example, if a client is ready to buy you may offer them a way out such as saying, “You can buy it now if you like, or you can go home and think about it.” By maintaining a low-pressure attitude you will create trust between you and your client and make them believe you have their best interest at heart.

4. Limited availability

Tell your client that the product has limited availability. The idea that something might become sold out makes people more eager to buy. Of course, it is always important to be honest with your clients no matter what avenue of reverse psychology you are using to help close a sale. People can sense dishonesty. Do not say that your product offers X, Y, or Z, if it does not. Instead, use reverse psychology as a natural way to help clients convince themselves to close a sale.

A business needs to have clear goals for it to succeed. (Source)

Clear goals of an entrepreneur

Reverse psychology helps entrepreneurs only when they have clear goals in mind. One goal may involve finding financial backing is a huge part of being an entrepreneur. You may also use your own funds to support the launch of your business or product, however, many find it beneficial to seek financial backing from grants, crowdfunding, banks, or venture capital funding. Here are other goals that an entrepreneur should strive to reach.

Launching a product or business

As an entrepreneur, you want to launch your product, business, or start your company. This is the first goal of your entrepreneurial career. It starts with an idea and then moves towards the following things-

Maintaining a work/marriage balance

One of the goals of a married entrepreneur should be to ensure you are maintaining a healthy work/relationship balance. Your spouse is proud of your passionate drive and entrepreneurial spirit, but they need your time and attention, too.

Being an entrepreneur means a lot of time is spent on brainstorming and looking for financing your project. This can mean working all hours of the night. This is all a part of the process, but be careful not to alienate your partner or make them feel as though they are no longer a priority for you.

Set a quiet hour where you do not check your smartphone or computer. This will let your mate know that they have your undivided attention during this time. Also, make sure you are maintaining at least one date night a week with your spouse so that you can stay physically and emotionally connected. This is also a great way for you to de-stress from work.

Increasing sales

Once your product or company is launched, your next move is to generate sales. These will help you earn revenue for day-to-day living as well as give you funding to put back into your business.

Having a beneficial online presence

Social media plays a huge part in business and marketing these days. Having a clear online presence helps you spread the word about your business or product and lets people know what your vision is all about. It is also beneficial for networking and seeking out funding.

(Featured image by fizkes via Shutterstock)

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DISCLAIMER: This article expresses my own ideas and opinions. Any information I have shared are from sources that I believe to be reliable and accurate. I did not receive any financial compensation in writing this post, nor do I own any shares in any company I’ve mentioned. I encourage any reader to do their own diligent research first before making any investment decisions.