Do you know about the psychological principle of commitment and consistency?
If not, heres what it means in a nutshell:
Once an individual commits to an action (no matter how small) that individual feels compelled to continue to act consistently with that initial action.
So what? How can you use commitment and consistency to generate an income stream into your business?
There's many ways.
But here's just one way I've used the commitment & consistency principle with a prospective client for my copywriting services.
The prospective client contacted me and said he was eager to hire me for my copywriting services but wouldnt be able to get together my fee for another 4-weeks or so.
He said, "Is that okay?"
I said, "Sure, but I am very busy and so if you want me to take you seriously theres a couple things you need to do:
1). Package up the product you want me to write for and ship it to me.
2). Send me a cheque for 20.00 pounds but DONT make it out to me. Instead make it out to So & So charity; and I'll forward the cheque on to the charity on your behalf."
Why do this?
Not because I wanted to study his product (12 Internet Marketing DVDs) whilst waiting for my copywriting fee to arrive.
Also, notice I didn't ask him to make out a cheque in my name. That would have made me look like a money hungry cheapskate. Instead, I asked him to make it out to a local charity I support.
So, to break it down:
I got him to commit to hiring me by sending me the product.
I also got him to commit to hiring me by sending a nominal amount of 20.00 pounds - which I sent onto a local charity. This also leads to the consistency principle of him sending me my copywriting fee (i.e., I got him into the "habit" of sending me money).
Also, by saying the money was going to a charity - it made it very difficult for the prospective client to decline without losing face. As my fee for his project was into the thousands of pounds; if he backed out from sending 20.00 he'd "show his hand" (by his actions) that he wasnt a serious prospect.
Anyway, to sum up
The prospective client DID happily send his product and charitable donation; he DID hire me; he DID pay my full fee; and he WAS very happy with the results I produced for him.
I think the above illustrates a good lesson for any consultant / coach / copywriter etc., who has been let down by prospective clients who say theyre for real but, only -
Just string you along.
The solution:
Get them to commit to sending you a cheque (for a nominal amount of your fee) made out to a charitable donation of your choice.
That will separate the talkers from the doers.
Try it and see!
Anyway hope you start thinking about how you can use commitment and consistency to your advantage and profit in business.
Warmly,
Michael Silk. The Cash Flow Generator. - 16463
If not, heres what it means in a nutshell:
Once an individual commits to an action (no matter how small) that individual feels compelled to continue to act consistently with that initial action.
So what? How can you use commitment and consistency to generate an income stream into your business?
There's many ways.
But here's just one way I've used the commitment & consistency principle with a prospective client for my copywriting services.
The prospective client contacted me and said he was eager to hire me for my copywriting services but wouldnt be able to get together my fee for another 4-weeks or so.
He said, "Is that okay?"
I said, "Sure, but I am very busy and so if you want me to take you seriously theres a couple things you need to do:
1). Package up the product you want me to write for and ship it to me.
2). Send me a cheque for 20.00 pounds but DONT make it out to me. Instead make it out to So & So charity; and I'll forward the cheque on to the charity on your behalf."
Why do this?
Not because I wanted to study his product (12 Internet Marketing DVDs) whilst waiting for my copywriting fee to arrive.
Also, notice I didn't ask him to make out a cheque in my name. That would have made me look like a money hungry cheapskate. Instead, I asked him to make it out to a local charity I support.
So, to break it down:
I got him to commit to hiring me by sending me the product.
I also got him to commit to hiring me by sending a nominal amount of 20.00 pounds - which I sent onto a local charity. This also leads to the consistency principle of him sending me my copywriting fee (i.e., I got him into the "habit" of sending me money).
Also, by saying the money was going to a charity - it made it very difficult for the prospective client to decline without losing face. As my fee for his project was into the thousands of pounds; if he backed out from sending 20.00 he'd "show his hand" (by his actions) that he wasnt a serious prospect.
Anyway, to sum up
The prospective client DID happily send his product and charitable donation; he DID hire me; he DID pay my full fee; and he WAS very happy with the results I produced for him.
I think the above illustrates a good lesson for any consultant / coach / copywriter etc., who has been let down by prospective clients who say theyre for real but, only -
Just string you along.
The solution:
Get them to commit to sending you a cheque (for a nominal amount of your fee) made out to a charitable donation of your choice.
That will separate the talkers from the doers.
Try it and see!
Anyway hope you start thinking about how you can use commitment and consistency to your advantage and profit in business.
Warmly,
Michael Silk. The Cash Flow Generator. - 16463
About the Author:
Michael Silk is an established expert in guiding entrepreneurs, consultants and copywriters generate additional cash flow into their business. For a limited time you can get a FREE copy of Michael's manifesto, Advanced Internet Cash Flow Strategies. Just click on: how to trigger fast cash flow surge into your business.
