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How to hold someone's attention?

We keep hearing attention spans are getting smaller.

So in an email, presentation or social media post, how do you keep them curious long enough to do what you want them to do?

The good news is that people will stay interested if they stay curious, and to do that, there are four ingredients.

It needs to be something they don't already know but WANT to know.

And…

They need to be certain they'll get an answer but UNCERTAIN about what the answer...

Research confirms what you may already know to be true.

People are more likely to spend refunded money.

Let’s say you return a $100 jacket. According to Yu, Cryder and LeBoeuf (2024)  you are more likely to spend that $100 refund on a discretionary purchase than if you’d received the same amount as either income, an unexpected windfall or even a tax refund.

That’s because the money has already been designated as ‘spent’.

It feels like free money...

Should you promote that something is new? Like under new management or a new product release?

In this video I share:

• new research on 'revision framing';
• whether people prefer something new over a functionally superior option; and
• how customer expertise changes things.

This is a sample of content from the Just Do This small business program. Find out how you can join.

You are busy. I get it. 

Now you can get behavioural lessons wherever you are and whenever it suits!

I've turned core lessons from Just Do This into a podcast that can be listened to from your favourite podcasting app, like Apple and Google podcasts.

It's exclusive to Just Do This members as part of their membership - there's no extra cost.

Just another reason to join Just Do This.

Sill not sure? Have a look for yourself with free access for 24 hours...

Get...

Help me spread the word about Just Do This and earn commission!

I'm a solopreneur so it helps when people who like what I do share it with others.

When you become an Affiliate you not only get access to special discounts to offer your contacts but earn 10% of any sale.

You don't even have to be a Just Do This member yourself to sign-up.

This is perfect for accountants, lawyers, IT specialists, designers, or anyone who has small business...

When it comes to influencing behaviour of customers and colleagues, there are a lot of things you can do. But there’s also a lot of things you shouldn’t do.
 

1. Don’t make things pretty, make them effective

Too many businesses prioritise aesthetic over efficacy.

For example, websites with call-to-action buttons that match their brand. I get it! Brand guidelines are important. We want our businesses to look well considered and professional.

The problem when everything...

When it comes to pricing options, how different should the prices be?

Should your most expensive option be a little bit pricier than the middle option, or a lot?

Should your cheapest option be super low, or closer to the middle?

In this video, behavioural expert Bri Williams shares how to price your product options to influence customers to buy.

More about Just Do This: www.briwilliams.com/about-just-do-this

How to overcome the biggest objection of all?

I’m not talking about price!

I’m talking about incumbency.

The ‘we’re fine with what we’ve got’ or what we’re doing as your customer swats you away, like an annoying little fly.

In my latest video I explain what to say to get your customer's attention and listen to what you have to say.

This is a sample of content from my Just Do This membership program. Find out how you can join here.

Do you have an 'um-ing' habit?

Perhaps you equivocate a lot, like saying something 'might' work rather than it 'will' work?

If you do, is this turning your customers and colleagues off?

In sample video from my online membership program, Just Do This, I share how these hedges and utterances impact how people perceive you.

And guess what? The news isn't all bad!

Hear me explain:

- The two types of hedges, and how to combine them to sound more persuasive; and

- How um-ing can actually help,...

I was watching the popular TV series Lego Masters, and something one of the contestants said really got my attention.

Welcome to Focus On, a focus on a specific topic, business or issue for the month.

So what did she say that captured my attention?

“I’m just terrified I have spent this time building something that now won’t be used. I don’t want that to be wasted building time”.

This is the “sunk cost fallacy” - the predicament we find ourselves in...