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Years ago I switched to a left-handed mouse. 

It occurred to me that using my right hand was inefficient: I'd have to stop writing or typing, move my hand to the mouse, click what I needed, and then return to the keyboard or pen. Meanwhile, my left hand sat idle.

We often do things because they seem natural or conventional. But in doing so, we miss other resources, opportunities, and answers.

This principle applies to understanding customer behaviour too. 

The prevailing...

Should you use emojis in business communications?

Yes, but only in a specific way . 

In this clip I explain new research on why emojis increase persuasion but only if you use them correctly.

This is a sample from Just Do This, my program that tells business owners exactly how to use behavioural science to get better results.

You get over 70 instructional videos, templates, scripts, a podcast and time every month with me. 

When it comes to behaviour, why guess when you can...

I’m sure you know all about scarcity – the principle that people are more likely to act when time or stock is limited.

That's the first behavioural technique editing software VEED have used in this screen:

They’ve included a countdown to create a sense of urgency to sign up.

Because…and here’s the important second bit…if I don’t, my video will be deleted!

And that’s the second psychological principle they’ve used here: Loss...

Cooking shows are seductive.

But they’re also a lie.

They don’t show you the preparation.

They don’t show you the cleanup.

Behavioural science can seem seductive, too.

You read a book or watch a clip and it seems so simple. Fast results! Easy fixes!

But try to do it yourself and suddenly reality dawns.

To really impact behaviour you can’t just throw some ingredients in a blender.

You need to go to cooking school.

Image by Mohamed Hassan from...

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...

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...

How to deal with painful people using behavioural science.

Behavioural expert Bri Williams takes you through the three types of painful people you are likely to encounter in business: People pleasers, Know it alls and Obstinates.

People pleasers bulldust, Know it Alls bamboozle and Obstinates bulldoze!

The transcript and full video is available exclusively to Just Do This members. Find out more here.

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You might also find interesting:

• How to communicate with "idiots"
• What to say to...

It was an absolute delight to have Bora Ergor interning with me this year.

Bora is a very talented psychology student at the University of Strasbourg and together we worked across a range of assignments.

In this video Bora talks us through what his research unearthed as well as tips for people seeking to intern.

We cover what behavioural science says about:

• How to optimise your online presenting presence and overcome Zoom fatigue
• Framing  and use of language i.e. knowing...

What can an expert in evolutionary psychology tell us about presenting? Lots!

In this episode of Talking Talks Bri speaks with psychologist and head of Behavioural Science at Ogilvy, Sam Tatam.

We talk about why everything is selling, why gaps are essential in your presentation (leave space in the mousetrap), why you should watch yourself on mute, maximising the pixels in a virtual presentation and similarities and differences between client work and keynotes. Oh, and why Sam wants...

When presenting, how can you make your audience feel?

In this episode of Talking Talks Bri speaks with stand-up comedian and behavioural scientist George Elerick.

We talk about how human universals can connect us with an audience, why it's good to start with the end in mind, George being an empathetic extrovert and huge fan of provocation, word choice and how to use behavioural science in presentations.

We struggled with a wobbly internet connection between LA and Melbourne for this one, so...