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Reciprocity and Consistency Win Jobs Before Price Matters

⏱️ 40:54 🎀 Chris Elmore, Harold James Walker Jr., Alex Walker
AUDIO EPISODE
Reciprocity and Consistency Win Jobs Before Price Matters
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction & Influence
    Chris Elmore introduces the episode, focusing on continuing the discussion of the six principles of influence, specifically reciprocity and consistency.
  • 0:17
    Reading & Watching Now
    Chris and James briefly share what they are currently reading and watching, including books by Benjamin Hardy and the 'Red Rising' series, and shows like 'The Pitt' and 'The Bear'.
  • 1:23
    Reciprocity Defined
    Reciprocity is defined as doing something unexpected and personal for someone, creating an obligation for them to reciprocate, and emphasizing that it's not manipulation.
  • 2:00
    Reciprocity in Action
    The hosts discuss how actions like parking off the driveway and showing respect for property create reciprocity, differentiating between expected actions and those that truly add value.
  • 3:33
    Tipping & Negative Reciprocity
    Tipping is used as an example of ultimate reciprocity, and the concept of negative reciprocity is introduced through pet peeves during dining experiences.
  • 5:08
    Beyond Expectations
    They explain how going beyond expected service, like polishing what was touched, creates additional value and genuine reciprocity, even if the customer doesn't immediately notice.
  • 5:44
    Consistency Defined
    Consistency involves recalling customers to their previously stated beliefs or answers, using it as a tool to guide them towards decisions they've implicitly agreed to.
  • 6:27
    Consistency Examples
    Examples like a car salesman's questions and a homeowner's changing plans illustrate how asking clarifying questions leverages consistency to help customers arrive at conclusions.
  • 6:59
    Felt Need & Influence
    Reciprocity and consistency are linked as creating a 'felt need' in the customer's mind, emphasizing their use as ethical influence rather than manipulation, similar to parenting.

Speakers

C
Chris Elmore
Host
H
Harold James Walker Jr.
Host
A
Alex Walker
producer

Key Takeaways

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Always be the first to give: Offer unexpected and personalized gestures of goodwill to create a sense of obligation in customers.

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Show respect for property from the start: Actions like parking in the street and using floor savers demonstrate care, fostering initial reciprocity.

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Go beyond basic expectations: While some actions are expected, look for opportunities to provide 'additional value' that makes a noticeable difference, like polishing fixtures.

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Leverage the Socratic method: Ask open-ended questions that allow customers to verbally commit to their needs and preferences, which you can later refer back to for consistency.

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Address inconsistencies gently: When a customer states something contradictory, politely remind them of their earlier statements to help them align with their own stated goals.

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Understand the 'felt need': Both reciprocity and consistency create an internal drive for customers to act, helping them make decisions that are genuinely beneficial for them.

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Prioritize ethical influence: Use these principles to build trust and genuinely help customers understand and solve their problems, not to manipulate them.

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