Use the Power of Yes

People are much like freight trains. Sometimes it's hardsay no? If you're writing for alternative health you could
to get us started moving, but once we're going, it'ssay that we're all at great risk from the chemicals in
hard to stop us as well.our food, medications, and the environment. The people
That's why you should start your promotionalwho believe strongly in natural solutions will agree with
messages with questions and statements that causeyou wholeheartedly.
your readers to say "Yes." Once your prospects areFocus on your prospect
on a roll with "yes" answers or thoughts of agreement,Focus on your target audience - you can't appeal to
it becomes much easier for them to say "yes" to youreveryone. Don't worry about the others, because they
offer or to your request for donations.aren't buyers / donors anyway. You will never sell
Try to give them 2, or 3, or even 4 reasons to think orsteak to vegetarians, so if you're selling steak, focus
say yes, or to nod in agreement, at the beginning ofon what the steak eaters believe and don't worry
your promotion. And then do it again every time youabout the vegetarians!
see the opportunity.Some writers worry about stating the obvious - but do
How can you do that? One way is by asking if they'dit anyway. You don't need to go into detail, but when
like to fulfill a universal desire. For instance, most peopleyou make statements that your readers agree with,
would say yes if you asked "Would you like to doubleyou are setting them on the path of agreement. You're
your income?" (If you know some who would say no,starting a series of "yes" answers that can more
I'd like to meet them!)easily lead to that final "Yes" when you ask them to fill
You can also make a statement you're sure they'llout the order form or write a check for that donation.
agree with. If you're writing to raise funds forBefore you begin your next letter, e-mail, or persuasive
disadvantaged children you could say "Every childargument with your spouse, friend, or child, consider
needs a chance to reach his or her full potential in life."how you can start the "yes-ball" rolling. It works just as
Your readers will nod in agreement.well in personal relationships as in print, so next time
If you're selling a health product you could ask if they'dyou need to move someone to your point of view,
like to live a long life free from disease. Who wouldstart the discussion with a series of agreements.