Summary for Busy Authors-----
This New York Times Best selling book is the third for this group of authors, who are researchers and consultants in business effectiveness. Their other two books, Crucial Conversations, and Crucial Confrontations, were also best sellers for good reasons. These gentlemen write very well.
I have read all three of their books but Influencer is my favorite. It is full of excellent information, fun to read, and sheds light on a topic that I would never considered before.
When we try to get someone to change, whether that means asking our child to pick up his dirty socks, asking a vendor to deliver items on time, or requesting that our coaching client take action on her goal, we are seeking to influence behavior. We also try to influence ourselves to exercise more, spend less, or break a bad habit. As we teach, train, encourage, coach, heal, write, speak, or engage in a conversation, we influence others, whether we realize it or now. The premise of Influencer is that we can learn skills to make our influence more effective.
All authors should read this book, especially the early chapters about the power of story. We write our books to help people change, to influence them to try new strategies, change behavior patterns, or dream bigger dreams. Listen to this and see how it applies to your book:
"To change minds and to change behaviors, people need to know only two things, 'Will this be worth it?' and 'Can I do it?"
What does that tell you about the information that you need to put in the early chapters of your book?
Stories offer hope, possible solutions, and a vicarious experience. As we put stories in our writing, we show that it is worthwhile and possible to do what we teach in our book. Stories are often more credible than facts or statistics. If stories have vivid details and concrete details, they create an empathetic reaction in readers, as if they were living the story personally.
While you may never climb a pyramid in the rain forest of Guatemala, if I told you my story of conquering my fear of heights on a rickety wooden ladder going up the side of an ancient Mayan temple on a sticky day, you would experience my terror and triumph as I made it to the top. You'd remember a time when you faced one of your fears and tap into your own strength and power.
That's the power of story.
The next part of the book outlines six sources of influence that impact motivation (Is this worth it?) and ability (Can I do it?)
Make the undesirable desirable
Harness peer pressure
Design rewards and demand accountability
Surpass your limits
Find strength in numbers
Change the environment
Not surprisingly, the authors use wonderful stories to illustrate all this concepts. In my opinion, the stories are the most important part of the book.
Like other business books, I found that the book got a little dull at the end. However, the early chapters are so terrific, that I read it all the way to the final page.
I highly recommend that all of you read this book, especially the first seven chapters. You will find rich material to help you design the message of your book, grow your business, and improve your own life. Most public libraries should have a copy so you do not have to buy it if money is tight.
As you read it, ponder these questions:
What do I want my readers to do?
How can I show them that it would be worth it?
What stories can I share to demonstrate that they can do the things I suggest?
What did I enjoy about this book?
How can I create an enjoyable experience for my readers?
www.synergyenergymarketing.com
Posted By: Pam Perry
Saturday, March 14th 2009 at 2:54AM
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