Emotional or Rational
People whether they admit it or not are not rational beings, especially when it comes to buying things and following things of interest. They are led with emotion. I know.. I know.. you guys think you are strong and would not fall for the emotion. But you too are led by emotion. As an example, picture yourself driving down the road in your own classic midnight blue convertible, top down, fancy blue-rays on, lumbering down a remote hi-way, on a sunny day. Now most guys would think this is cool. I know I would. So let’s examine what buying decision went into purchasing that vehicle? Was it because you could get fresh air? Air conditioning works great in my estimation. Was it because it was fast? Last I looked you can’t drive faster than 65 MPH in most places. Was it because you consider the older vehicles to be more dependable? Well today’s cars are much more dependable. The real reason… It’s because it looks cool! It’s because you can use is to attract the opposite sex and maybe get lucky! It’s because you like the rush of being pushed back into your seat when you accelerate. It’s because you like the idea of having everyone envious of you. It’s because you like to have people think your rich. It’s because you want people to think that the vehicle is just simply an extension of your personality, sleek, exotic, sporty, open, attractive, and sexy. So don’t tell me you’re not emotional. These are far from rational.
If you understand emotions you can find their triggers.
Stories
So why this little story here? Well people like to read about stories. And because they are emotional beings, they like to relate to stories and put themselves in the story. They like to compare themselves and they like to find people who are just like them.
The other benefit of using stories is that it helps your Personal Brand. Letting others know some of the emotional things that make you tick, and conveying stories about life, your family, your dreams, your plans, helps people relate to you. People like to know that there are people just like them. So remember, people love stories.
Conclusion
So in your Blog posts, your copy, and your email campaigns if can weave stories into them you will garner their attention much better than if you are more expository. Now this isn’t the easiest thing to do if your topic is something technical but if you can at least convey some of the benefits and consequences for not acting into a story line, you will have their attention.
Your story! That is IT! I can’t tell you how important this is! You know why? Because I often forget that part in my marketing. That’s why. I remember I hear it and have heard it often. This time I am going to remember. I got a great story.
and By the way, I AM a rational being.
.-= Patrick McIntosh´s last blog ..World Cup Group E for EVERYBODY! =-.
I’d like to see a picture of your convertible then… LOL
Chris, I couldn’t agree more. I’m willing to bet that 95% of what everyone does is emotionally based. I know I’m guilty, that’s for sure. But hey, I gotta be me. Nobody else is gonna do it!
And you know what else draws people in… descriptive phrases. Like “walking really slowly” or “it was the biggest hamburger”. Old school salesmen called it “painting a picture”… and you don’t have to be selling anything other than a good story.
.-= Debbie Lattuga´s last blog ..Gratitude Walk =-.
So true Debbie, Well said. Everybody loves a story.
Thanks for the comment.