Brainfluence

Today’s guest is a repeat visitor to the show whose last episode proved to be one of our most popular. Dan Ariely is the James B. Duke professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University, and his work has long influenced the field of persuasion. Also the New York Times bestselling author of Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions and Payoff: The Hidden Logic That Shapes Our Motivations, Dan has convinced his readers—and listeners of his 2012 TED Talk—to look beyond logic when trying to communicate and persuade.

In this episode, Dan shares surprising truths about motivation and trust in work and society. Listen in to learn the most powerful ways to motivate people, what we should focus on in order to make people feel their work is meaningful, and more.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2C3SVcQ 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE195.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

We’ve all heard the claim that print is dead, but is that really true? In this special episode, our very own Roger Dooley discusses what research suggests about the ongoing print vs. digital debate. He also shares interesting information he has observed about how print and digital interact from the sales of his book, Brainfluence: 100 Ways to Persuade and Convince Consumers with Neuromarketing.

Listen in to hear the truth about what people truly prefer, as well as fascinating psychological concepts that come into play when dealing with print materials.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2jXpSxw 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE194.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Today’s guest is Tom Shapiro, founder and CEO of the branding, web design, and marketing agency Stratabeat, Inc. Throughout his career, Tom has developed marketing strategies for more than a dozen Fortune 500 clients, including AT&T, Hewlett-Packard, and P&G. He also served as Director of Digital Strategy at iProspect for five years, a time that saw the agency grow from 85 to more than 700 employees.

Tom’s marketing insights have been published in CMO.com, CNN.com, Forbes, and many others. His wisdom can also be found in his new book, Rethink Your Marketing: 7 Strategies to Unleash Revenue Growth.

In this episode, Tom discusses powerful and innovative marketing strategies, what it takes to increase revenue, and much more. Listen in to hear his tips and inspiring stories of what companies have done to explode their growth.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2nKEzbf 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE193.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

In this episode, we’ll hear from one of the top sales experts and trainers in the country. John Asher, CEO of Asher Strategies, learned about leadership and sales in an unusual place: the Navy, where served as captain of two nuclear-powered fast attack submarines.

After co-founding an engineering firm in 1986, John and his team grew the company at a compounded growth rate of 42% per year for 14 straight years. He later started a sales and marketing advisory business, training over 70,000 salespeople in 22 countries on his efficient and effective sales process to quickly close new business.

Now a #1 rated speaker for Vistage, a worldwide network of CEOs, John joins us today to discusses what makes a good salesperson, tips for building trust with prospective clients, and more. He also shares insights from his new book, Close Deals Faster: The 15 Shortcuts of the Asher Sales Method. Be sure to tune in and hear his expert advice.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2BEJIF0 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE192.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Today’s guest is the architect of seventy-seven business turnarounds over the past fifty years. Following early successes and troubles in his own professional career, Robert Thomas Bethel discovered his passion for taking over struggling businesses and guiding them toward profitability. Bob has turned around companies in diverse industries—from restaurant chains to engineering firms—and has helped save over ten thousand jobs as a result of his strategic business counsel.

In this episode, Robert shares insight from his new book, Strengthen Your Business: Fail-Proof Strategies from the Man Who Has Rescued 77 Businesses, which details the strategies he has used to fix businesses that owners thought were unfixable. Listen in to learn what you can do now to strengthen your business and prevent dire circumstances in the future.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2jp59RV 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE191.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

How often do you negotiate? Even if it’s not an essential part of your job, odds are you’re doing it more than you think. Whether you’re overcoming disagreements about schedules, asking for a raise, or even pleading with your toddler, the truth is that negotiations come up all the time. Today’s guest can help you negotiate more effectively in all of those situations and more.

Keld Jensen is a recognized expert in negotiation. Through his experience as CEO of several publicly traded Scandinavian companies, his participation in numerous start-ups, and as Founder and CEO of MarketWatch Centre For Negotiation A/S, he advocates changing the culture of dealmaking organizations in order to impact the bottom line and increase shareholder value.

Regarded as a thought leader in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, Keld has authored 24 books, including his most recent, Honest Negotiation. He is one of the most influential authorities in the world today on negotiation as a leadership competency, and he’s here today to share his expertise and explain why all of us need to take an honest look at how well we negotiate.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2zS9VBT 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE190.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

What does it take to grow a list of engaged subscribers who are looking for exactly what you're offering? Today’s guest has the answer.

Nathan Ellering is a writer and marketer who has served as the driving force behind the amazing subscriber growth at CoSchedule, a software tool that helps organize marketing and social media projects in one place. Nathan has headed up CoSchedule’s demand generation team since 2014, and in just three years, he’s grown their blog audience from 500 to over 250,000+ monthly subscribers.

In this episode, Nathan shares the best techniques for attracting new readers and subscribers. Tune in to hear the strategies that led to the impressive audience growth at CoSchedule, and how you can apply them to grow your own list.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2yZa074 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE189.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Today’s guest is an expert on decision-making, emotion, and influence. Dr. Tali Sharot has spent the past two decades studying human behavior and conducting dozens of experiments to figure out what causes people to change their decisions, update their beliefs, and rewrite their memories.

An Associate Professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London—where she directs the Affective Brain Lab—as well as a visiting Professor at MIT, Tali has been featured in or written for the New York Times, Time magazine, The Washington Post, CNN, the BBC, the Today Show, and many others. Her new book, The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others, explores the nature of influence and the critical role emotion plays in persuading others.

In this episode, Tali shares what research tells us about influencing the human mind. Listen in to learn the most effective ways to persuade people, motivate them to take action, and more.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2yAAb28 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE188.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

We all have powerful assets at our disposal that we tend to ignore instead of leverage: our stories. Esther Choy joins us to explain why storytelling is so often overlooked, and why we should be using it more often. She explains why stories are persuasive and memorable, what kind of storytelling works best, and in which situations you can use stories.

You'll also learn how charts, images, data, and statistics can make your stories even more persuasive.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2gMjJC0

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE187.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Our guest today is Om Marwah, the first person to hold the position of Global Head of Behavioral Science at Walmart and Sam's Club. Om’s group applies research in psychology to customer shopping, business strategy, e-commerce, and more, focusing not just on Walmart’s one billion shoppers but also the company’s 2.4 million associates.

The founder of the Behavioral Science and Marketing Summit, Om also works as an instructor at UCLA and teaches students how to take ideas from the academic world and apply them in business. In this episode, he shares his insight on building a great customer experience, as well as tips for fostering long-term engagement. Listen in so you can start applying his advice today.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2yGv14U 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE186.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Does the thought of starting your own business seem daunting? Many people have bought into the idea that being an entrepreneur means lots of sleepless nights and 18-hour workdays, but Dorie Clark is here today to shatter that myth. She explains why creating an entrepreneurial income stream is not only something you could do, but also something you should do.

Described by The New York Times as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives,” Dorie Clark consults and speaks for clients including Google, Microsoft, and the World Bank. She is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, as well as the author of Reinventing You and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of 2015 by Inc. magazine.

Her new book, Entrepreneurial You: Monetize Your Expertise, Create Multiple Income Streams, and Thrive, breaks down what it really takes to create an entrepreneurial side career, and why it’s much more achievable than you might think.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2ykeu4K 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE185.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Today’s guest is an entrepreneur at the forefront of marketing, branding, positioning and communicating “The Next Big Thing.” The founder and president of Cunningham Collective, a marketing, brand and communication strategy firm, Andy Cunningham has played a key role in the launch of many new technology categories and products (including helping Steve Jobs launch the Apple Macintosh) over the past 35 years.

Her new book, Get to Aha!: Discover Your Positioning DNA and Dominate Your Competition (McGraw-Hill), explains the winning framework she uses to transform markets and industries. Today, she joins us to share insights from the book and divulge her expertise in branding and positioning.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2xseHAt

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE184.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Do you ever feel like you’re not communicating as effectively as you’d like? Though we all know communication is an important and necessary part of life, the truth is that it doesn’t always come easily. Thankfully, there are tactics we can use to improve how we relate to others, as well as how others relate to and perceive us. Here today to explain more about that is Alan Alda.

An internationally recognized actor, writer, and director, Alan has won seven Emmy Awards, received three Tony nominations, and earned an Academy Award nomination. He is also an active member of the science community, having hosted the award-winning series Scientific American Frontiers for eleven years and founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University.

Already the author of two bestselling books, Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I’ve Learned and Things I Overheard While Talking To Myself, Alan recently released his third book, entitled If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating. Tune into today's episode to hear takeaways from his newest book, as well as his advice for improving your communication.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2yhdi4W 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE183.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Have you ever felt like you were addicted to a product? Food, beverage, device, or otherwise, it seems everyone has been there. But what is it about certain products that keeps you coming back for more and more…and more?

In this episode, Robert H. Lustig, M.D., MSL, breaks down the science behind addiction and how businesses are using it to take over their customers' brains. The author of the acclaimed Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Foods, Obesity and Disease (Avery, 2012), Robert is professor of pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology and a member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at University of California, San Francisco.

Today, he shares insights from his new book, The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains. Listen in to hear how corporations get customers to confuse pleasure and happiness in order to keep them hooked.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2yAQiuw 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE182.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

We’re living in a time that some have referred to as the “retail apocalypse,” but that doesn’t mean there’s no hope for retailers. It just means retailers need to change their business model to keep up. The question is: how?

Today’s guest, Matthew Bertulli, brings us the answer. The Co-Founder & CEO of Demac Media, an award-winning eCommerce Agency that has helped process more than $500 million in online sales to date, Matthew has had a direct hand in the creation and growth of more than 100 eCommerce businesses over the last decade. A self-taught software developer, he has a strong foundation for his retail upbringing into the eCommerce space.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2wAZJI6 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE181.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

We’ve all heard a certain saying about curiosity and the unfortunate fate of a cat, but have you ever wondered where that questioning mindset comes from in the first place? What is it that makes us eager to know more? Dr. Mario Livio is here today to answer that question and explain how marketers can use the science behind curiosity to make appealing advertisements.

An internationally renowned astrophysicist, a best-selling author, and a popular speaker, Dr. Livio has published more than 400 scientific papers on topics ranging from Dark Energy and cosmology to black holes and extrasolar planets. He is also the author of six popular science books, including The Golden Ratio, Brilliant Blunders, and Is God A Mathematician? (the basis for the 2016 Emmy-nominated NOVA program The Great Math Mystery).

His newest book is entitled Why? What Makes Us Curious, and he joins us to discuss that very subject. Tune in to find out where curiosity comes from and how you can use it produce powerful marketing messages.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2wRuX1Y 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE180.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

What makes a superconsumer, and why are they so important? Today’s guest, growth strategy expert Eddie Yoon, is here to answer those questions and more. Eddie is the founder of the growth think tank and advisory firm, Eddie Would Grow, and has helped numerous businesses—ranging from cable media to pet food, and from consumer robotics to standby generators—go from several hundred million to nearly a billion dollars.

Eddie is also the author of the acclaimed book, Superconsumers: A Simple, Speedy and Sustainable Path to Superior Growth (Harvard Business School Press, 2016), as well as over 40 articles, including Make Your Best Customers Even Better (Harvard Business Review magazine, March 2014) and Why It Pays to Be a Category Creator (Harvard Business Review magazine, March 2013). He has been a keynote speaker in the U.S., Africa, Australia, Denmark, the UK, and Japan.

Today, he’s here to share what makes superconsumers, and why marketers need to understand how to reach them for the sake of growing their businesses.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2eK7oB2 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE179.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Our guest, Alexander Jutkowitz, has spent over 20 years helping brands find and tell their stories, and he joins us today to share techniques you can use to do the same.

A content marketing and strategy expert, Alexander has worked in more than 30 countries to lead communication, marketing, and political campaigns. He's worked with multinational corporations, not-for-profits, trade associations, and more. The co-founder of GROUP SJR and Truffle Pig, Alexander also serves as CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies and as a board member of The Advertising Council. Today he shares insights from his new book, The Strategic Storyteller, as well as valuable tips to help you find your story and connect with customers.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2wMQ45G 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE178.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Mike Michalowicz's ideas, based on profit psychology, have helped thousands of struggling entrepreneurs turn losing businesses into winners. The traditional equation, "Sales – Expenses = Profit”, seems logical but leads too many entrepreneurs astray.

Our guest this week is Michael Michalowicz, whose new edition of his bestseller, Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machineoffers a simple, counterintuitive cash management solution that will help small businesses break out of the spiral of doom and achieve instant profitability.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2xcYrEJ 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE177.mp3
Category:podcast -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

First impressions are formed in milliseconds, are long lasting, and are incredibly important. Knowing nothing about candidates other than their photos, subjects were 70% accurate in predicting the outcome of actual elections. Our guest on this episode, Alexander Todorov, describes this research and shares other insights about first impressions. His new book Face Value: The Irresistible Influence of First Impressions collects his research and that of other scientists on how facial features, expressions, and other factors can influence people’s judgments and actions.

Alex’s research gives us some valuable insights into how we are seen by other people. He also shares some tips on how to match your look with the image you want to portray and the importance of a smile.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2uFckOs

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE176.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Studies have found that 95% of people in influential positions think they are more influential than they really are. No matter what level of leadership you're at or how many followers you have, your true influence lies in your ability to move people to action. Stacey Hanke is on the show today to discuss her new book Influence Redefined: Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be, Monday to Monday and share how true influencers gain trust and communicate to draw people in.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2vgvrNt

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE175.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

When it comes to writing a book that sells year after year, Ryan Holiday definitely knows the formula. His books have all been best-sellers, and more importantly, they have continued to sell well long after their issue dates. In this episode, he discusses the principles for crafting a longstanding work, whether it's a book, a product, or even a restaurant,  from his newest book, Perennial Seller: The Art of Marketing Work that Lasts.

Ryan shares what differentiates a book that keeps selling over the years from a book that sells well initially but gradually disappears from view. He emphasizes that from the outset of creating a book, you need to be thinking ahead about what content and marketing efforts will truly make the book last. Finding the perfect balance between content that adds value and strategic marketing is crucial.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2uQftcD

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE174.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Amazon is the company that every other company wants to be. They dominate ecommerce and are a serious player in every market they enter. And, their customers love them.

In this episode, best-selling authors Bryan and Jeffrey Eisenberg share lessons from their new book, written with co-author Roy Williams, Be Like Amazon: Even Lemonade Stands Can Do It. They have a passion for learning from Amazon and applying their strategies to businesses big and small.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2vYUylo

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE173.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Former Navy SEAL Chris Fussell knows what it takes to work as part of a high-functioning team. In this episode, he shares some of his expertise on team-building while discussing his new book, One Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams, and how businesses and civilian teams can benefit from using some military-style strategies.

Chris dispels many stereotypes about military leadership methods in this episode. He shares examples of how to get an edge on opponents using a more trusting and less hierarchal decision-making process. He emphasizes the need for leadership to create an atmosphere for successful collaboration by creating a unifying message that gets the group focused on a goal bigger than themselves. And finally, we discuss how recognizing the advantage of different viewpoints and conflicting ideas is a key to success.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2u9MYF1 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE172.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Get ready to get psyched up and motivated with today’s guest, Daniel McGinn. Dan is senior editor at the Harvard Business Review and the author of the new book Psyched Up: How the Science of Mental Preparation Can Help You Succeed. In it, he explores how the right mental preparation can dramatically change the way you perform in all areas, from sports competitions to business meetings alike.

Dan starts by shedding light on why your mind reacts the way it does under stress and how you can use that reaction to channel excitement rather than fear. We also discuss studies from Dan's book, including how mind-altering thoughts and rituals can have a positive effect on our performance. Dan then shares specific ways to weave proven psychological techniques into the way you work, from musical or meditative style centering to pep talks and rituals.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here:http://bit.ly/2uEGmhs

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE171.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Is it actually OK to discuss gender differences in the workplace? For years, the mere suggestion that men and women might think differently would have meant a mandatory sensitivity training session. Things are changing, though. Gender expert Barbara Annis provides breakthrough, science-based ideas and solutions that will improve results and maximize team performance.

Using scientific studies and data from clients, Barbara shows that it’s far better to understand gender differences rather than hide or ignore them. She encourages companies to do their research and check their assumptions. They should steer away from basing assessments and work expectations on “sameness.”

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2tPVFXs

 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE170.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

As our guest Art Markman can attest, the intersection between business and human irrationality is becoming increasingly fascinating to academics and CEOs alike. 

Art returns to the podcast in this episode to talk about how businesses are beginning to realize how essential it is to understand the less rational actions of customers. He also shares some of the insights from his new book about how to lead a happy life, whether or not "brain games" really work, and why time seems to fly as we get older.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rRiowS 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE169.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Video consumption is exploding, and is rapidly overtaking written content as the top medium for communication and content marketing. Veteran filmmaker Vern Oakley's new book, Leadership in Focus: Bringing Out Your Best on Camerateaches leaders in particular how they can create authentic, pitch-perfect video content to connect with their audiences - be they employees, consumers, or constituents.

Vern and I talk about how and why video consumption is growing so quickly and its advantages over written content. Vern tells us why so many people freeze up on camera, and what you can do to come across as the most authentic version of yourself. He explains how you can be more credible, friendly, and trustworthy. We also discuss how to gauge your audience and hit the right note with your communication and editing style. 

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rN6b1j 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE168.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Ken Blanchard, author of the massive best seller One Minute Manager, is the most prolific author we've had on the show, and he's showing no signs of stopping. His new book, co-authored with Claire Diaz-Ortiz, is One Minute Mentoring: How to Find and Work with a Mentor — And Why You’ll Benefit from Being One.

In this interview, Ken and I talk about his longtime writing career and how he writes books that stand the test of time. We discuss the typical business-book format and voice, and why he and co-authors have decided to buck that trend. Ken also shares his tips for finding a mentor and why he's a big fan of cross-generational mentorship.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rba6Rf 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE167.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

My guest today may be one of the few to say that we ask our advertisements to do too much. But in an age that sees us constantly bombarded by marketing, he has a point - it may be unrealistic to expect a simple banner ad to drive traffic.

Jeff and I talk about advertising friction and how it keeps both people and brands from realizing their goals. Jeff talks about how customers today don't want to be interrupted and how our brains have learned to block out advertising. We highlight some of the biggest and best brands in the advertising game, and how they use inspiring content to keep customers engaged.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rzo7ut 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE166.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Our guest today reinvented himself from a bestselling author to a media entrepreneur. Tucker Max left Duke Law School in 2001 with a law degree and no interest in becoming a lawyer. Instead, he wrote a book, I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, that hit the New York Times bestseller list and created the genre known as "fratire." Eventually, the book would lead to a movie deal and spend more than 100 weeks on the New York Times list. Two of Tucker's other books landed on the NYTimes list as well.

Tucker’s latest venture is Book in a Box, a business that helps busy entrepreneurs and executives write and publish books by managing the process and supporting them every step of the way.

In our conversation, he shares practical advice on turning your knowledge and expertise into a book that people will read and buy.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rCEKXy

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE165.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Bryce Hoffman's time at the U.S. Army’s Red Team Leader Program at the University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies became the core of his new book, Red Teaming: How Your Business Can Conquer the Competition by Challenging Everything. 

In this episode, Bryce introduces the concept of red teaming and how militaries and companies around the world use the strategy to stress-test their decisions. We discuss how red teaming can help you uncover blindspots in your thinking and overcome cognitive biases that might otherwise lead you into a business quagmire.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2qJ3ig2 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE164.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Today’s guest transitioned from being a screenwriter to his current role as a successful blogger. Eric Barker’s humorous, practical blog, "Barking Up the Wrong Tree", presents science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life. With hundreds of thousands of regular readers, Eric has garnered attention for his regular search for what really works!

You'll learn why valedictorians seem to be cursed, whether nice guys really finish last, and lots more!

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2qnpuM8 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE163.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:03am EDT

Science has thoroughly analyzed what specific aspects of headshots and profile photos can help you project intelligence, trustworthiness, and likability. You only get one chance at a first impression, make it count!

I've gathered ten science-based hacks for making your headshot communicate the values you want it to - be that friendliness, trust, or dominance. I cover some key findings from research about pupil size, whether or not people favor one side of your face, and whether or not you should smile in your photo.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2pwPUIu 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE162.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Affiliate marketing is an incredibly effective marketing technique that combines a knowledgeable brand and an influential partner - but it wasn't always that straightforward. Robert Glazer is on the show today to talk about his new book, Performance Partnerships: The Checkered Past, Changing Present & Exciting Future of Affiliate Marketingand explain why affiliate marketing is experiencing a revival.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2qB62to 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE161.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Content marketing remains one of the most potent and popular ways to connect with customers - but it's going to change profoundly as consumers and technology continue to increase their influence. 

In this episode, Jon and I talk about why the term "prosumer" is a perfect way to describe all the things that today's consumer is capable of - not just consuming content, but producing and influencing it, too. Jon also shares some of the futurist thought he studied when writing his book, as well as his predictions for the marketing landscape of the future. We also discuss the changes brands and companies will have to make to remain influential. 

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2pfKzpC 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE160.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

There's tons of advice out there about how to grow your audience quickly - but today's guest has some direct, outside-the-box strategies that you probably haven't heard before. Noah Kagan of Sumo and AppSumo is known for using a friendly tone and highly-targeted content to drive growth, and he's here to share his strategies with you.

Noah explains why it's essential to limit your time and money when you're creatively tackling a task, and why he so intently focuses on a narrow target market. He shares the strategy he implemented at Mint to grow their audience in the nine months leading up to launch, and how he applies the same innovative attitude to his work at Sumo.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2pajKGl 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE159.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

With technology and innovation zipping along faster than ever - and especially with rapid gains in AI - it feels like we have to confront the question: are we finally reaching the Death of the Salesman? Tiffani Bova of Salesforce is here to weigh in on the great oncoming changes in sales and artificial intelligence that should make business better for all.

Tiffani is a self-described sales futurist and the Global Customer Growth and Innovation Evangelist for Salesforce.com. She focuses on the intersection of innovation, technology, and people to help companies grow bigger and better serve their customers.

Brands are rapidly learning to keep up with shifting customer needs, and sales must do the same - and Tiffani Bova has some great ideas about how you can stay ahead of the curve.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2p5I9we 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE158.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Data is fascinating, and the proliferation of pseudo-scientific headlines and fancy charts across the internet only feed our obsession with numbers. But data can also be easily manipulated to support a narrative that is flashier and more interesting than the truth. How do you recognize it when this is the case? Dr. John Johnson has some ideas. 

We start off by debunking a couple humorous cases of manipulated data (think: pregnant men in the UK and grilled cheese leading to a better love life) and John explains why we're so susceptible to questionable data. John also shares his thoughts on the relationship between content marketing and data, and some statistics about the credibility boost enjoyed by articles with seemingly scientific graphics. 

You'll learn how YOU can use numbers to persuade more effectively - but use this knowledge for good!

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2oKHIoa 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE157.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

A lot has changed on the web since today's guest was first on the show - and even more so in the five years since she published her now-classic book on web psychology. Have marketers gotten better at applying our knowledge of psychology to their online endeavors? And what's around the next curve? Nathalie Nahai has these answers, and more.

In this episode, we talk about the uptick in psychological marketing on the internet and the ethics discussions its spurred. Nathalie summarizes some new insights about personality and how they're used to target the right audience. We also debate the idea that technology is addictive, and imagine the future of a more seamless, less screen-dominated future.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2obfu90 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE156.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Challenging the long-established science of interpreting facial expressions, facial coding, is just one of the surprises in this episode. The belief that the brain is divided into rational and emotional components is an ancient one, and hard to dispel. But our guest today, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, and her team are doing work that debunks many of the old stereotypes we have about emotion, facial expressions, and rationality. She joins us to talk about her new book How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain and shares some of its most groundbreaking insights.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2nzthFE 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE155.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Many of us think of creativity as an isolated incident - a flash of brilliance that inspires a bold painting or a perfect business decision. Yet research increasingly finds that discipline is key to fostering creativity. 

Erik Wahl begins this interview by sharing his love of art and the core mission of his book - to dispel the idea that creativity is a fleeting, singular moment rather than a daily practice. We talk about the coexistence of strict routine and freedom of mind, and how artists and successful businesses alike apply these principles to their work. Erik also shares his thoughts on why it's okay to keep a day job to protect your ability to create without commoditizing your work.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2mQDLjx 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE154.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

It seems like the term "addiction" gets thrown around quite often when we discuss technology: we're "addicted" to screens, to Facebook, to likes, and so on. But one of my first-ever guests on the show, Nir Eyal, is back to talk about why blaming technology for our behavior is misguided and counterproductive.

We kick things off by discussing the difference between habits and addiction and why Nir intentionally won't work with companies that aim to capitalize on the latter. We also talk about how new frontiers in the tech world relate to what Nir taught us in his book Hooked, and what the future of voice interfaces might be like.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2mTd8e6 

 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE153.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Now more than ever you need to stand out and be recognized as an expert in your field. Today's guest, Mark Schaefer, joins us to share some critical insights and personal branding advice from his new book KNOWN: The handbook for building and unleashing your personal brand in the digital age

Mark and I begin by recalling his prediction (made three years ago) that content marketing would cease to be effective, which we're starting to see today. We then chat about his book, why he wanted to write it now, and how it's different from other personal branding how-tos. Mark offers some great tips for finding your niche, making sure it's sustainable enough to build a platform on, and what he learned from well-known, successful people across many fields. 

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2luBSVF 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE152.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Email has become a seemingly inescapable feature of our modern lives - but it doesn't have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. In this interview, writer Jocelyn Glei shares some great email-busting tips from her new book Unsubscribe: How to Kill Email Anxiety, Avoid Distractions, and Get Real Work Done

Jocelyn begins by talking about the psychology and neurochemistry of email and the two things that make it particularly addictive: random rewards and completion bias. Jocelyn also shares some of her best tips for cutting down on time spent writing emails, and how to conserve time and energy when writing e-correspondence. She even leaves us with some advice about how to make your emails stand out amongst the clutter of your recipient's inbox.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2l1VpwN 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE151.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Change is one of the few things you can rely on in life, in the personal, technological, and business realms alike. Today's guest, Dave Gray, explores how we can intentionally harness change in his new book Liminal Thinking: Create the Change You Want by Changing the Way You Think, using quirky, engaging illustrations to help him explain the concept of liminal thinking.

We start off discussing Dave's first career as a news illustrator and why drawings can be such an effective teaching tool. Dave also explains the concept of liminal thinking that he explores in his new book, including how you can intentionally create liminal phases in your life to spur change. Dave and I also relate liminality and illustration to the business sector, and talk about why managers are often the obstacle to turning around failing companies.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2lJ4z15 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE150.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Do bigger bonuses or fatter paychecks lead to greater effort and better results? Dan Ariely answers these and other questions as he explains the science of motivation.

Dan's first book, the NYTimes bestseller Predictably Irrational, refuted the idea that people make fundamentally rational choices in their lives and purchases. His newest book Payoff: The Hidden Logic That Shapes Our Motivations, pulls together myriad studies to help us better understand motivation, its limitations, and how we can better harness it.

Dan and I talk about the state of social science research today, including how his work has shaped the field and the replication crisis we're currently experiencing. He also talks about the importance of trust in work and society, and how we can impact even our best people as we attempt to weed out bad apples. We also chat about some of the experiments from his new book and why money isn't the all-powerful motivator we think it is.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2knuY6J 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE149.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Paul Zak has created waves throughout his career, first with his fascinating research on oxytocin and its effects on the relationships, trust, and morality that make us human. His latest book, Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High Performance Companies, uses neuroscience and practical actions to help you measure and manage your organizational culture and inspire teamwork and accelerate business outcomes.

Trust Factor is one of the most science-based books I've seen on what makes companies tick and what separates the high performers from the rest.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2jNDU5b 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE148.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Although it might seem counterintuitive that businesses would fear innovation, today's guest makes an excellent case for why they do (and why they shouldn't). Building on a career of research into creativity and leadership, professor Jennifer Mueller illuminates decision makers' biases against innovation in her new book Creative Change: Why We Resist It . . . How We Can Embrace It

Jennifer and I talk about several of her recent published papers, including one that's been affectionately dubbed the "why men don't ask for directions" project. Jennifer discusses the punishment leaders often face for seeking help with crises, and why the qualities that might make you an outwardly convincing leader don't guarantee any actual skill in leadership. We then dig into precisely why decision makers in companies are often fearful of innovative or creative ideas and end up squashing them, to the detriment of both their employees and their business.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2jpFkAd 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE147.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Companies are always looking for new ways to understand their customers, but few might think to look to the science of anthropology for those insights. Dr. Andi Simon, author of the new book On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights, shares some of the anthropological tools and strategies she uses to help businesses solve their most pressing problems.

Dr. Andi Simon is a corporate anthropologist and the founder of Simon Associates Management Consultants. She has over twenty years of experience as a senior executive in the financial and health care spaces, and now she helps companies & non-profit institutions develop their purpose, brand positioning, and redesign their culture. 

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2j2yIr5 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE146.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Heard the comment that "SEO is dead?" - guess again! Stephan Spencer, co-author of the 1,000 page Art of SEO, explains why search engine optimization is still one of the most important and flexible ways to drive traffic to your content online. This episode is packed with takeaways that will boost your traffic.

In this interview, Stephan Spencer and I talk in depth about SEO and how it's changing in light of new technology. He answers the question of which search engines other than Google you should think about. Stephan also shares some of his favorite tools for optimizing your site, and we talk about the evolution of SEO as it's been shaped by psychology and persuasion. Stephan also offers a way for you to get a free copy of one of his books, so be sure to listen!

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2jc9E1i 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE145.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Have you ever thought of marketing and meeting a romantic partner as two sides of the same coin? It might sound a bit strange (and maybe even funny), but today's guest makes a great case for why the same persuasion principles apply whether you're selling a product or trying to ask someone out.

Jonathan Mall, a computational neuropsychology expert, and I volley back-and-forth in this episode, comparing the surprisingly similar processes of communicating with people and marketing to them. We go step-by-step through the journey of capturing someone's attention, how to hold it, and how to persuade them to buy in to what you're offering. 

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2iFRyY6 

Direct download: BRAINFLUENCE144.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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