

Jason Harris - The Art of Soulful Persuasion: Playing the long game and turning to face the strange
So here’s todays question... is it possible to persuade soulfully?
To influence without (at least partially) resorting to force, manipulation, interruption or
volume? And if it is possible - when you really get down to it - to the business of standing out
and generating results at scale - is effective enough in the long run to commit to mastering
as a skill?
Some would probably say right now that we live in a world where fear drives the majority of
persuasion. In the business world - we call that fear by many different names. Urgency,
authority, scarcity - all of which usually mean the same thing - and for a long time have
informed the majority of the marketing, advertising and sometimes leadership messages we
receive.
But in a world where trust is harder to find - and our ability to tune out the messages (and
people) we don’t want great than ever. Is there another (potentially more effective) way to
stand out? My guest on today’s episode would argue (persuasively) that there is...
Jason Harris is the CEO of powerhouse creative agency Mekanism. A creative agency that
works with brands such as Peliton, HBO, Ben & Jerrys, Dropbox, Under Armor – the list
goes on. He is also the author of ‘The Soulful Art of Persuasion - 11 Habits That Will Make
Anyone a Master Influencer’, it’s pretty much a grassroots guide to influence in a world of
distrust. HIGH RECOMMENDED. In it he draws on the latest in-depth research on trust,
influence and habit formation – to make a compelling argument that being persuasive in
todays world - means rejecting an ethos of quick - and instead embracing a commitment to
playing the long game.
In this conversation, Jason and I dive in and out of topics including:
- Why playing the long game is the key to coming out in front – and why hearing ‘no’
can sometimes be the best opportunity to stand out
- How to apply a philosophy of ‘Never Be Closing’ - and still win more business in the
long run
- The art of giving yourself away – and the tools to not to let it take over your life
- Why learning to write, own and articulate your unique story - is the key to cut through
in a cynical age
- And the importance of ‘turning to face the strange’, I loved this one – basically why
your inner freak – you know the one – the one you pretend you don’t have – is
perhaps the greatest super power you own
Today’s conversation is for anyone trying to work out how to make an impact in a world of
diminished trust. And like most common sense it pretty much applies at every level.
From the bottom line of how you communicate in moment to moment situations – to the top
line of what the future of persuasion actually looks like - in a world where ‘Daisy Methods’
(you’ll understand more about that after listening) – appear on the surface to get the lion’s
share of attention. Basically, the clouds and the dirt of influence.
So grab a notepad, or a coffee... or a protein bar... yep still on the F45 challenge. DM me
your condolences. And enjoy my interview with Jason Harris.
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