

Maximize Your Influence
Kurt Mortensen
Maximize Your Influence: Your source for the top persuasion, influence, and negotiation techniques that will help you maximize your success in life and in business!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 15, 2025 • 21min
Episode 561 - The 95% of Persuasion - What’s Your Focus?
This episode focuses on the concept that up to 95% of persuasion involves subconscious triggers, while most persuaders focus only on the 5% of logical reasoning. Kurt emphasizes the importance of understanding and leveraging these subconscious signals to maximize influence. He discusses various examples and strategies, such as the impact of scent on real estate sales, the role of the amygdala in emotional processing, and how different subconscious triggers can affect decision-making. Conscious and Unconscious Thought Processes Is multitasking controlling you? Here's what to do. Additionally, he provides practical tips on how to prime the subconscious mind for desired outcomes and the significance of non-logical factors in persuasion. Ending with actionable insights, Kurt encourages listeners to harness both logical and emotional aspects to enhance their persuasive power. Unlock a wealth of opportunities with "111 Sales Training Tools: Sell Anyone At Anytime," the ultimate guide to mastering irresistible persuasion techniques that empower you to effortlessly influence decisions, overcome objections, and double your income—all while creating meaningful connections in your career and beyond. DEAL HERE.

May 8, 2025 • 20min
Episode 560 - The Psychology of Yes/No - FITD vs DITF
In this episode In this episode Kurt delves into the nuanced strategies of persuasion and negotiation, exploring when to seek a "yes," a "no," or even a strategic "yo." He discusses the psychology behind these responses and the importance of asking questions to influence outcomes effectively. 3 Cognitive Shortcuts Exploited by Marketers Kurt also shares personal anecdotes, including a family trip experience, and reviews scholarly articles on cognitive shortcuts exploited by marketers. The episode concludes with a listener's question about employing these techniques effectively. Deal of the week - FREE Presentation Assessment- Rank Your Influence - Click Here

May 1, 2025 • 21min
Episode 559 - How To Turn Fear Into Excitement Into Influence
This episode discusses how to transform fear into excitement to enhance personal and professional influence. He explores the common fears related to public speaking and decision-making, providing techniques to reframe fear as excitement, such as focusing on the message, visualizing success, and using deep breathing. What Is Performance Anxiety? 10 Ways To Overcome Your Fear Of Being Judged The episode also features a Persuasion Blunder story illustrating the importance of managing customer perceptions, a scholarly article on performance anxiety, and listener email questions on handling presentation nerves. Additionally, Kurt offers a special opportunity for listeners to receive personalized feedback on their presentation skills. Click here for personalized feedback

Apr 24, 2025 • 21min
Episode 558 - The Power of Clickbait, Intrigue And Curiosity In Influence
In this all-new episode Kurt discusses the psychological appeal and effectiveness of clickbait. He explains how curiosity, FOMO, and emotional triggers drive people to click on intriguing headlines. Kurt also shares tips on using these principles ethically in persuasion, sales, and presentations to engage and influence audiences. The Benefits of Overconfidence Have Been Exaggerated The episode covers similarity theory, the importance of building connections, and concludes with an analysis of overconfidence in achieving success, referencing an article from Psychology Today. Additionally, Kurt delves into the Zeigarnik Effect, which emphasizes how incomplete tasks capture and maintain attention, and encourages using quizzes and assessments to engage audiences. DEAL OF THE WEEK

Apr 17, 2025 • 20min
Episode 557 - The Halo vs Horn effect, What’s Your First impression?
This episode delves into the psychology of first impressions, focusing on the halo and horn effects. The halo effect is when one positive trait of a person influences our perception of their other qualities, while the horn effect is when one negative trait does the same negatively. Kurt discusses how these cognitive biases impact persuasion and influence, offers practical tips for maximizing positive first impressions, and shares real-life examples and academic studies. He also answers a listener email about these effects and provides actionable advice on improving personal and professional interactions. OFFER OF THE WEEK

Apr 10, 2025 • 21min
Episode 556 - Why Being Authentic, Genuine, And Authentic Builds Trust
This episode explores the importance of being authentic and genuine to build trust. Kurt discusses the historical origins of the word "sincere" and its significance in modern persuasion. He highlights the necessity of adapting persuasion strategies to individual preferences and cultural differences, emphasizing the shift from the golden rule to the platinum rule. Can Laughter Make Our Lives Better? Researchers Say Yes The episode also covers the negative impact of poor customer service, the benefits of humor in persuasion, and the value of consistency and reliability. Additionally, Kurt answers a listener's question about why authenticity is increasingly important, attributing it to a general decline in trust and the rise of transparency in the digital age. He advises on how to cultivate authenticity through honesty. Elevate your personal growth journey with Influence University, where you'll learn powerful techniques to enhance your mindset, boost your confidence, and achieve your goals! CLICK HERE

Apr 3, 2025 • 21min
Episode 555 - Boil The Frog: How To Change That Stubborn Mind And Close-Minded Person
In this episode Kurt explores effective methods for influencing and persuading stubborn individuals. He delves into the Boomerang effect, the importance of patience, and techniques like foot-in-the-door to gradually change minds. Sleepless and selfish: Lack of sleep makes us less generous The episode also touches on the significance of sleep on social behavior and the impact of presenting evidence and finding common ground in contentious discussions. Kurt also concludes with practical advice on engaging in open, empathetic dialogues to sway hardheaded individuals. Ready to skyrocket your influence and turn your passion into profit? Discover the secrets at Influence University that successful people don't want you to know! Here

Mar 27, 2025 • 21min
Episode 554 - The Images, Symbols, And Gestures That Trigger Distrust
In this episode, the focus is on subconscious triggers and how symbols, images, and gestures can influence feelings and behaviors. Kurt discusses how different gestures and symbols can have varied meanings across cultures, like the thumbs up or the okay sign, and their potential impacts. The episode also explores a case study involving Delta Airlines’ strategy to offer compensation following an incident, analyzing whether it was good PR or a legal move. Additionally, a scholarly article on acts of kindness is examined, highlighting how we underestimate the positive effects of generosity. Random Acts of Kindness Make a Bigger Splash Than Expected Kurt then provides insights into how marketers use symbols like smiling faces, hearts, and green check marks to create positive emotions and how certain negative images like cracks or dark spaces can deter trust and confidence. There is also advice on choosing the right images for personal branding and marketing to boost persuasion and influence effectively. Offer of the week

Mar 20, 2025 • 21min
Episode 553 - Color Psychology And How It Triggers Emotions And Persuasion
In this episode Kurt Mortensen delves into the world of color psychology and its impact on emotions and persuasion. He explores how different colors can trigger subconscious feelings and influence behaviors, both positively and negatively. The discussion includes practical examples such as how color affects appetite, the perception of products, and even the success of sports teams. Color Psychology: How Color Affects Your Emotions And Why Kurt also touches on common cognitive biases like the Horn Effect and their impact on persuasion. Listeners are encouraged to be more mindful of color choices in various contexts, from clothing to branding, to enhance their persuasive abilities. The episode wraps up with an engaging "Fact or Fiction" segment about color psychology, sent in by a listener, and a promotion for Influence University. DEAL OF THE WEEK

Mar 13, 2025 • 22min
Episode 552 - How Music And Sounds Trigger Feelings And Can Enhance Influence
This episode discusses the power of music and sound in persuasion and influencing emotions. Kurt explores how different types of music can trigger specific emotional responses and affect behaviors, such as enhancing shopping experiences, reducing stress, and increasing productivity. 5 Ways to Make Sweet Music for Your Business The Monkey Business Illusion Through anecdotes and research findings, he explains that music can be a strategic tool in sales, customer service, and personal interactions to create the right mood and build rapport. Kurt also includes a "Persuasion Blunder" segment and tips on using music effectively in various settings. PS Lifetime membership to Gold Influence University Save 65% - HERE