Persuasion in Non-Profits

Well, this week Cialdini's reading mixed with the video that we got to see was excellent. To be able to identify the science behind my actions gives me great insight on how I can train myself to improve in each area (the secrets from the science of persuasion). More importantly however, I see this as a unique opportunity to challenge two members from the Student Cardinal Varsity Club executive board. On Friday night, we worked the Ball State Volleyball match versus Bowling Green. Our goal is to inform and if possible solicit students to join the "Student Cardinal Varsity Club". The Student Cardinal Varsity Club is the annual fund, which goes towards Ball State Athletics. Now, I could immediately tell that both of these students had little to no experience when it came to marketing face to face. I sadly assumed that since they were Sports Admin/Marketing majors that they would already had experience in this area. Both members came to me in discomfort of why we should not do this, and they chronically thinking of different ways to make their jobs less difficult. I coached them up on what to focus on and what not to worry about during their time at work. I said that when it comes to marketing, you cannot worry about self-perception or take offense to how people respond to you. The most important thing to remind yourself about is that you are at work, and you have a job to do and ours just happens to be spread the word about S.C.V.C. and let students know that they should sign up. Now, after telling them this they were enthused but they were not seeing that much success in connecting with the students. They told me,"we want to see you in action." I went to work and did not notice at the time but I do now, that sort of like the waiter named Vincent that Cialdini observed, I too had the unique ability to change my approach based upon what the students focus was. For example, I found myself being able to use the persuasion of LIKING. I use compliments such as nice hat/shirt/smile/shoes/scarf/etc., talk about how I am a student just like them (similar), and I cooperation in fundraising is an absolute must but in these instances the best thing to do is try to figure out what students have an interest in and then pitch it to them as I am looking out for their best interest. I list those out because of the experience that I have in non-profits and sales so I am now certainly going to send this video to my executive board and have them pick a persuasion that they think would be great for our events and then I will train them on how to utilize it in the field. I think this will be not only a great development tool for them but also a great chance to see if I can teach others how to use these persuasion tactics. I will certainly keep you updated on how the training and implementation goes.