Maximize Your Influence

Maximize Your Influence

Thanks for visiting 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! Our podcast combines years of persuasion research with current studies and events that will entertain you and supercharge your ability to influence others. In business and in life, your ability to persuade others can mean the difference between success and failure, or between mere success and spectacular success..

Episodes

September 10, 2025 20 mins

Metaphor Mastery: Unlock the Secret Language of Influence

Imagine unlocking a hidden superpower in your everyday conversations—one that turns ordinary words into irresistible forces of persuasion, capable of swaying opinions, closing deals, and inspiring action like never...

Mark as Played

Persuade Without Pushing: The Art and Science of Storytelling

In a world overflowing with information, stories are the key to grabbing attention and holding it.  ...

Mark as Played

Ever wondered how to close a hard core closer?  Did you know that salespeople are easier to sell then the average person? Enter "How to Close the Closer," the podcast that demystifies the art of persuading the persuaders.  

Whether you're...

Mark as Played

Imagine boosting your close rate by 30% just by tweaking your surroundings. What if the real culprit isn't your words—it's the room you're in OR your Zoom background? Introducing "Surroundings Sell," the groundbreaking podcast that reveals how everyday elements like ceiling heights, room temperatures, colors, and lighting secretly shape your prospect's mindset.

This show dives deep into the...

Mark as Played

MaximizeYourInfluence.com

 Discover the Shocking Truth: H...

Mark as Played

Unlock the Power of Persuasion: Discover "The Elephant Persuasion Principle" Podcast!

Ever wondered how to influence people effortlessly, build unbreakable trust, and close deals like a pro? Imagine having a memory as sharp as an elephant's—never forgetting a name, a face, or a crucial detail that seals the connection. Recall like an elephant a...

Mark as Played

Do You Know When It’s Time to Shut Up? Time To Seal The Deal?

Ever wonder why your presentation isn’t closing deals, even when you’re pouring your heart into explaining every feature of your product or service? The truth might sting: you’re probably talking too much.

Take Your Persuasion IQ

Mark as Played

This episode delves into the significance of mood and emotional intelligence in persuasion. Kurt emphasizes the importance of creating a positive environment and shares various techniques to boost one's own mood and that of others, such as using genuine compliments, humor, and physical movement.

With Hot Coffee, We See a Warm Heart, Yale Researchers Find

Through anecdotes and scientific studies, Kurt illustrates how a positive moo...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Kurt discusses the concept of elicitation, also known as the art of subtly extracting information without the other person realizing it. This technique is valuable in fields such as sales, negotiation, and leadership, as it helps gather crucial information to address people's needs effectively.

 Why Emotional Intelligence Is Important in Leadership – Daniel Goleman

Key topics include the importance of emotional in...

Mark as Played

In this episode Kurt discusses strategies for effective and seamless sales closing. He emphasizes the importance of creating a resistant-free environment by focusing on the needs and pains of prospects rather than prioritizing the sales agenda. Kurt introduces the concept of "greasing the squeaky wheels," which entails listening more, personalizing presentations, avoiding pushy sales tactics, and building trust. He provides practic...

Mark as Played

In this episode Kurt discusses the significant impact that personal energy has on influencing and motivating others. He explores how positive or negative energy can affect interactions, whether in one-on-one situations or within a group setting. 

 Emotional expressions shape how help is received in the workplace

He also shares insights on fostering a positive environment, using examples from personal experiences and research. He p...

Mark as Played

In this episode Kurt explores the evolving landscape of persuasion, sales, and influence. Kurt discusses contemporary trends, crucial sales statistics, and key tactics to adapt to these changes effectively. Topics include the importance of personalizing interactions, the impact of social selling, and the necessity of persistence in sales follow-ups.

Impostor Syndrome - Can You Really Fake Your Way to Success

149 Eye-Opening Sales ...

Mark as Played

In this episode Kurt addresses how to effectively promote oneself without coming across as bragging. Mortensen explores the fine line between building credibility and being perceived as boastful, especially in professional settings like networking events. He provides insights on the importance of having others vouch for you to build credibility, incorporating personal success stories subtly, and focusing on genuine, value-based sel...

Mark as Played

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 differ...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 Bl...

Mark as Played

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 importa...

Mark as Played

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 r...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 cont...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    Wisecrack

    He left home as the chubby kid with a dream, a decade later, he's a touring comic with a killer set. Literally. In Wisecrack, stand-up comedian Edd Hedges returns to his hometown for a charity gig, only to find himself headlining the most terrifying night of his life. The warm welcome quickly unravels into a chilling true crime tale of a downward spiral and a town shaken by murder. When TV crime producer Jodi Tovay stumbled across Edd’s comedy set, it did more than get a few laughs, it opened the door to a years-long investigation she never saw coming. Part comedy special, part true crime thriller, Wisecrack blends punchlines with plot twists in a genre-defying ride where the laughs are real and the danger is no joke.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.