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

June 26, 2025 20 mins

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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 go...

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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 ...

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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 st...

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In this episode, Mortensen discusses strategies to handle hecklers, critics, and disruptive individuals in various settings, from business meetings to public speaking engagements. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure, using humor, and understanding the motivations of hecklers to effectively manage disruptions.

Being a selfish jerk doesn’t get you ahead, research finds

Mortensen also shares research findings on the...

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This episode discusses strategies for building charisma and confidence, particularly in the context of persuasion and public speaking. Kurt provides tips on body language, vocal variety, and mental preparation. He also emphasizes the importance of self-efficacy, using Albert Bandura’s research to outline methods for boosting confidence. Additional topics include cause marketing, the significance of appearance, and the difference be...

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This episode delves into the concept of the "fake no" and knee-jerk reactions. Mortensen explores how subconscious triggers can lead to unwarranted objections and resistance from prospects. He uses various anecdotes, including a wedding reception at a funeral home and a study on desk organization, to illustrate how perceptions and subconscious triggers play a role in influencing decisions. Mortensen also addresses how salespeople c...

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February 13, 2025 20 mins

This episode explores the Law of Dissonance, a key strategy in persuasion that helps individuals convince themselves. Kurt introduces the concept by explaining cognitive dissonance, a psychological conflict between beliefs and actions that causes discomfort and leads individuals to change their attitudes or behaviors.

Immortality in the afterlife as cognitive default

He shares personal anecdotes and studies demonstrating this phen...

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