Just yesterday I was giving a training session explaining one of the key factors in the science of persuasion: social proof . As an example, I mentioned the attraction of an ice cream shop where there are several people queuing compared to the one right next door that is completely deserted. launch with social networks Photo rights by Fotolia The vast majority of people would rather wait in the “popular” ice cream shop because they believe that the taste here is much better than that of the neighboring one where there is no one. People with brick-and-mortar businesses are well aware that people in or in front of the store attract more potential buyers. It’s a very simple phenomenon. So the question is, couldn’t this be generated in a “proactive” way, so to speak? The idea is therefore very simple. Set up an agency where local businesses can hire people to stand in line or “bulk” at their businesses. This will then bring in real potential customers who will generate revenue for the owner. A couple of months ago I found an agency that rents you “fans”. That is, people who would be waiting for you in front of a hotel if you are a celebrity (or rather, want to be one). So, why not apply this to local businesses?Here, every 10-30 minutes someone wants to know something. “Carlos, how…?”, “Carlos, when…?”, “Carlos, why…?”, etc. And so on all day long. Even though it is not the most effective way, I am used to working this way. I have been working from home for over a year with 2 little ones who continually distracted me because they wanted me to play with them. The fact of stopping and starting a task again is less of a problem because I have had a kind of bootcamp for months . It must also be said that it is not ideal. The reason why it is like this at the moment is basically my fault . Just as they interrupt me, I also do it with them. Working in the office means losing effectiveness but gaining creativity. It is what it is, you have to sacrifice something. In the end, I value more the possibility of comparing ideas and debating topics in the group, valuing the opinion of each member. The “problem” with interruptions also has to do with the fear of making wrong decisions . By asking me, people make sure that what they are doing is right. This is another error in the functioning of our team that I have to take note of. I don’t want people to ask me everything. I prefer that they make decisions even at the risk of making mistakes on occasion. When you have a start-up like Quondos, you need structures that are capable of working both collaboratively and independently . Making mistakes is a consequence and it’s okay as long as you have the ability to do it instantly. So if you want people to take responsibility, the last thing you want to do is scold them when they take a risk . My idea is to turn things around. Every time someone on the team asks a “silly” question or one that has already been answered, they should put 1 euro in the piggy bank (I honestly think they would kill me if I tried to implement this). It is clear that the possibility of comparing information and consulting opinions must continue to exist, but everything that can be answered with Google, checking email, using common sense, etc. deserves a small “penalty.”
