In Episode 54 of Maximize Your Influence, Kurt and Steve start things off by discussing a recent study about the chemical oxytocin. According to the study, the more oxytocin present in somebody's system, the more accepting they are of others. This of course leads to better social skills and possibly, the more persuadeable they are. Many business and marketing firms are trying to trigger the release of this chemical through smell. Heaven help us all!

The core of this episdoe deals with how to help your prospects and employees see the overall vision of what you are trying to accomplish. People like to follow somebody with a vision. If you're having trouble getting people to buy your product or follow your cause, you aren't instilling your vision in others. Those who can't articulate a clear and concise vision won't be successful, period. One key part of instilling vision, however, is WIFFM (What's In It For Me). Sure, being apart of an exciting vision helps...but if there is no perceived benefit (or realized benefit over time), your credibiltiy is permanently damaged. We all like to be apart of a cause bigger than ourselves. But call us shallow...we want something out of the deal too!

Kurt and Steve relay this into a conversation about successful politicians. The most successful politicians are those whow are able to instill a vision in their constituents, but not be too specific to the point that they can be held accoutable for not fulfilling their vision later. That sure makes you want to show up and vote, doesn't it?

Not only is it important to instill a vision in your prospects and employees, but yourself. If you can't see, taste, touch, and feel the big picture, you'll find yourself subtly resisting they key things you need to do to move forward. A mind that lacks clarity will subconsiously avoid anything associated with that lack of clarify. However when there is absolute clarify, fear is removed and we aggressively attack our goals.