Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Psychological Posture

Posture a is skill that is used in many different fields but it's particularly useful in business. Usually when this word is mentioned it conjures up images of the military and keeping your shoulders back and head up. The posture I will be discussing is one's aura, confidence, and the vibes that they give off. Here are some examples:

Posture is playing hard to get when you really like someone. It's not answering the phone on the first ring even though you are anxious to speak to the person on the other line. Posture is telling someone you need to see if you can make time for an appointment when you know darn well you have an empty calendar. Some common marketing or business phrases you may expect to hear from someone who is trying to recruit you are "I can't guarantee you'd fit in with us" or "I'm not sure if you'd qualify", even though they'd love to have you. It's the idea of having someone come to you instead of chasing them around.

One of my favorite movie scene is from Defending Your Life starring Albert Brooks. In this scene he has been rehearsing how he will hold out for the appropriate salary he wants for a new job he is interviewing for. I can so relate to this. The scene doesn't get to that actual part until 3:35.

A few months ago I was at a store and I noticed that they were giving away women's college basketball tickets. Seeing the big stack of free tickets on the counter just killed their posture. It smelled of desperation. It screamed out "the arena will be empty except for you and whoever else is bored enough to actually attend this game". They should have displayed them in a locked glass case if they wanted to add value.

Last year when I created my number combinations I started out by only asking $5 for them, but when there was no demand I increased the price to $49.95 and over the course of 4 months there has been absolutely no improvement. At least I know who's in charge.

I've learned my lesson with posture over the years. I now know not to plead and beg for readers to leave comments. In fact I've considered creating a lengthy and difficult screening process for new followers since I only want the best. Just kidding, I'll take anyone.

11 comments:

Kristina P. said...

Hmmmmmm, I wonder if Charles Manson can blog in prison. I'm sure he'd LOVE to follow you.

Lisa Loo said...

I thought it was too easy to follow you!

Here's one for ya--

Our neighbor down the hill was asking $265,000 for his house--it was still unsold after 2 years. He got a new realtor and bumped it up to $395,000 and it sold in 2 weeks--no lie!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Chakka, I just zipped over to your number combinations. You have a marvelous sense of humor!

Eric said...

Note to self: have my people leave Chaka a comment in regards to a good blog posting...

Just kidding, I'll leave it myself.

Jeanne Estridge said...

I've noticed that people seem to be commenting less lately. At least, on my blog....

Kelly said...

Defending your life is one of my all time favorite movies! They don't make them like that anymore.

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

Um...yeah...blog screaming in desperation here.....let me just say this...I did a huge giveaway as a "pay it forward" kind of thing...while it was a ginormous success, it has become quite overwhelming too! lol! I've even gotten emails from people wandering why I don't comment on their blogs since they entered my giveaway! I do remember posting that my computer CRASHED and I had no real access...I didn't post that it appears that my husband probably just had his fourth heart attack and I haven't really been online because of that...it's a jungle out there, Chaka!

Thanks for letting me blog vent! lol! I guess you would call my psychological posture a bit defensive..hee hee hee!

Anonymous said...

That's a funny movie clip. I can relate to it also. I hate negotiating.

rachaelgking said...

I love this post! I never thought about using the word posture to describe all that before, but I LOVE the phrase... makes so much sense!

Kelly said...

One more thing. Ever since I won your haiku contest my comments have been way down. What kind of psychological curse have you put on me Chaka?

Tom said...

I have heard that from several people. I'm starting to feel like I'm a nerdy scientist in a sci-fi movie played by Jeff Goldblum and I notice a subtle trend with decreased postings and blog traffic. It could be related to the meteor showers the other night. I'll get back with you if I learn any new developments but right now I have to ditch the government guys in black suits who are following me.