Two Forgotten Rules Instantly Increase Engagement
Cliff’s Notes: A hook only catches a fish if it’s interested in the bait.
And you’re hopefully saying duh. But if you're having trouble connecting to your market or you'd simply like to increase your engagement. The next time you're plotting... whatever it is. Start what you do with these two simple rules in mind.
First Rule: People are naturally wired to look out for numero uno. That's biology. You can be a good person - but the ol brain has no choice but to look out for its host first. It's not a bad thing. And we'll even use it to our advantage. Because it’s not just survival it wants deep down there. And not just hanky panky either.
The Second Rule: People - even bored people - unless they're specifically seeking you out, naturally do not want to disengage from whatever it is that they're already doing. You’re doing the dishes and the doorbell rings. Even though you probably hate washing dishes… What’s your first reaction?
Even if it's zoning out. Even if somebody is in a bad mood and wants to be in a better one. They will resist shifting focus.
That's because in order to digest your message, your audience has to…
A) Spend energy shifting their focus now to you. No offense. In fact, you want them to focus as much as they can on you. But that does take a mental toll.
B) And only a sliver behind, they have to stop what they're mentally doing in the first place. And yes. Even being bored and doing nothing is something. And depending on what is in the mail, something is not better than nothing.
C) And almost as equally important again, depending on how and when you're communicating with them they have to invest time. TIME IS OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE. It is the only thing we’ll never get more of but can only free up.
I know it sounds discouraging. And not starting with these principles in mind could be costing you right now. But don't worry, because even though most content does fail here, it is incredibly easy to work around.
And an added bonus is keeping this in mind won't just make more people open to what you have to say, you'll keep more people's attention. How do I know that you will be successful? Because... I saw it online... I've been doing this for almost 20 years. I know this will work for you because you're going make it worth their while and offer something your audience truly wants in exchange for that time.
Now, the best part is by thinking about this before anything else, you already conquer the first hurdle and - depending on what it is - the second.
But what exactly should those things be in the first place? Because if it’s too good, they won’t believe you and if it’s not good enough… well, same ol same ol.
Aaaaaand how do you use it to easily build an even deeper connection? That that's probably going to be like next time or the time after.
For now just remember, a hook only catches a fish if it's interested in the bait.