Practical Sales Training™ > How To Lose The Sale> Over Flattery Effect
What is it?
We are all susceptible to flattery and compliments – its human nature. But, when someone you don’t know appears out of the blue in your DMs telling you how wonderful you are… it’s often a warning sign that a pitch is incoming..
Why does it work?
It works to make people suspicious, because we’ve seen it all before. An overly complimentary connection request/DM is 99% likely to precede a pitch.
The reality is that you can say nice things about other people and pay them genuine compliments, but the speed and quantity of them will tell us your intentions.
More compliments, faster, is a sign you are working through a list of potential buyers and spamming everyone with your heart felt appreciation…..
How can you use it?
If you want to make your potential buyers suspicious or distrusting of you, then lead with fake enthusiasm and over flattery.
The more the better!
Bonus points for quick and aggressive poor follow ups where you ignore any lack of response and proceed with your spam attack.
Example
You open your LinkedIn inbox and find this message:
“Hi James, wow, I just have to say your profile is amazing! You’re clearly one of the smartest business minds I’ve ever come across. Honestly, mate, I don’t know how you do it – total inspiration! Let’s jump on a quick call so I can share how I can take your success to the next level!”
Straight away, your guard goes up. It’s too much, too soon. You don’t know this person, and their exaggerated compliments feel like a setup for a sales pitch rather than genuine admiration. The “flattery bomb” approach creates suspicion, not trust.
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