One technique that does sometimes work when trying to attract and appeal to customers and prospects is to use a little flattery. I’m not talking about overwhelming or over-the-top flattery here, but there is language and an approach you can use that can inject a little flattery into your sales and promotional approach…
Flattery is not terribly complicated and you have probably responded to flattery in marketing and sales without even realizing it. Marketing that takes the “You are a discerning shopper with high standards and you know what is best for your family” is taking the flattery approach. What comes to mind is the famous “Choosy mothers choose Jiff” marketing campaigns of a couple decades ago—by flattering the caretaking abilities and concern of the average mother, it made mothers want to buy a certain brand of peanut butter. There have been (and continue to be) some very successful marketing and promotion campaigns that are designed to flatter the consumer. Encouraging people to think of themselves as a particular group or an individual who has good taste, standards, opinions, etc. appeals to a basic side of human nature.
You can utilize the flattery approach in your home business as well. Look for ways to share with customers that you think they are smart, competent, discerning, wise, thoughtful, etc. by choosing to purchase your product or service. Instead of positioning yourself or your business as the expert, this flattery approach to marketing puts the customer or the prospective customer in the driver’s seat and lets them know that not only are they making the choices and purchases, but you believe they are smart enough, qualified enough, or have enough distinction and high enough standards to make the right choice. And the right choice, of course, is whatever your home business has to offer!
Also: Don’t Overdo the Incentives
Are You Living Up to Your Own Expectations?