The power of confusion can be a compelling tool, especially when used in a hypnotic context. This article delves into the intriguing concept of using confusion as a means to capture attention and influence behavior. It explores the idea that a seemingly nonsensical statement can disrupt the usual thought process, creating an opportunity for a subtle suggestion to be implanted.
"Did you walk to work or carry a lunch?" This question, posed to me by my father over two decades ago, still lingers in my memory. Why? Because it's an absurd question. Similarly, a renowned comedian from the 1950s would often ask, "Got a banana?" This question, while potentially logical in certain contexts, was asked indiscriminately, making it seem bizarre. The comedian's name has faded from my memory, but the question remains. Why? Because it's peculiar.
As I was designing new business cards, I decided to incorporate a puzzling phrase. After a lively brainstorming session with my partner, I chose, "Ask me about the monkey." Why include such a phrase on a business card? Just like my father's question and the comedian's query, it disrupts the usual thought process. It compels you to pause and focus on me. The theory is that once you halt someone with a perplexing statement, you can then insert a hypnotic suggestion immediately after.
For instance, if I write something like, "Apples desk fly dirt," and then follow it with, "Read my new ebook," the likelihood of you wanting to read my new ebook significantly increases. The first statement disrupts your thought process, allowing the second statement to slip into your subconscious. This increases the chances of you purchasing my new ebook. Even if you don't, it doesn't matter because I never explicitly told you to buy it.
This concept will be applied to my new business cards. As "The World's First Hypnotic Marketer," I wanted an unusual, confusing line on my card. When someone sees, "Ask me about the monkey," and then inquires about the monkey, I can simply explain that I practice hypnotic selling and I just influenced them to do what I wanted.
Interestingly, the Japanese seem to practice this "hypnotic confusion," albeit likely unintentionally. A friend who visited Japan reported that the English phrases on Japanese products were peculiar. A tube of toothpaste might say, "Green days you not sing." A box of cookies might say, "Wood above fish."
How can you leverage this secret? Don't shy away from being confusing. People tend to interpret what you say in their own terms anyway. If you're describing your product in great detail, don't hesitate to throw in something unusual. It might just boost your sales. If not, stir things up!
Why Encourage People?
Win taught me that whatever you focus on expands. This was long before the movie The Secret or before the Law of Attraction hit mainstream media. Win called it the first law of psychology. Whatever you focus on will expand.
The Unparalleled Influence of "The Book of est"
In the vast sea of self-help literature, one book stands out as a transformative powerhouse: "The Book of est." This lesser-known tome has not only reshaped my perspective but has also left an indelible mark on the lives of countless readers. It's a book that eclipses even the most renowned titles like "Think and Grow Rich," and for some, it holds a more profound impact than religious texts such as the Bible. This is a bold claim, but it's rooted in the profound personal transformations that "The Book of est" has catalyzed.
Attracting Harry Potter's Magic Guitar
These days I love attracting guitars and playing guitars. I'm fortunate enough to know musicians as well as guitar teachers. Weekly lessons with Guitar Monk Mathew Dixon are a blast. Talking music with guitarist Pat O'Bryan is always enlightening. And meeting luthiers (guitar makers) is also educational and inspiring. (Pic's of Pat and me.*)
