It was a pleasure to be a guest on Mike Fallat’s “MILLION DOLLAR STORIES” podcast, a platform from which he interviews authors. Among other things, he asked me to explain the techniques I used to win the confidence of criminals that do not normally trust anyone. We discussed how I was trained to maximize my ability to persuade and negotiate, including the 9 critical elements listed below. These factors do not only help undercover agents. They can also enhance a business leader’s ability to effectively interact with peers, subordinates, and superiors:
- Care enough about success with your target audience: DO YOUR HOMEWORK
- Develop an operational / business plan: CREATE YOUR OWN VIRTUAL REALITY
- Study and interpret verbal & non-verbal signs: THE LITTLEEST THINGS CAN SPEAK THE LOUDEST
- Find answers with silence & active listening: SILENT PAUSE + EYE CONTACT COMPELS
- Earn trust: PEOPLE DON’T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE
- Use passive reinforcements: LET VISUALS TALK TO YOUR ATTRIBUTES
- Conveyances by unwitting sources: LET OTHERS SELL YOU
- Neutralize obstructors: FOLLOW THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN EXAMPLE
- Train to be the “Best You”: TREAT HEALTH AS A CORE VALUE (CONDITIONING / MIND / FOOD / SLEEP)
During Keynotes and Masterclasses, I offer significant details about how one can perfect their ability to employ these techniques, and share video excerpts of my use of these elements while interacting undercover with drug cartel leaders.