Why do some people rise to the top while others struggle? For over a century, experts have tried to answer that question.

It started in 1905 when French psychologist Alfred Binet created the first IQ test. Scientists hoped a high IQ would predict who would succeed in life. But they quickly discovered something surprising: a high IQ is helpful… but it's no guarantee of real-world success.

Then came the idea of multiple intelligences from Howard Gardner. Different people shine in different areas. Later, Daniel Goleman introduced Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in his groundbreaking book. He showed the world that understanding and managing emotions matters just as much as raw brainpower.

But even IQ + EQ isn't enough.

The missing piece? Something researchers call the soft skills that actually drive happiness, influence, and achievement: the ability to persuade, influence, sell, negotiate, motivate, lead, and deeply understand human nature.

I call it your Persuasion IQ (PQ).

People with high PQ don't force others to agree — they create genuine desire. They don't rely on intimidation or old-school pressure. They persuade in ways that feel natural and authentic.

Here's the truth: every single day, you're either persuading someone… or they're persuading you. In today's skeptical world, pushy tactics and outdated closing tricks get rejected instantly.

Great persuaders focus on connection first. They build real rapport, show sincere empathy, uncover true needs, and guide people to persuade themselves.

Persuade With Power

Kurt Mortensen

111 Sales Hacks Special

Advanced Influence Trainings

Free Persuasive Presentation Assessment

The Risk Reversal Secret That Ends "I'll Think About It" Forever

If you're not using Risk Reversal right now, you're making your prospects carry every ounce of the risk - and that's exactly why they hesitate, ghost you, or hit you with the classic "I'll think about it." Mastering this strategy is one of the fastest ways to eliminate buyer fear and increase your closing percentage, and build instant trust.

You need to flip the entire risk equation and take 100% of the risk off your prospect's shoulders and put it on your own. You create an ironclad "safety net" with guarantees, trials, or performance promises so the buyer feels zero downside and can say YES with total confidence.

When you master Risk Reversal you gain the advantage in influence and selling. You persuade at a higher level because prospects no longer fear the wrong decision - they feel protected, you stand 100% behind your promise, and influence becomes effortless.

Persuade With Power

Kurt Mortensen

111 Sales Hacks Special

Advanced Influence Trainings

Maximize Your Influence Podcasts

If you're serious about being a power persuader, you cannot ignore the psychology of how people pay. This one shift in your presentation and how you handle credit versus cash can literally double your average sale size and cut buyer hesitation in half.

This consumer mindset is why people happily drop thousands on a credit card, but freeze up when it's their cash on the table. Credit cards remove the pain of paying from the pleasure of buying – your brain literally feels less "loss" – so buyers say yes quicker, spend more, and feel better doing it.

Stop leaving money on the table and learn the science of buying psychology. Simplify the payment process. Go listen to the brand-new episode of Maximize Your Influence titled "The Credit Card Effect: How Payment Psychology Removes Buyer Pain." It's packed with the tools and techniques you need to shift how you seal the deal.

Persuade With Power

Kurt Mortensen

Maximize Your Influence Podcasts

Free Persuasive Presentation Assessment