“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
Have you ever received an unexpected gift or favour, only to feel an overwhelming urge to reciprocate? This is the principle of reciprocity at work.
The principle of reciprocity states that people feel obligated to return favours or gifts they receive. When someone does something for us, we feel a social obligation to do something in return.
In business, reciprocity can be used to build trust, goodwill, and loyalty with your customers. For example, a restaurant owner might offer a complimentary appetizer to first-time diners. This simple gesture creates a sense of obligation for the customer to return the favour, often leading to increased spending or repeat visits.
You might have heard the famous story of Benjamin Franklin and the “borrowed book.” In order to win over a rival legislator, Franklin asked to borrow a rare book from his collection. The legislator obliged, and after returning the book with a heartfelt thank-you note, Franklin found that his rival’s attitude towards him had completely changed. This is a classic example of reciprocity in action.
So, what can you do to harness the power of reciprocity in your business? Consider offering a valuable resource or service to your customers for free. This could be a helpful eBook, a free trial, or a limited-time discount. By giving first, you can create a sense of obligation for your customers to reciprocate, leading to increased loyalty and sales.
To learn more about the power of reciprocity and other persuasive techniques, be sure to check out the book of the week “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert Cialdini. You won’t be disappointed!