Persuading Learners to Buy: 7 Groups

There are seven major reasons why adultsshoot for the stars, control, future, adventure,
continue their pursuit to learn. Each of the reasonsimagine the fun you will have.
play into the way you want to present your sales
information. Studies completed by the United5. With a percentage only a few digits behind the
States Department of Education (USDOE),fourth, people attend just to meet new people
Commission on Nontraditional Study and surveyswith similar interests. If one event was successful
conducted by the National Center for Educationfor them one year, they will most likely return
Statistics (NCES) show little change in whywithout much persuasion.
learners keep wanting to learn since 1964.
Language: Meet new people, plenty of time to
Since the 21st century the statistics have shownnetwork, popular, team activities, interactive,
a small increase only. In 1964, U.S. Dept. ofpleasure, sold out early last year, don't wait, laugh,
Education reported that only 37% of the U.S.enjoy, carefree, playful, festive, entertaining,
population took an assertive role in their learning.amusing, curious.
The latest report, 2002, only shows a 3%
increase.6. In the low teens, approximately 10%, these
learners just like to expand their everyday lives.
Why is this information important for sellingThey want a simpler, easier, way of living
learning opportunities? These statistical reportsday-to-day. They like the shortcuts, appliances
show exactly what language to use to get theirand tools that they use regularly that are new,
attention and what it takes for them to openfaster, and easier to use. They will toss out a two
their wallets.year old still working appliance to have one that
makes their life just a little bit easier.
Phrases, words, ideas, and thoughts, if conveyed
appropriately to the group of choice can makeUse words and phrases that save them personal
the difference between survival and thriving.time or money always works well. Things that
help fix things easier, decorating like a pro, cook in
1. The highest, 40%, choose to learn to becomeless time, and discount travel. They prefer group
a more-informed person and like havingevents rather than single family or solo pursuits.
knowledge in their tool bag.They want to learn only the bare information that
applies to now and 100% to what they need at
Language that grabs learners attention andthe moment.
persuades them to buy is: opportunity, advantage,
timeless, chance, essential, treasure, priceless,Language: Now, current, inexpensive, lowest,
rare, gateway, treasurer, growth, and wisdom.terrific value, compare, affordable, gain, best buy,
best bet, cuts, brief, compact, slim, minute, a
Phases included: A unique opportunity; Bedash of, condensed, compressed, anywhere,
prepared; Free opportunity (actually any phrasediminutive, versatile, safety, popular, special
with opportunity included); If you pass this upfeatures, durable, useful, new.
you'll be passé.
7. Tied with #6 around 10%, this group of
2. Adults who are preparing themselves for alearners attend because they are bored, thought
career transition - new job or new occupationit would get them out of their rut, so they will not
follow close behind the first group. And in a fewbe alone, and if it helps them finish outside the
of the results, this group jumps to the top andhome tasks faster and easier.
the other takes second place. Yet, always very
close to each other. In the USDOE reports theyLanguage: Speedy, easy as 1-2-3, effective,
were 1% behind and in the NCES, 2% ahead.efficient, fun, team, buddy, group, play, easy
[anything], intimate, usual, exercises, joint,
Words that attract and persuade this grouptogether, jointly, give, share.
include: winning, motivate, clear-headed,
clear-sighted, excellence, gets you noticed,Knowing what type of learner you want to
perceptive, potential, sharp, jump obstacles,attract to your seminars, workshops,
performs effectively, goals, standards, staying onTelePrograms, conferences, expos, or other type
track, excels, leader, leadership roles, takes theof learning events. To find similarly attractive
initiative.words, phrases to sell to your chosen group of
learners, use a synonym finder. Begin a list of
3. The next group of learners expands theirwords and phrases that attract your market
training just what pertains to their current job runbefore you create any marketing material --
slightly below the top two, approximately 32-34%.printed or electronic. Add this invaluable
A high majority, yet not all, will only attend if theinformation to your target profile.
employer compensates for their attendance. This
is a tough group to sell too. It usually isn't untilAlso know that the percentages don't indicate the
they lose their job and begin seeing what theiramount of revenue possibilities. For instance, just
laissez faire approach is now costing them.because a type of learner you choose to market
to falls into the lowest percentage doesn't mean
Attractive language to this group is: winningthat they don't have enough discretionary
attitude, envy, self-confidence, team work, wants,revenue to pay for learning.
desires, quiet confidence, risk, self-discipline. Other
words and phrases include finding a better payingThe most important key to all this is to learn to
job.address each group separately. For example, if
part of your marketing campaign included e-mail
4. Fourth group percentage drops to low 20s.marketing announcements. You would create a
They attend learning-type seminars, workshops,separate e-mail (or more) for each group and not
and other events for the sheer joy of it. Ittry to roll all the groups into one e-mail. Please
doesn't matter if it's on window washing or dogtake heed in this last statement. Trying to put
bathing.everything into one marketing piece is the most
common mistake that new business people fall
Language: inspired, energy,, joy, fun, knowledgeinto and the biggest culprit to no success.Catherine
about, look at what you can learn, what type ofFranz is a Marketing & Writing Coach, niches,
other people are going to be attending, make newproduct development, Internet marketing,
friends, bring a friend, a friend can attend fornonfiction writing and training.
(discount or free), discover, passion, boundaries,