I have never been a great salesmen, and would love to improve my powers of persuasion.  To remind myself of the psychology of persuasion I re-read Robert Cialdini’s classic book Influence recently, and found all that I need to know about the theory.  The book also contains some great examples of  the application of his six principles, along with strong evidence for them.  All I need to do now is to practice! Read more »

Prototyping the future

This week’s Economist has a jaw dropping article on 3D printing technology which it claims will be the ‘manufacturing technology that will change the world’, comparing it with the 18th century industrial revolution.  Based on the article it will certainly transform the economics of manufacturing potentially making it almost as cheap to create a single customised product as it is to produce thousands. Read more »

“Chocolate is brown, hearts are red, if you won’t be my valentine, I’ll ask her (him) instead.”

The heart of red

The red effect is a well documented tendency for women wearing red to be perceived as more attractive.  It is also true that men wearing red are perceived as more dominant. Read more »