The Persuasive Power Of Associating Ideas

[This is part of the series: 31 Persuasion Tips That I Learned From Scott Adams]

Associating ideas together works.

It is important to remember, however, that it works – over time.

I can’t call you stupid and suddenly the status quo is that people see you as stupid.

It usually takes repetition.

For if you drive a Mercedes-Benz day after day, people will start to see you as sophisticated or wealthy.

And if you wear a T-shirt to work all the time, others will see you as sloppy or unprofessional.

I see this concept as another way of creating a mental anchor for people.

The point here is that association matters – and one should be cautious about their associations.

They tend to stick, after all.