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Previous QUESTION(S):

Q. How do I remain positive while my boss is manipulating me?

Answer: This depends on whether you will be around your boss for much longer. If you are going to be there short term (a few months), grin and bear it. If you are going to be there long term, ask your boss to talk with you about job performance and so forth. Leave words like "manipulation" and "coercion" and "making me do stuff" out of the conversation. Start soft, ask if you are meeting expectations, what you can do better and what the best way to accomplish that is. If you get B.S. for a response, fire your boss and get another job.

Q. Do you have any recommendations for any good marketing books?

I like Gerald Zaltman's book on customers and I like Ben Mack's book on thinking two products ahead. There aren't a lot of great marketing books out there. Most of them are written by people who have never successfully marketed...anything.

Q. I attended your seminar in Long Branch last month and was extremely impressed. Do you have any recommendations for finding more information about selling and marketing?! I appreciate your taking the time to respond!

Of course. Go to The Resource Center and pick up Science of Influence, all four programs in the library. You will have pretty much everything you need to know there.

Q. Why are some persons rich and others poor?

The first reason is obvious. It's about where you are born. Born in the USA? The UK? Sweeden? Switzerland, Luxemberg? Japan? Hong Kong? Singapore? Canada? You have a very good chance of building wealth. The average person in Vietnam meanwhile earns about $200 per year. In Romania, $4000, and in Poland $10,000 annually. So location, location, location.

The second factor is within the right locations are people striving to create value for a lot of people or just a few people...or one? Wealth is largely a choice in free society's. People literally need to choose to be wealthy. Once you've decided to be wealthy and you have freedom and capitalism to support you, it isn't long before you build wealth.

Q. What determines the distribution of income?

Every mathematical model of wealth that is based on historical distribution for as long as we've got written records shows that you can evenly distribute wealth among any number of people and within 20-50 years, 80% or more will be in the banks of 10% or more. Most people don't understand money, what income is, what planning is or does and how grow what you earn. Socialism simply doesn't work (neither does communism).

Q. Can you recommend any books or programmes on how to get the woman you want?

The woman I want? Oh, in general. Yes, Irresistible Attraction.

Q. How would you recommend approaching the local Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary Clubs etc. about speaking at one of their meetings if you don't have any current experience as a speaker to reference? Also, is there generally someone who coordinates that for them, or is it just a matter of proposing it to whomever answers the phone when I contact them? It's been years since I've done any speaking/presentations, and while I know that I have valuable information to share, I'd appreciate any tips you can give me regarding making the initial contact and getting the "gig".

I strongly encourage you to take the Professional Speakers Course that begins in October. It is 9 weeks of intense marketing and diamond shaping. Even Kiwani's and Rotary's are nervous about people who haven't spoken in public and have little or no credibility. As for the contact, "Who do I speak to to be a speaker for a meeting in September?"

Q. In your book, page 12 of the materials you talk about right brain and left brain. I have a question, If left brain is more dominant in language which is why sitting to the right is more comfortable, right?

The right eye and right side of the field of view tend to "go" to the left brain and vice versa.

Q. If what I do is emotionally charged, wouldn't I be better sitting to the person's left so that the right brain would be working. Or because there are 4 bad emotions and 2 good ones, that I am still better using the left brain for presentations. Does that make sense?

A. Left brain for presentations. And that means you want to stand between center and stage left so most of your audience is to your right. See the program: Body Language: Decoding and Interpreting Nonverbal Communication.

Q. When the CEO of a fortune 500 company walks into a room, he is noticed; attention is drawn to him; his demeanor is noticeable in a positive way. What is/are those "traits" or commonalities exuded? Is it charisma? confidence?

First, realize that when he's naked in a Turkish bath with 50 other men, no one notices him. In his own environment where he is the top of the totem pole, EVERYONE notices him. When he's in public at the bar, no one knows who the heck he is. Pick up The Three Disciplines in the http://www.store.kevinhogan.com/ to be able to appear confident and charismatic in all settings.

Q. My 86 year old mother has almost continuous ringing/buzzing in her ears. Has seen doctors--no correction prescribed. Your name was suggested as a good resource. Please advise.

Check for otosclerosis and a complete audiological workup. If that comes out negative go to FAQ.

Q. I am a police officer, last year while at hostage negotiation school; I was in my hotel room and saw a program that you were in. You conducted a demonstration were you guessed out of 6 people who drew what picture. I was amazed by the way you read everyone. What can you suggest to me as a police officer to study from your collection of CD's.

Science of Influence 1-48 and Covert Hypnosis 1-8. You will be rewarded many times over.

Q. I'd really like to get your opinion about how the Government is going to regulate the internet and how the playing field for us small internet marketers, will no longer have a field to play on....I want to continue to receive e-zines from people i like to read.

Hopefully they will NOT intervene. I'm not happy with the way government has been taking control of media in the last year. It is a sign that makes me nervous. As elections come around, write letters to the editor on benefits of free speech and networking on the web. Vote against anyone of any party who is against freedom of press and speech.

Q. Last week you featured "How the Little Guy Can Win in Selling and Marketing: Part 1". I was hoping to see Part 2 this week.

I bet!

Q. Can tinnitus be cured by medicine?

Sometimes. More often it takes a lot of things combined to get remission.

Q. Hello I just purchased your DVD set on subliminals and I was interested in creating my own as well. I was curious if you could explain the steps necessary to create one.

There are a bunch of articles you have in your set on CD Rom that came as a bonus. (Or you got hard copies.) We don't give away all the secrets, but we tell you what the scientists have done. They will help you get going.

My question is.... I was wondering If you could give me some tips about recognizing girls body language to tell if they are interested in you?

Great rule of thumb is that if a woman looks at you and keeps your gaze when your eyes meet...even for two seconds...or if you see her look at you twice (and you aren't in a clown outfit) ...you have points in your favor. Anytime a woman leans in your direction you gain a couple of more points. It would take a program to tell you the reams of information...so here it is: Body Language

My question is....Have you got a planned release date for your 'How to Overcome the Fear of Rejection' course? How much will you charge for it? I'm looking forward to it!

Depends on the number of CD's. I'm guessing 4-8 with a standard selling price point of $147. That said, you have to be patient a little longer!

My question is...in developing confidence with girls is the idea to persist, persist, persist, so that my 'emotional blocks/fears' crack or simply give way.

Anytime you move forward like a steam roller you are going to increase your self confidence. Unfortunately women don't necessarily like to be steam rolled so remember there is a difference between your confidence and what is attractive to the woman.

My question is...My girlfriend and I have reunited. She loves me, but may be a bit afraid of trusting me completely. How do I convince her that I am truly the one for her?

Nothing works without trust so you have the problem isolated. There are two kinds of trust. One is that we can be compatible, the other is that you are where and with whom you say you are. (Yes there are other things like money, privacy, but those are all rectified by the following.) ........The best thing you can do is to bug her fairly regularly. On your way home from work, give her a ring. On your way home from the grocery store, do the same. When you arrive at a destination on the road, give her a call. The more often she hears from you, the more she will believe you are who you say you are. That said, remember that you're going to drive her a bit nuts.

Second, make sure you show compassion when she communicates with you. Communication comes from trust...or it can build trust. When she is communicating with you, even if what she says is absolutely ridiculous, pay attention, bite your tongue and listen. Make sure she knows you understand her. Then communicate what you are thinking or feeling, realizing that feelings in the moment make crummy predictors of future happiness, health or wealth.

Build trust by being dependable. Be on time. If it only takes 10 minutes to get to the bank, don't be gone for a half hour. Instead, call home and tell her you are picking up bread too. And be dependable emotionally as well. Be there to listen, to ask to listen, to ask to help. You can't force someone to trust you but you can make it pretty hard to have someone DISTRUST you! My question is...what is the percentage of selling using body language techniques. Is this always 100%??

Nothing is 100%. Astute understanding and use of body language can increase sales or personal effectiveness by 2-3 fold.

My question is...In the book The Science of Influence, mention above you mention seven ways to increase our credibility. Can you go into more detail about each one of them for example : The one about education, position and experience etc?

Your question is answered completely in Science of Influence 13-24. Science of Influence 13-24 Experience and education are not things you directly talk about. They are things that someone needs to know about you before they walk in the door. If you have to say you have a degree or 20 years of experience, that isn't very helpful. But if they saw it in your brochure, website, etc. that's a different thing. You can also refer to an experience that happened in graduate school or to an experience that happened on your job 15 years ago to covertly bring out the point that you are no rookie. My question is...Could you explain what you mean about experience and education?

Experience and education overlap. Formal education is University/Grad work. Education when I refer to it is typically anything that you learn that is applicable in real life. Experience is actually having done something to a significant degree of competence.

My question is... I want to be a sought after speaker, a motivation speaker for those with disabilities and in special education. Where do I start/ ? I want to be a man a woman desires to be with too.

Take the Professional Speaker Course in October and November with me. Information is on the front page of www.kevinhogan.com . A man women desire? Read my book Irresistible Attraction.

My question is....I'm trying to increase my social confidence and it's been geared toward confidence with girls. Yesterday, I found it really difficult, and I wrote him an email to make changes, so he changes it by making it harder than ever. 30 approaches in 30 minutes! Have we been using an effective model for gaining confidence? Should I try 30 approaches in 30 minutes?

No way. You have to master one completely so your masterplan is second nature. We become confident the same way we learn. Repetition. Do one thing for a week. Master it. Use a partner if you can to make it more "natural." Then learn a new skill next week. Master it...same thing.

My question is...I came across your book, The Science of Influence, and on page 73, point number 2, you explain that people are more willing to buy a theater ticket in spite of losing the cost of it on the way to the theater. (Say $7) rather than re-purchase it if they lost it. I'm confused- I get that people would rather not lose something they already have than to risk something for potential gain, but how does that apply here?

Two people are on the way to the theater on different streets. One loses $20 that was designated for ticket and popcorn. The other loses tickets bought on line and a coupon for a bag of popcorn paid for on line. The person who loses the tickets isn't likely to buy more tickets. They turn around and go home. The person who loses the money pulls his credit card out and buys at the window.

There's a bunch of ways to utilize this in persuasion and influence. They are all discussed in the Science of Influence Library though not the book. We don't want to have to replace what we have lost because we have a sort of odd way of using mental accounting. For example, I pay $200 for an autographed picture of Paul McCartney and I lose it between the store and home. It's gone. The money that was designated and SPENT is history and people tend to say, oh well...next time. However if they lost the two hundred dollar bills on the way to the store, they are likely to pull out their credit card and buy the autograph.

There is no logic at all as they are the same thing, same value, etc. But people do NOT think logically. They think in terms of emotion, bias, and frames or references and perspectives that twist and turn simple logic into goo.....

My question is...I have read many of your books and have several of your cd programs. I have learned lots of techniques and being a chiropractor myself I have been able to put to work most of your techniques. The only thing that is eating me alive is fear...it is holding me back in my personal and professional work. Is there any program you have for this problem?

Most common problem there is. We don't want to get off the hamster wheel and do new things because they are very uncomfortable. Yes. Please get The Millionaire Mind so we can unplug that. The Millionaire Mind

Q. What do I consider before choosing a career?

A. Think about four things.

1) Do you like the career. Don't waste too many years on something you don't.
2) Does the career path run out in China, India, Vietnam, etc. (are there currently plenty of people doing this career in Asia...if so...be prepared)
3) Does it pay *very well.*
4) Do you have the skills to become good in the field.

Q. What is the difference between dream/vision and fantasy?

A. I'll answer it a little differently than you ask it. People often fantasize about Cruise/Oprah--like lives. Obviously they happen, but to gamble your entire life on a fantasy is a *very* risky proposition.

Becoming wealthy is not complicated. Creating something or doing something you love (what you dream of doing...fulfilling your personal vision....) is something anyone can do IF they are willing to break the chains of the status quo.

Becoming one of the super elite is fantasy rarely achieved. Vision is where people see something they build, create.

Q. I would like to find my niche in helping others to be successful in business and life, yet HOW do I find my own voice?

A. You don't find it, you create it. Artists don't find art...they create art. Authors don't find words, they create them. Your voice will come from a combination of personal decision about who you are and who you want to become...along with knowledge.

Q. What would I have to offer, if these other leaders, like yourself, like Antion, Canfield, Vitale, etc.... have a far superior knowledge base, contacts etc?

A. Certainly these people are well networked and very knowledgeable. Try and hire one of these people for less than $5000 per hour. Good luck. How about you? A company can learn from you for say $250 per hour. So you can come in with 80% the knowledge but 5% the cost! There are always competitive advantages you can use at every stage of your career. Experience, you know the cutting edge material, you are less expensive, you are the best....etc.

Q. I have been a long time customer of yours and some of the other people mentioned. From your perspective, in addition to being a possible affiliate of yours, I'm curious as to how you think I might add value to you?

A. I thought I had been asked everything...
You can post a useful review of one of my books at amazon.com. You can have a friend subscribe to Coffee. You can build a minisite for me and take part of the profits. You can ghostwrite some articles for me if you are really good and get paid. But really, just tell people who I am and how I have impacted your life. You do that and I will be VERY HAPPY.

Q. I have 6 of your ticker symbols: NEM, GOLD, LZOEX, CVX, XLE, MSF.

A. Good! You have made a lot of money this year!

Q. You said to spend $50 on 5 websites. Can you elaborate.

A. Building minisites that sell a very laser targeted e book (say) is a VERY SMART and VERY CHEAP strategy for building a great deal of income. You can get a domain for a few bucks and put your two page minisite up for pennies a day.

Q. When I write an article or my first book, how do I not sound like some compilation of you, Kenrick, Dave etc? How do you create your own material?

A. There are a few roots of my material today in 2006. First, I look at my personal experience with others...and myself... I think of what I struggled with and figure out if it's common (it usually is). If I successfully overcame the problems, I will develop material there.

I read an enormous amount of academic and scientific literature. Cognitive Neuroscience, Behavioral Finance, Evolutionary Psychology, etc. Ideas are so complex in scientific literature that they simple aren't real to you and me, and, no one has broke down what everything MEANS to you and me. So I do that.

Finally, I listen to you. If enough people say, "Would you put out a program on X" I will do so, if I think I'm right for the program.

Q. Self Publishing--What resources do suggest beyond elance.com? I think I may have a few books in me.

A. Take my course, How to Write, Publish, Promote and Sell Your Book, in October. It will save you thousands of hours of work and headaches and help you make a LOT of money.

Q. As far as developing the familiarity and habits of wealthy people....I have the WSJ Online edition and weekly scan the financial mags at Barnes and Noble. Am I missing something, by not having the publications in my home?

A. You need it on the coffee table. You need to see it laying around the house. The kids need to see it laying around the house. Everything influences everything else, literally. People will treat you differently based upon having magazine x vs. magazine y on the coffee table. Make the environmental change. It's what will change you from moderate income to wealthy.

Q. For getting a feel for where the public is... What do you think about People Magazine for expanding my knowledge base? Would that be comparable to the USA Today Life section you mentioned.

A. Certainly anyone in sales should read People so you can know what's going on in the stream of the world consciousness. I happen to like the USA Today Life section but I read everything.

Q. Are you looking to produce additional Influence CD's beyond 48? I am working through your other material and will most likely order.

A. September 1.

Q. How do you approach prospects when you have a product that really works but sounds too good to be true?

A. Sampling doesn't work in every industry or field but it works in most. How can you sample? If you have a truly extraordinary product like ipod for example, it will go viral if you just put it in the hands of Influencers (people who are well connected that spread their opinions around).

There are other ways, none more universal or likely to succeed.

Q. I want to get rid of my fear of rejection. If I do something that gets me rejected by people, over and over, one rejection after another, within the space of 2 hours... Will my negative feelings cease?

A. No chance. Rejection is a real life experience. The negative feelings are wired into the neural net of the brain and it will take significant time to change the highways in the brain...that the brain uses to react/respond differently. The experience of rejection is normal, having a reaction that is not bliss is normal, but you can change the magnitude! It's quite a process but it can be accomplished in a few weeks. Watch for a new program I'm releasing in a few weeks called Overcoming the Fear of Rejection.

Q. Can you elaborate with examples of what you mean by "get people to act" and by "get people to feel leverage"?

A. "Act" = "Do" Assuming you are talking about persuasion and influence, getting people to act means getting them to do SOMETHING. ANYTHING. When the brain causes the body to act, it establishes the map the brain will use instead of inertia which causes "no sale."

"Getting people to feel leverage." What you want to do is find enough reasons (emotional and rational) that causes the scales to tilt in favor of taking an action. Generally this means enough pain or fear, for example of not acting while mixing in some of the positives. But, the positives rarely cut it. In difficult decisions it almost always comes down to negative emotion as opposed to "what's in it for them," (which IS the justification)

Look: what is stronger: If you quit smoking, you will live longer, or, if you quit smoking, your friends will not see you as stupid or smelling terrible. The latter is 2-3 times more powerful than the former.

Q. Last week you said our stock portfolio is up 8% for the year. You are wrong. We're up 16%.

A. (LZOEX, NEM, GOLD, MSF, CVX, XLE) You are correct. In fact on the year we are now up a lot more than that... while everyone else in the world is sitting at about 3-6%...the rate of inflation. Because gold and all kinds of metals stocks have shot up in a much straighter line than I thought, expect a correction and then return to the bull. $1000 gold in a year or two wouldn't surprise me in the least. Neither will $5 gas at the pump and once there, it's not likely it will come down for a long, long time...

Q. What is the best way to have successful relationships in family and business?

A. Between, Time for Love, Time for Money, Lifestorms, and The Millionaire Mind, I cover this crucial question to the point of completion. (There are three important areas that require some change.)

The quick quips? Make sure you ask your family what they want from you each month to make sure that business and family are in alignment. One 2 minute conversation per month can save a million dollar divorce.

And, let the kids be involved in your work in some way. Anyway. Let them know it's THEIR business too.

Q. Based on my limited training in Body Language and my own intuitive senses, in watching, I believe that President Bush is lying in his responses regarding nearly every issue he talks about. Is he trying to cover up. Comments?

A. You are probably right.

Q. I want to join your Inner Circle, but I can't find any information on your website. Can you direct me?!

A. Send me your email address. We'll put you on a waiting list. We'll be accepting a few applications in June. As soon as we can accept you, we'll send you all the information.

Q. You said that you can't hypnotize some one into doing things they wouldn't normally do. Is that true?

A. You mean like suicide bombing, ramming planes into buildings? I can't think of anything people won't do without hypnosis, so the hypnosis itself is simply another tool for good or bad to get people to act.

Q. What would happen if somebody did not take you out of the hypnosis?

A. People don't go "into hypnosis." There's nothing to go "into." They accept a focused state of attention. It's rare that hypnosis is about eyes being closed and relaxation. Could be a batter at the plate, the salesman closing a deal, the guy asking the girl out. There are lots of uses for hypnosis, most with the eyes open and going about your business...just in a very effective way.

Q. I know most people say you can't be hypnotized against your will, but on your website it talks about how Covert Hypnosis can be used on anyone with out them ever finding out... Can you help me understand?

A. It's very easy to direct a person to conclusions and actions if they are willing to engage you in conversation and it's easy enough to get their attention in order to gain engagement to where covert hypnosis is very effective. Yes. The entire Covert Hypnosis Program is in our store.

Q. From whom did you learn about hypnotic metaphors? Who's work is your Course in Metaphors, based on? Thanks.

A. Certainly Milton Erickson is a name that influenced me. The Course in Metaphors is fairly unique to my own thinking and working with people. What influenced me about metaphor was being aware of how people describe their experience and their vision of the world. Studying metaphors is like studying categorization (the other way we learn). It's something I never really thought about doing. So, what you see in my work is significantly different from others.

Q. I want to some information about Gestures, Postures and Stance in Business.

A. Nowhere better to go than The Body Language Home Study Course. I tell you what to do with your hands, your posture, your stance, your body position, where to sit, where to stand, etc. There's a lot to absorb, but in a couple of days you can have enough down to make a complete turnaround in how people react to you.

Q. How do you counteract the defensiveness and rationalizing of someone who has had an affair and is dealing with the aftermath? What psychological tools, tips, attitudes do you recommend (to the partner who did not have the affair) to get through this rough time?

Tell your partner you need security and tell them how to give that to you. (A daily phone call from the office or whatever) Let them know exactly how you feel inside ("I am angry and hurt" is how you feel. "You are a jerk" and "I hate you" doesn't fly and will only move the person back in the direction you don't want them to go.) and then exactly why you chose to stay instead of leave. Then ask them what will be different going forward, and if there was a rationalization, fine, then what would cause that situation to not happen again.

While the other person talks, take packaging tape and wrap it 10 times around your mouth. Chain their feet to the floor and their hands to the arms of the chair... In other words you are having an intelligent conversation. (btw, that was simply a metaphor) There is no blame. No anger. No sarcasm. No cutting remarks or anything but a pleasant tone in the voice. Then switch. Give each other a long hug after you are done. Tell each other that you love one another and do that several times each day. ONLY BEHAVIOR CHANGES BEHAVIOR. You can talk all you want but it's all about BEHAVIORAL CHANGES. Do not extend the conversation beyond this. Do not get into the emotion. PERIOD. Not in THIS conversation. If either partner can't handle this, do it in front of a friend, therapist or loved one. People keep their emotions in check when others are around.

Q. We sell middle and higher end kitchen cabinets. We have a one room conference room now where our designers work with prospects. Are there any studies suggesting the paint color of the room to facilitate sales?

A. Hmmm....you take people out of the area where you have the cabinets and bring them into a conference room?! Hello? My goodness...WHY? ...OK...I feel better now...very light blue and very light yellow have both been shown to increase sales. There is a lot more information but this is one of those consulting points that I don't even put in audio programs. If you take a person out of an environment where they said "yes" and put them somewhere they are UNFAMILIAR with or maybe UNCOMFORTABLE with...just how wise could that EVER be??

Q. One fearful person manages to take the leap, e.g. a bungy jump, and the other fearful person keeping backing out. If you ask the one who took the leap, he simply says, 'I just decided to do it'. How can we get ourselves to make the decisions to take the leaps that would cause most people to back out?

A. Assuming it is a good decision (I'm not sure if bungee jumping falls in that category...) then you must feel the fear and walk in the fire. Period. Fear can't stop you from getting on the airplane, getting married, starting a business, going back to college. Fear is an EMOTION. Once the emotion is analyzed to see if there is a GOOD REASON for the emotion, you decide based upon facts. If you use your emotion as your final answer you will ALWAYS be frozen in life as your hair grows gray and your pocket book empties.... There are some powerful exercises and self awareness pieces in my programs The Millionaire Mind and in Lifestorms. And don't feel bad. It's "normal behavior." You have a lot of company. Most people are paralyzed by their fears and never change.

Q. My friends and I are writing a simple paper on Eye Accessing Cue and found your article very helpful. We read your article, "NLP Research Project: Eye Accessing Cues" and found Appendix A missing. We did a small experiment on the matter ourselves, and would like to compare the method of experiment with yours. Can you send us a copy of your full article?

A. Not a clue. It's "out there" though. Use the wayback machine at Alexa and do the archive searches. We did those experiments from 97-99 and after we accumulated all the boxes of data, I think we tossed everything. Monica Piechoski might still have the appendix. She was in charge of collecting data and doing statistical analysis.

Q. How does one tell the difference between different types of blush -- the blush of anger, of humiliation/embarrassment, and of excitement? What behaviors accompany these different types of blush, and are there more types of blush? I am curious especially regarding blushing and attraction -- I know a man who "never" blushes, who I cause to blush fairly regularly, and I'm curious what buttons I'm pushing!

A. You're right. It's a great body language clue but you have to use it in conjunction with other cues like perspiration, posture, eye contact, breathing pace, etc. There is no single answer without assessing the cue in context. That said, you are very wise to be paying attention at this level of detail.

Q. Can you trust your feelings and follow your intuition?

A. If you are an expert in a field, your intuition in that specific field is likely to be quite good. In other words, if you've been trained and drilled for months to be a soldier, the chances are good your "intuition" will be on target on the battlefield.

Unfortunately our intuition about other people is pretty unreliable. Best place to test your intuition is at any game in Las Vegas. If you come out a winner, you likely have good intuition...and that would put you in a rare group of people...as far as your feelings...people who trust and follow their feelings end up addicted to where their feelings lead them.

It's our feelings that cause people to smoke when they do, do drugs when they do, overeat when they do, stay at the same job for 30 years, etc.

Nutshell: Your feelings are not to be trusted for decision making. Your feelings and intuition might tell you that flying on an airplane is scary. But the fact is that it's safe and there is no logical reason for such feelings. But feelings aren't thought and you want to look at your feelings like fire. The way to stop them from stopping your life...is to face them head on.

Q. How can I make someone like me?

A. The short answer is be valuable to that person. Make yourself necessary for them to be interested in you. People like to laugh and experience a range of emotions. If you can learn to tell great stories and can show true empathy for others...the odds swing to your favor.

Q. What do you think of Mark Victor Hansen?

A. The man has sold 100,000,000 copies of Chicken Soup. He works hard. He works smart. He networks better than anyone on the planet and loves to see himself and others succeed. I love the man.

Q. Does someone saying out loud daily affirmations ever truly help the unconscious mind in order to create (hopefully) new behaviors?

A. There's nothing wrong with saying affirmations (they can be comforting, like prayer or meditation) but no, they don't "help" the nonconscious mind create new behaviors.

Q. From what I gathered you emphasized "months of training" instead of twenty one days in creating a behavior habit(s), am I correct?

A. Not correct. Creating a new behavior takes 5-7 repetitions.

In other words, if I want to learn to ride a bicycle, five to seven days of practice and riding and falling should do the trick. But that doesn't mean that creating these new behaviors means you will actually perform the new behaviors. That requires the old behaviors which continue to be wired in the brain... atrophying. That takes months.

So in simple terms: creating new behaviors is easy and takes about 5 practice sessions for the brain to wire it up. To REPLACE behaviors is far more complex and requires much more time.

Q. Do we really get what we speak? Meaning if someone was to state an affirmation ten times daily such as I am overcoming fears of success more and more everyday, would that truly be the case or experience in one's life?

A. Do we get what we speak? Try it sometime. Generally no. You are on a boat. You say, "go to the other side of the lake." It doesn't work. You have to put gas in the tank, turn the motor on, and steer...and dodge obstacles until you get there.... Stating affirmations 10 times (or 100 times) daily is largely a waste of time if you really want to create behavioral change. Use that time to take the action you are affirming and THEN see what happens!

Q. In your book, "The Science of Influence." On pages 10 - 13 you say there are three ways to change, but I only see one: change the environment. Can you tell me what the other two are?

A. Get people to act and continue acting whether they want to or not. Get people into a new environment. Get people to see and FEEL huge leverage (generally pain for lack of taking actions to change).

Q. I was reading The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell and he says that research has shown that mirroring body language is ineffective and in many cases detrimental.

A. Hard to believe he would say such a thing. If that is the case, he is dead wrong. The scientific data is unquestionable.

Q. You talk a lot about TV shows like Lost, 24 and The Apprentice. What are your favorite TV shows of all time?

A. I think I answered this once. (Let's see if it comes out the same) From the 50's: The Honeymooners. The 60's: Dick Van Dyke Show, Hogan's Heroes, I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza, Star Trek. The 70's: M.A.S.H., Mary Tyler Moore Show, Happy Days, Charlies Angels, Three's Company, Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The 80's: The Cosby Show, Little House on the Prairie, Cheers. The 90's: Friends, Frasier, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Seinfeld, ER. I'm sure I left some out...

Q. Do you use free association when working with your clients (as used by Freud) or do you have another preferred method?

A. With very rare exception, I don't do therapy any more. I probably incorporated free association 1-2% of the time in therapy when I was practicing.

Q. I'm reading The Jesus Papers. I just finished Dan Brown's DaVinci Code. I know you recommended it the day it came out a few years ago, but I just got to it. My question is, did Jesus marry Mary Magdalene, was she a prostitute and was she the person in the Last Supper picture DaVinci painted?

A. Re: Prostitute: Mary was not a prostitute. A prostitute by law would not have been allowed to annoint Jesus.... She was either betrothed or married to Jesus. The betrothal period was 9 months. That way the man could know whether the woman had slept with another man...or at least that was the theory....bad stuff happened to women in those days if a woman got pregnant in the nine months prior to the consummation of their marriage...

Re: Wife?: Mary M was first to his grave after Sabbath ended. About 4 A.M. She was the one Jesus reportedly came to first after his resurrection and then she told the disciples of his "return." By at least one account she and Jesus' Mother Mary went to the tomb together to annoint Jesus.....not something Mom would have done with the town prostitute....All of the "resurrection stories conflict however, so it's difficult to be certain....One thing was sure: Jesus was long gone out of that tomb long before "Easter morning." More likely? Saturday after sundown.

Q. Are you a "closet seduction specialist?"

A. I came out of the closet years ago.

Q. Are you really like you are in Coffee or on your CD's?

A. Yes. That's what integrity is all about. You hire me and you know 100% who is walking in the door. No mysteries. Someone who likes to make people smile, cares about everyone, is playful, etc. Yes.

Q. You wrote about Hillary Clinton for President and that you would not vote for her. Why? And just who WOULD You vote for?

A. Right. I think Hillary will run. This is the year she has the best chance. The guy from Virginia will be stiff competition. But no, I need someone who is more centrist. John McCain would get my vote.

Q. How do I make someone fall in love with me?

A. Impact. Falling in love is about an addiction-like reaction in someone's brain. Do something that will make an impact. Stand out from the crowd.

Q. Why should I take your Professional Speaker Course instead of one of the others?

A. If you have to ask you probably should NOT apply. You want to take the professional speaker course from someone who has been there, done it and has the ability to lay it all out for you in step by step fashion. Apply with someone who has those characteristics and then think, "do i want to be like this person?" That's your key question.

Q. Do you sell your list to anyone for advertising purposes?

A. Hell no. I don't have a "list." I have thousands of people I have Coffee with every morning all across the world. I wouldn't sell your name for all the tea in China.

Q. Please don't print my name. I love my wife. I'm sexually attracted to a lot of women and I try hard not to be. Suggestions?

A. Stop it or you'll become a priest and do weird stuff. Look. Your wife knows you're attracted to other women because that's how you found her. She is a smart girl. You can't do anything to not be attracted to other women so focus your time on showing your wife respect, love and appreciation. Then she'll point out the girls as they walk by and the guilt of looking will be erased.

Q. Where should I invest my kids (5 and 13) college fund money and our retirement money? What mutual fund company is best?

A. I'm not an investment professional so I can only tell you my experience. I have my kids college money in gold funds and emerging markets. I have my retirement in international (LZOEX and MSF), gold (NEM, GOLD) and oil (CVX an XLE). I have a lot of money in a couple of gold funds as well. I do business with Vanguard and American Century and a couple of others.

Q. What's the best business to get wealthy in?

A. 15 years ago it was dry cleaning. Today it is an internet business or something that you can accelerate with the internet/web.

Q. How can something like Influence: Boot Camp or any of the courses you give really cause people to make more money when most don't work?

A. Because most people in sales earn say $70,000 per year (that's the median self employed income in the USA right now for a family that is headed by an entrepreneur). To add 50% to that is only $35,000. To do that is not difficult. You just have to know how and be able to present it. The reason almost every sales training on the planet totally sucks is they consider selling a numbers game and/or a pressure game. I hate both notions. Who I do business with is the person becomes a friend. I do business with them over and over and over. If they do what they are supposed to, it is not hard to have dramatic gains.

Q. I've never had an orgasm in my life. You don't talk about it in Irresistible Attraction. How can I have one?

A. That's pushing the envelope even for me, here. Relax, allow him to spoil you. Don't make it a goal or it will never happen. Just enjoy the experience. As soon as you start thinking about the O, think of a box then go back to enjoying the process. Give directions. There is no pressure or you are with the WRONG person. This is one area where a lot of guys really do care and want to make it happen but they are "competitive" about the thing. Don't make them feel like a failure if they fail. Big deal. Anyone can have an O. You will too.

Q. You recommended a book recently that suggested people start small businesses. Not everyone is cut out for owning a business. Why is this so important and what is so wrong with being loyal to the same company for a lifetime career?

A. You mean like Enron? Or the mechanics at Northwest Airlines or ...yeah.... look, EVERYONE should have a side business or a business venture INCLUDING your children. People ARE cut out for it they simply haven't learned that doing what they love can be fun and rewarding. And yes, always be loyal to the man who is cutting you a check every Friday. He GAVE you the job whether you like it or not. Most people aren't producing enough to pay their salary so not having a business that you are developing to move into is ....ridiculous.

Q. Malcolm Gladwell (Blink) says that fast decisions make good decisions. You seem to indicate that getting people to decide quickly is easy but does it mean that people really make good decisions? Are fast decisions better than slow decisions?

Concise: Gladwell is wrong. Period. He blew it in this book. There is ONE time when fast decisions are good decisions and that is when the decision is being made in your area of expertise. The soldier is likely to make good decisions when soldiering but don't ask the guy for stock advice. His fast decision there will be terrible.

Q. How do I get the woman who looks at me as a friend to see me as someone she wants to have s^x with?

A. I answered this question before and it's in the archives. Have a couple of high impact experiences with her. Intense movie, tall rollercoaster, climb a mountain. You'll go from 0% to 20%. Everyone is different and once a woman has you as her "friend" you'll probably stay there until she gets a new set of "data" on you. When she has new experiences with you, she'll see you differently. Will it be "enough?" You let me know!

Q. Why is the Professional Speakers Course you do cost so much money?

A. Because there are 5,000 professional speakers out there. The median income is about $60,000 per year but the average income is about $100,000 per year and most of them aren't all that good. Making that kind of money by the second year is very doable. A lot of speakers fear the competition because they aren't all that impressive. The reality is there are plenty of people hiring speakers and I've simply put together an excellent program to help most anyone who will follow the map...to accomplish their dreams. (And by the way, most of the "cost" is paid in arrears...AFTER the person has made that first $100,000!!!!

Q. Why do you write about shows like The Apprentice and Survivor? What's the point?

A. The point is don't just watch for fun and they are fun. Watch to see how the world works. They are both almost perfect microcosm's of the globe and mirror real life relationships and friendships and work experiences and environments so closely that there is an ENORMOUS amount to be learned by observing. So the next time Danielle is running down the course and getting cheered on by her teammates...remember that in four hours they will be talking behind her back and plotting to get rid of her. Welcome to real life.

Q. How do I sell groups? Does the Science of Influence CD program address that or just individuals? How do you make back of the room sales?

A. Selling groups is much easier than selling one on one and Science of Influence 1-48 is 100% applicable to both. Back of the room sales are made when the person at the front of the room has overcome credibility and trust thresholds and is convincing when communicating about the value of just what IS at the back of the room.

Q. I have been on a constant search for one of two things... either an excellent program or mentor that teaches how to use these techniques for group persuasion only. No face to face, just from the stage.

A. Isn't that the same question? Apply for an Inner Circle Platinum or Inner Circle Gold Membership and make it your area of focus and I'll work with you so that in one year you will be experiencing financial freedom.

Q. How do I become a body language expert?

A. An at home body language expert? Get the Body Language Home Study Course. You want to be on TV or radio or in magazines? Then you have to write articles, become an observer of human behavior, learn to make accurate predictions and find out what actions lead to other actions. What gestures mean to each person and how to pick up on those nuances quickly. It's a lot of work to go from amateur to pro.

Q. What's the deal with Landmark Forum (or similar events)... weekend brainwash or lifelong breakthrough?

A. I have an uninformed opinion. (I haven't experienced Landmark) The short story is that scientology begat Erhard. Erhard begat EST which begat Landmark. If you want to get some first hand experience at being "locked up" and forced into confrontational communication situations (which btw is not all bad) and are OK with irregular bathroom break opportunities...you could go. Might want to leave your check book and credit cards at home. If you have therapeutic issues or are prone to anxiety, you probably would be best to avoid. Nothing wrong with brainwashing per se'. Just make sure the soap they are using is your style.

Q. What persuasion techniques do YOU use most of the time?

A. I define my life by strategies of persuasion. Not it's techniques. Reciprocity: I give far more than I ever expect to receive.

Sampling: I let people see huge elements of my work every week for months before people invest.

Credibility: When I say it, you know it's true.

Resistance Reduction: I tell you every weakness I have as a person. I don't walk any "party lines" in religion, politics or life in general.

Win/Win: There is no other way.

Q. Western Europe is a very different place than the United States. What works there doesn't work here. My question is...what DOES work in Europe?

A. Ever notice how no one in America says, "hey what works in Europe?" or "Geez that works in Europe but it would never work here?" Well, the first could be attributed to American arrogance. Or, it could be attributed to the fact that people are constantly trying to find excuses for doing anything outside of their comfort zone.

There are ALWAYS cultural differences. BUT, ANYTHING that "works" in the USA is going to be far MORE effective in Europe because it has NOT been utilized there. For example, advertising dollars spent get over TWICE the return in Western Europe as they are here in the States.

Obviously there's a lot of people in Europe who have figured this out and they are of course...very wealthy.

Q. Some of the men at work often just stare at me. When I turn to meet their gaze they usually just turn away or smile and look down. I'm married, have two kids and don't like this kind of harassment. How do I send body language messages that I'm not interested?

A. You can send a body language message that says you aren't interested but that won't mean anything to any normally wired male. If you have already made your dress more conservative (first be flattered) tell the gents that you are truly not attempting to attract attention. "Notice, no make up. No tight clothes. I'm here to bust butt just like you guys, so let me be comfortable here, OK?" Most men will acquiesce and follow through. Then go home, pray and thank god you look as good as you do.

Q. What are the cultural differences should I be aware of between the US and Mexico that might impact my ability to influence my English speaking co-workers in Mexico? We all work for the same company but so far we have only spoken over the phone and over the next few months we are going to be working together very closely at their facility.

A. Strike up some friendships by force. Bring a gift or two. Learn about the city they live in and the beliefs, values and BEHAVIORS of the people you work with. Invite people out to dinner. Ask for their advice on local stuff to do. Break down the biological fears by building rapport. Here's one of my prejudices: I have seen a lot of hard working Mexican people that care about their families enough to travel a thousand miles and risk prison to come to America to earn a pittance and then send money back to the wife and kids back home. If that prejudice represents the culture as a whole, that is pretty admirable.

Whenever I'm trying to understand a group that is foreign to me, I think, "what would I be doing, thinking and believing if I lived in this person's shoes and home?" I've lived in poverty. I can relate. Most people see that and respect it.

Q. How can I achieve real sales in terms of value in an economy with an inflation of over 510%

A. 510% per annum? I don't know. Whatever you ARE selling needs to be to the affluent in that kind of a wild economy. If not move that direction now.

Q. Kevin, in a sales situation would you say that the salespersons attitude (positive , neutral , negative ) has more effect on the prospect than any technique? If "yes," do you have any programs to help toward a good attitude?

A. The salesperson's attitude doesn't make any difference to the individual but it DOES matter to the customer. The research is detailed but essentially, people are influenced by attitude even though the self generally is not.

There are a couple of different programs that are useful. The Millionaire Mind Wealth Package, Lifestorms, and Secrets of Sales Success.

Q. Could you explain to me how exactly to "put the energy out there" to attract a mentor or partner? (I'm currently reading your book, Through the Open Door.

A. In three paragraphs? No. Pick up Irresistible Attraction.

Q. Is it possible to do an NLP "swish" with a kinesthetic habit like hair-pulling? The visual swish doesn't seem to be effective.

A. The swish is a nice tool for simple changes but hair pulling (I assume you mean trichotillomania) is a difficult problem that won't be easily solved. It takes a lot of work and time and usually a superb therapist.

Q. I have enough information gathered to put together a fairly comprehensive book or e-book. Where & how do you start?

A. Each spring we do a course that shows you how to get a book from thought to press to sale. Here's the quickie nutshell.

Write a darn good book that is different from what others have done. Propose it to publishers. (We are now publishing by the way, so send it along here as well.)

Once it's in print or an e-book promote with people who will help you and in every way possible yourself.

You can use Adobe to put the e-book into a file.

Don't wait in line cashing your checks every week. Too time consuming.

Q. I read that to motivate yourself to do something (e.g. lose weight, workout, etc), you tell other people around you what you will do to get social pressure to follow through doing this in reality. However I know people at work who tell lots of people they want to change jobs, but never go and search for a new one. I also listened to another course from someone else, who claimed just the opposite: tell nobody, because if you do, your internal pressure to do so goes away. So, what are the real dynamics of this?

A. The people who say not to tell others your goals is dreaming and/or ignorant. The more leverage you can get with yourself the better. Period. BUT telling people you want to change jobs is NOT a goal. It's not even an outcome. It is WHINING. Complaining is complaining. Telling someone, "I am getting out of this place," means NOTHING. Saying, "I've put in my 60 day notice and have start interviewing, means they have a goal in mind they are taking action on.

Q. I've been telemarketing for about 4 years and consider myself fairly good at selling. (rejection, interruption marketing, anger, hang-ups, cursing, etc. etc.) I truly hate telemarketing and due to circumstances I have to do this for an indeterminate amount of time. I have sat in a cubicle many, many times with pure hatred in my heart at...what I do not know...the people I sell to, myself, the company I work for, the world. (don't worry I am not rabid just angry I think at myself for not being able to "turn peoples thinking" "convince" "maybe I give up to quick." Extremely High Pressure) Can you formulate any ideas from all this?

A. Unless you have a physical defect that makes it impossible to give up telemarketing, quit. You hate it. I don't care how much money you can make or how influential you can be on a given call. Get out soon. I'm not going to show you how to get really good at hating your life.

Q. when will you talk about resisting persuasion?

A. I'm working on a book about saying "No!" (That is the title) It's coming soon.

People need to be able to say no and persuasively and gently reduce other people's resistance to hearing it. Persuasion is valuable. Coercion is destructive. There is a difference and people need to say "NO!" when something is going to set them or their lives back in some way. Thanks for asking.

Q. What (if any) is the interpretation of "patting" someone rather than a steady hug?

A. There are a few possible scenarios. Some people "pat" intentionally because they don't want the hug to appear sexual either to the person or others in the room. Next is that the person really is not affectionate toward the person and it's a feeble attempt to show emotion. Finally older baby boomers in the USA were simply taught that. You should now be able to narrow it down!

Q. How do you overcome price objections when you ARE selling pretty much the same thing as your competitors?

A. You have to sell you. If your mortgage loan is a 1/4 point higher or life insurance $30 more per year then it comes to what do YOU add to the equation. "Great service," is a garbage statement. You get your car serviced not a loan or life insurance.

The answer is you. What extra perk can you legitimately give to this person that tangibly means something to them. Something with undeniable value? That is the answer.

Q. What is the secret to having great sex?

A. There are a few things:

• First, we make appointments to see the doctor, the car mechanic, the dentist but don't put our partner on the calendar. What's that tell your partner? You don't rate. Put them on the calendar. And don't block out 15 minutes. Give it an hour. Relax, rest, watch a movie, take a bath. SMELL GOOD. Kiss your partner. Tell them they look beautiful. Touch their ears.

• Most women will confide that they want to have foreplay as part of great sax. I believe them.

• Most men will tell you they want sex often. (Like vitamins) I believe them.

• Men must ask for directions. That's why men are bad at a lot of things....literally ask "does this feel good?" "Here?" Books can help. But personal research with your partner helps more.

• Even women and men who have never had an *rgasm can do so with the right amount of attention and comfort. If you are a guy, make it a plan to do what you can to give your partner an *rgasm. Once you have done that (and you won't always reach that outcome) THEN start thinking about yourself too. If you fail your partner will know you tried and everyone fails sometimes. It's not a crisis. Once you have accomplished your outcome there is typically little drive to give her the pleasure she deserves....so....ladies first.

A. Because people will murder, steal, rape, molest, and destroy without hypnosis and because most normal people will do most of those things given the wrong context anyway, the answer is basically "no." That said, hypnotic techniques can be powerful and accelerate most behavioral results.

Q. Do you think you can spend some time on explaining why it isn't possible that a high reading rate like this can not be achieved? I didn't necessarily mean 400 words in five seconds, but maybe 400 words per minute or maybe twice/ thrice that speed. More importantly, can the brain make any comprehension in reading without subvocalization as its auditory processor?

A. 400 words per minute is doable for about 50% of the population. (Depends on content and level of material.) Thrice that would be asking the brain to take "pictures" of text and somehow translate those pictures into a story line or surgical procedure. The brain simply doesn't take pictures and it doesn't decode images into intended story lines. It's not a function of "effort" but of capacity. Perhaps 1% of people could hit 1000 words per minute and know what the book was about. Even more claim they can. But do you want that guy to be your heart surgeon?

Me neither.

Q. What is the best way to deal with people who never admit that they are wrong or could be wrong?

A. We all by nature want to be right. It's in your DNA. It's adaptive. It's why you are here today! Being "right" means that you are accurately making sense of the world. You are "sane." When someone tells you that you are wrong, it simply means that you are not "sane." Thus, because of the brains need to make sense of the world and meaning of the sense, the brain demands that it is "right."

Realize that memory, everyone's memory, is utterly faulty and often useless in remembering something. Then realize that the emotions of the moment and in the memory paint the picture in a very different way than someone else recalls it.

Try, "I know you remember it that way. I believe you. I remember it differently. Kevin says that is normal and that we are both sane. Can we leave it at that?"

In an argument, like about politics or religion...different story. You're now in world view and can't start with big pictures. You must deal with tiny little pieces and find agreement among the tiny elements first.

Q. I saw an expert on professional body language and gestures say that this hand motion is rude, pompous, and condescending, but I cannot find facts to verify that. We’re doing an awareness presentation at my work and I would like to tell my coworkers whether or not they should do this when speaking in public. The gesture is hands in front of the torso, fingertips touching but palms not touching, looking like the person is praying. I’ve heard that if the fingers point to the audience, this is OK, but if the fingers point up, it is pretentious. Either way, I think it looks fake and condescending. What's the real answer?

A. I do that on occasion. Spock did it on Star Trek in every episode. There are pictures in history books of people doing that and usually it does indicate a controlled gesture. To introject a negative intention into "controlled," would be a mistake. It CAN be a sign of self perceived superiority but it can just as easily be a mechanism that is self imposed to think logically.

Q. Why don't you believe that you can photograph a page in a text book and comprehend it within a matter of seconds?

A. With the possible exception of a savant it's not possible because it isn't how the brain records information. It's rather like asking, "why don't you believe you can hear what someone else is thinking?" There are no photographs in the brain. There are vast amounts of connecting neurons that create and recreate pictures (and other senses) each time they are viewed. A true speed reader can pound out 500 words per minute and understand everything they are reading. (They can tell you the story in the novel, know the details, etc.) There are some verified instances I've seen of over 1000 words per minute and unofficial documentations of up to 2000 words per minute. That's certainly the upper limit and I'm looking forward to the day when we see anyone come close in a controlled situation.

Q. What is an "Unconscious Hello?"

A. It's a nonverbal hello. Nothing more. Could be the nod of a head, a smile, eye contact, the turn of the body toward someone or even opening your arms or legs in the direction of someone who sees you. Typically these "hello's" are unintentional, though, they can make a very nice intentional way of breaking the ice.

Q. Do you have a mastermind group in Washington DC?

A. Beginning in January we will have an international mastermind group at www.kevinhogan.com. If you want information about how to be part of this elite group, write mastermind@kevinhogan.com and we'll send you all the details. It's a group that I will lead and facilitate for one year to achieve and meet preset outcomes. There will be two "in person" weekends as well as 45 weeks of coaching divided between group and individual. It's going to be an incredible experience.

Q. I drive by a this woman at a bus stop everyday. Neither of us smiles, but we make eye contact for a good few seconds till we can't cause I have past by. It's been for a couple of months. I would love to talk to her but she is a total stranger. help me please on this body language, thanks.

A. Next time you drive, by give her a big smile AND a wave. If she returns the smile and wave, the NEXT DAY you can stop by and say, "you must be married. tell me I'm wrong." You have nothing to lose and everything to win...both of you!

Q. I often sell to a husband, wife at the same time. The personalities of each as you know can be quite different. When a combatant situation of opinion superiority takes place, how can I defuse one, in order to create a point of possible agreement.

A. Preclude it by having husband and wife sit directly next to each other facing you. Without eye contact it's hard for them to trigger negative emotions in each other. If they are married, realize you are an intruder on his/her nest and therefore YOU focus on the person who is the same sex as you. 70/30. If someone gets volatile there are a number of ways to defuse. You can always match it with equivalent irritation then de-escalate. You can also nod your head when someone is volatile. That is defusing in itself. I strongly suggest you pick up Science of Influence 25-36. This specific series deals with resistance and reactance of the kind you mention here.

Q. Thank you for setting the standards in self help and influence. I'm your #1 fan!

A. That's not really a question but it's a heck of a compliment. Thank you!

Q. I would like to know if you plan on writing, or teaching a class regarding the in home sales paradigm?

A. It's not on the charts right now. Perhaps in the future! (Everything in Science of Influence or Covert Hypnosis is applicable.)

Q. I am working for an advertising company and I am opening & starting my own business named true image business cards. Is your program something that can help me?

A. Especially, Science of Influence Library. Yes. Of course.

Q. My question is... What's the effective alternative to saying,
'Forget I said that'?
'Forget I asked'?
'Forget about it'?

A. Thank you. or Interesting. or Good point. or Can I ask another question when I have a brain? All of these responses demand you take responsibility for the communication and that pint of humility usually defuses the negativity involved.

Q. I would like to hear your opinion on what message a man is trying to send to a woman if he (in a gentle way) puts his hand at the back of her neck (while walking alongside each other). This has puzzled me as the woman in subject is me and am trying to understand what was meant by this. Is this seduction or control????

A. Can be either liking or control. The neck itself is a very odd place for a man to place a hand on the back of the neck if he is attracted to her. More likely is the shoulder or back. The neck leans toward control.

Q. Influence: How can I maximize third-party video testimonials when it comes to expertise, honesty, and integrity?

A. Have your client communicate her pleasure with working with you, how well you took care of her needs, how quickly, how expertly, how responsively. Do NOT say, "he was an honest joe with lots of integrity." They will shut you off.

Q. Can you give me a strategy or two to help creatively call on C-Level clients and C-Level Admin's.

A. You're dealing with a bunch of ego driven men so you have to come across as valuable, confident, yet not BETTER THAN them...think in terms of making them look good to the bottom of the pyramid. Think in terms of them turning their options into cash in part because of what they will get from you. Most important, I wouldn't call cold on any C-Level people. They need to know who you are, have an introduction to you from someone and have your e-zine in their mailbox every Monday morning right next to Coffee with Kevin Hogan.

Q. Could you expand on your recent statement, "it makes financial sense to find your niche, become well known and respected and evolve from there."

A. I think that is pretty incisive. I can't beat it. To implement it, you might want to utilize The Wealth Package which you can pick up in our store. Do things like Influence: Boot Camp where you meet the people that matter and learn to apply skills that cause you to be seen as brilliant, compassionate and knowledgeable. People will listen to your communication. If they are sold on you, money follows like water heading for the water falls...

Q. How do I find my niche where I can be seen as a "go to person?" I don't have a lot of money to spend, even on your programs so I have to be careful.

A.Same as the above question. You should have two lists of things. What do you love to do and what are you really good at. Then take programs like The Wealth Package and Science of Influence and put these things together in a way that is going to make you valuable...a commodity...and a scarce one at that.

Q. Is it right to think that a suggestion which upon the subject has to act unconsciously is better than one where he reacts voluntarily?

A. The nonconscious (emotional/reptilian) part of the brain is largely on autopilot and you need to use the 16 desires to weave into that structure. Otherwise, apparent or not you are looking for behavioral change at the conscious level and trying to map over the nonconscious mind. Doable and you always have your work cut out for you.

Q. You have mentioned in Science of Influence CD's that material has really evolved a lot since you wrote your first book on The Psychology of Persuasion. Should I just forget about the first book and jump right in with The Science of Influence? I'm in sales (not by choice) and really need help.

A. The answer is Psychology of Persuasion is an excellent square one book. It's a great book to return to for classic ideas and information. BUT the reality is that in the last decade we have discovered more than we knew about influence and persuasion in selling and marketing than we knew in history prior to that. If you want to compete and close the optimal number of sales, start on the Science of Influence CD programs. You will never regret it. Promise.

Q. I recently invested in your Science of Influence program (1-12) I have found the information eye opening, exciting and very relevant to everything I do in my life. (Well nearly everything) I know I have a ways to go before I can master the program. I am in the process of developing a new marketing strategy and feel your material knowledge and expertise is exceptional. I wonder if you can help me?

A. Listen in the car and at home. At home take notes. Two sets. Theory and applications. If I use an analogy of selling financial products and you sell real estate, make sure you note the immediate and obvious application to real estate so you can implement later. Once you have the material welded into your brain you are all set. That comes with implementing the applications and repetition of listening. One without the other usually has a poor result with any form of learning.

Q. I signed up for Video Business cards for cold calling. What message should I be communicating to my prospects and how can I position the information in this video business card to ensure I get appointments from my target market (Entrepreneurs and Professionals)? My areas of expertise are Pension planning, Tax Strategies, Investment, Insurance and Business continuation Strategies.

A. You don't tell me how they are getting your "card" and that makes all the difference in the world. So the short answer is what is the dramatic difference between YOU and everyone else out there.

Q. I have heard of Hypnotherapists creating dissociation in the Client with a method where they get the conscious mind to go and do something interesting while they talk to the unconscious mind. In return I will now share the method I heard about.

A. The method you discussed is ill advised. I suggest you read Hilgard and Watson's work and go from there.

Q. Is it right to say the more difficult a suggestion is the more effective it is concerning it is once complied with? And when the suggestion of one and the same trance phenomenon is repeated several times, does the effect slow down and become weaker with each time the phenomena is produced again, or is there no such decline?

A. Any suggestion complied with is good. The larger the suggestion the greater the relationship and likely for future compliance. Repetition is largely unimportant.

Q. It is said that in sales, perception is reality from the customer's point of view, but here in my country, the INSURANCE industry has a very bad image, in fact nobody wants to invest in this sector. Please tell me how do I tackle this problem?

A. Insurance is not seen favorably in developing countries. When people have nothing to lose or don't understand the concept of loss because they haven't had anything to lose in the past, you face a challenge. You can't change the perception of a country, but you can start to teach people in your community the value of pooling protection of property and life. Not all insurance is valuable, but the basics are for people who could lose it all. Look at all the people in New Orleans who will have nothing for the rest of their lives because they didn't have correct coverage. People need to learn from others' mistakes so they don't have to learn from their own.

Q. How do I master large volume sales?

A. If you mean you want to sell large volumes to individual sales, you are going to have to sell and serve one or two products or services. Companies tend to be loyal until they get screwed at which point they switch. For you, you want to engender loyalty and regularly be offering opportunities to ask for more business. As long as you are the best, buyers will consider you. Tenacity and persistence really do pay.

Q. I'm 42 and want to find my single passion. I have so many interests and I need to nail down that one thing. How do I do it? Do you have a program for it?

A. Don't try and find one single passion. You can be passionate about 5 things. BUT if you are going to succeed in a field to the point of being seen as a "go to person" you will have to work very hard. To do that in 5 fields is tough so it makes financial sense to find your niche, become well known and respected and EVOLVE from there.

Q. What do you think of the new TV show Threshold?

A. it's a great show. Well written. Great characters. It will be around for awhile if they can keep writing great scripts.

Q. What do you think of Roberts and Miers for the Supreme Court?

A. There has to be a better way to get Supreme Court Justices than Presidential Appointment. I have no opinion until I see 10 or 20 rulings. Then ask me again.

Q. I’ve come to the belief that I’m sending bad ‘body language’ signals and/or gestures. I’m a very outgoing person; I love to meet new people and have new experiences but I never sense that anyone takes a liking to me once I meet them. It’s getting very annoying!! I want to be able to stand out in a crowd (which is called Charisma, right?) & when I meet someone… I want to impact them RIGHT when they first shake my hand.

A. Be careful of being seen as too aggressive. That is the sense I get from your extended e-mail. Be seen. Be there. Be unique. Learn how to tell a fascinating story and elicit stories from others. People love to talk. Let them...and listen. I've written and developed CD programs that are detailed ( Irresistible Attraction, Covert Hypnosis) about just this subject and encourage you to look there for details.

Q. You use Pamela Anderson in a lot of your examples in your articles and in your book, Science of Influence. Do you watch her TV show? Do you really think it's any good? Do you really like her? The woman is a ditz.

A. She is a genius in promotion and selling herself. She has branded herself like few people have or can. She's got a very self-effacing sense of humor and is never seen as arrogant. She gets it on every level. And she is fairly attractive. Yes, I really like her.

Q. Kevin, what is your opinion on Ross Jefferies work? Especially his speed seduction course as a method to learn and apply NLP in social settings, not only in a seduction environment but in business and personal situations as well. Also, have you read and /or do you have an opinion on the book, "The Game" by Neal Strauss? He seems to verify the effectiveness of a lot of persuasion and influence techniques and information in the book.

A. "Ross" presents a useful skill set for men to engage women. I started The Game and haven't had a chance to get back to it. Seduction as communicated by Jeffries is certainly a workable "model." And it gives confidence to those who have his material. It's a good part of a puzzle.

Q. What do you think will happen to the stock market in the next 6-12 months?

A. Almost certainly down. In fact, I'd be shocked if it was higher than 11,000 this time next year. Some areas will do well. Energy, commodities, precious metals. Stay away from the "market" and real estate. This is the time to build your own business.

Q. What will I learn at Influence: Boot Camp in Las Vegas, that I haven't learned in The Science of Influence CD's I have. I have all 36.

A. At last year's Influence: Boot Camp we didn't replicate anything in the first 36 CD's. People who come to Boot Camp, get the best, the most recent and the most powerful stuff. Period. The CD sets are not prerequisites to Boot Camp, but because of the uniqueness of the material in them, it surprises me when people who aren't making 100-200K per year haven't got them in their car.

Q. Can you really CHANGE people in conversation?

A. Of course. That's what Covert Hypnosis and Science of Influence are all about.

Q. Why are women on all the covers of men AND women's magazines?

A. Women nurtured us all. We are connected to women, if you will. Women's faces sell more magazines than men's.

Q. What's the fastest way to make money?

A. Earn more per sale. Ask for more per sale. Charge what your service is WORTH. Do NOT compete on price. Don't be WalMart. Take calculated risks.

Q. I heard you were going to run for Senate. Is that true?

A. I'm so disgusted with Politicians in Washington on both sides of the aisle, (and around the world) that I'd have to run Libertarian or Independent. So, I have to wait til I'm in a better mood I think. There's no point in running unless you are going to go to Washington.

Q. Does sex sell everything?

A. Sex doesn't sell much of anything. Sensuality does. More specifically, attractive women sell most (but not all) things (Think: The Price Is Right..."Barker's Beauties") more effectively than men. (See magazine cover question.)

Q. Are you going to write a book on seduction?

A. Ha! If I don't run for Senate!

Q. Are you going to be doing the www.bodylanguagetalks.com thing for The Apprentice (Trump) show this season?

A. Yes. It's been fun the last couple of years. We'll post all comments, analyses, and editorializations about the most recent show starting today. I'll post as often as I can.

Q. Trump seems like an *'//%/*. Why do you like him so much?

A. I never said, "I like him." I have no idea if I would or not. Probably. I like most everyone. I certainly respect him. His tenacity, his ability to handle failure, come back. He certainly is a walking lesson for branding instruction. You could emulate Trump and do quite well.

Q. What did you think of "The World is Flat?"

A. I really like Friedman. A lot. The book is today and the future. I could pick at points with him, but for the most part, yes, it's on target.

Q. It is true you submitted your book, The Psychology of Persuasion, 247 times before a publisher bought it?

A. Yes. The book was originally submitted in March of 1991. It was purchased in July of 1994 and published in May of 1996. The tenacity paid off. (It wasn't fun but it was a lesson in persistence.)

Q. There is an article by Brian Millar called the Curse of the Pyramid, critiquing the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs as interpreted by ad agencies. I was wondering what you thought of it.

A. Millar is correct. The hierarchy of needs was a good and useful model but if you use it in advertising, you will go broke.

Q. A comparison chart comparing a product against competitors products is often used in selling. Is that same technique effective for comparing myself against possible other candidates for an internal management position?

A. Never thought of it, but YOU BET! Great application.

Q. I am skilled in many ways, but I seem to have something in me which tells me It has me and just won't let go! I have failed in over 15 different online businesses, and I am pretty depressed about it.

A. Almost every on line business will not make money. But if you are smart, it's difficult to lose any thus you have an almost risk free environment. Instead of finding a business, create one from what you love, enjoy or are good at.

Q. What is the best way to habituate from tinnitus besides TRT? Thanks.

A. Lots of things work better. Use an iPod with your favorite music. You couldn't do better.

Q. I study about ways to be more charismatic but I can't figure out how to BE charismatic. Help?

A. Charisma comes from personal mastery, an outward focus on life, enormous empathy and awareness of others and each response and reaction they have...and from physical appearance. Work on all of them. Apply as needed.

Q. Do you use or would you recommend any form of speed reading techniques?

A. I was part of a pilot speed reading research project when I was in high school. Quite an experience. The Evelyn Wood Course was the best then and is likely to be the best today. They make no exaggerated claims and the speed is just as important as comprehension.

Q. You never reviewed "Dukes of Hazzard." Did you like it?

Haven't been able to see the movie yet!

Q. How to be more attractive to the opposite sex? And how do you find true love?

The second stems from the first, of course. Be more attractive by wiring into the core desires that are driving the specific individual. You can learn how to isolate which of the 16 are driving the person with the Covert Hypnosis CD program. True love is one of those things that you can't easily define, so I'll leave that to a differently phrased question!

Q. What is the market like for someone entering the public speaking/training field? How long does it take to break into it? What are the REALISTIC chances of success? What do I do if I really don't feel I have expertise in an area to be a well paid speaker?

There aren't enough speakers and there aren't enough well prepared speakers. There are 600,000 events per year and fewer than 7,000 speakers, most of which refuse to make themselves available to marketing channels. The methodology I teach in the Professional Speakers Course give you an 18-month plan to put you in the running, though numerous former students of mine are already doing $2000-5000 per presentation after just 2-3 months. Chances of success are determined solely by you. So 100% or 0%. If you don't have the expertise, you will need to acquire it. This is covered in the course, as well.

Q. How do I attempt to memorize the significant factors of the Science of Influence CD Series (which are many) in order to apply to everyday situations?

To memorize the factors, techniques and strategies would be a daunting task. You make them part of you by using a technique each day and then each week. They rapidly become part of your nature and it makes learning far easier than memorizing something.

Q. I am developing a script to call Managing Directors about a telecom solution we have. The marketers themselves are all in their 20’s with no sales experience. How do we write a great script?

Hiring a consultant with experience is your best bet. If not, set up a needs analysis from the customers you have and make sure your program is fit to it. Be VERY concise in your opening and your presentation, and you have a chance. Brief is beautiful.

Q. Regarding one of your goals. You said you like to 'tell people' your goals as part of your self discipline, so you 'feel that pressure' that helps you. And I don't know how accountable your friends/family have been keeping you In The 3 Disciplines, you say you were in the process of losing a few extra pounds..And I'm wondering how it is coming (or came) along. Hope you're enjoying life nevertheless, and thanks so much for all your programs I own.

I don't recall what weight I was at when I did the program, I think 205. I'm about 10 less that now. And yes, you always want to be accountable to as many people as you can.

Q. Is the psychology taught at University out-dated and creating limiting beliefs, or is it actually liberating and quicker than NLP, which takes years to take hold? (Thanks for all your contributions, Kevin, to humanity through your charity work and programs.)

I found that some of NLP is rich with value. You can learn it in 10 days and master it in months. Most of psychology (especially neuropsych, biopsych, behavioral psych, evolutionary psych and cognitive psych) is quite valuable. You can learn it in 5 years and master it in 10. There is no significant reason for NLP to be at odds with Psychology.

Q. How does a person protect themselves from people that sub-vocal communicate negative mind spin? Do you have a book that covers antithetical or counter procedures? Thanks for taking the time to answer.

By focusing on actions that counter the internal dialogue. If you find yourself talking yourself out of something, actually DO the behavior immediately if possible to easily overwrite the monologue.

Q. How to transfer the info I have learned from you into a script?

Don't use scripts. Use templates. Themes. Ideas. As noted above, Practice techniques to gain skill so you never have to rely on a script.

Q. I would like to know if you have any programs that will help to recover a suppressed memory?

The Wealth Package which includes The Psychology of Wealth Accumulation and The Millionaire Mind helps you pull up the junk in a very efficient manner. That said, always remember that each time a memory is considered, it is changed.

Q. I have a girl I have this true feelings for but the problem is any time I approach her she tells me she is not in the mood to talk to anybody or she is not interested. The first question is how can I sincerely make her in a mood to talk and how to convince her to change her mind?

Be damn persistent. Women hate it, but they tend to marry that trait. Ask her this: "Would you let me just one time take you out to the nicest restaurant in town and if you find you don't want to have dinner with me again, just say so and I'll never ask again." Now you have her attention and you better know The Science of Influence!

Q. I have been reading very interesting information on something called Auditory Integration Therapy developed by Dr. Guy Bernard, which allegedly is being used successfully for certain tinnitus sufferers (as well as autism, ADHD, ADD, and other "neural pathways" problems. Your outstanding book (Thanks!) is curiously silent about this form of treatment, though it seems sensible and jives with much of what your book says about tinnitus. I'm about to see a D.O. specializing in hearing problems, whose audiologist is certified in the Jastreboff therapy, but strangely no longer is using it (?). Have you any opinions of AIT?

If it's in the book, you can bet it is helpful. If not, then it probably isn't. I prefer to focus on that which is good instead of that which is not. All that said, every now and then something good does come up. This could be that. We shall see. In general a lot of these therapies are so marginal that ethical therapists simply must let go of them. I prefer not to comment on specifics.

Q. I read your book Irresistible Attraction and it's pretty obvious what men are attracted to but what are women attracted to most? What is the thing I should do first?

A. Women are far more complex than men. They are consciously attracted to one grouping of characteristics and nonconsciously attracted to a very different set of characteristics.

In general women gravitate (or psychobiologically prefer to gravitate) to men who have status/prestige in their field, men with potential (resources, education/money) to men who are able to create physical and emotional security for them, to tall men, thin or muscular men, attractive men.

What is truly interesting is when I interviewed women for Irresistible Attraction, women tell you they want someone who is funny, nice, shares the same interests, would be a good father, soul mate, and so forth. Then I asked them to share their last three relationships with me, including the men they only went out with once and asked specific questions about even those and I found that what women cognitively want doesn't match what they actually *do*. (Thought and behavior are not the same.) They do gravitate toward men who stood out in a crowd (even obnoxiously!), those who had resources which was typically but not always money, and it was VERY RARE that a woman dated a man that made significantly less money than she did.

Men of course behaved and thought precisely as you would have expected them to....

Q. Please, I need more info about the pain/pleasure human metaprogram.

A. Pain and pleasure largely stem from the survival reaction (flight/fight and it's counterpart of tranquility). People will do MUCH more to avoid pain or change than they will to do ANYTHING that will cause long-term pleasure. If short-term pleasure is involved, that will overcome most long-term pain experiences.

Q. My husband always thought he'd be a millionaire by the time he was 30. Now, here he is 43 and nowhere near it. He has an MBA but hates working for a large corporation although they do pay him pretty well. He's read a ton of books and certainly has confidence in himself. Any ideas what he's doing wrong? It seems to me that he is never able to close a deal. He tells me that that isn't the case at all, but that each "deal" is totally different and no fault of his that they didn't go through. He says the problem is that he tells the truth and people don't want to hear it. I wanted to buy him your "wealth package" last year at the *******convention. Which one of your products, if any, do you think would help?

A. Achievement is predictable as long as self-sabotage is not involved and it sounds like it is rampant here. Certainly, deals can fall apart, and bad stuff always happens in business....but as a rule, in business, the failure or success is due to the captain of the ship. Hubby is playing too much golf and tennis and needs to take all of that party time for two years and focus it straight ahead. Gain momentum and you help. You are crucial. The MBA doesn't transfer into entrepreneurial success. It's meaningless outside of the big buildings.

Confidence that is not matched with competence falls to narcissism and THAT can be an enormous problem. Narcissists rarely succeed because they can't take responsibility for anything. Achievement starts with, "I will move toward my outcome, until I get it." Period.

Get him the Wealth Package which contains The Millionaire Mind and The Psychology of Wealth Accumulation. That way he won't have to hear you tell him about what you think, "is wrong," but he will instantly find it himself. Then perhaps he will repair the damage and move forward. Keep me posted.

Q. I am looking for sales techniques for people who only sell over the phone. Not telemarketing, but selling through conversations that would normally take place in person, but are in fact only done over the phone.

A. Science of Influence obviously is the place to go.

Selling on the phone is not significantly different from selling in person. You've got a shorter attention span because there are no visuals so if you aren't asking questions, or are talking more than 50% of the time (or 30% of the time) you are going to lose. What does the customer want and need. How can you meet and exceed that? What makes you special? Unique? Better? Why do business with you?

Q. My boyfriend and I have been having communication issues ... It seems that we can be in the same situation and interpret the "what happened" completely differently. Often times a disagreement or an argument can ensue because of our very different take on the mutual experience... and being "right" becomes the focus instead of breaking down what actually happened. In other words, factually it's one thing -- but "emotionally" it's another. (The experience takes on a separate life of it's own!) Is this a sign that we are just too different to be together, or can you suggest ways that couples can avoid such huge communication breakdowns?

A. Everyone sees things differently from everyone else. Literally. So you have the diagnosis correct. And when two people see completely different things it is only logical that any two people will feel their reality was correct. Emotionally it's worth saying, I know what you saw is totally wrong based upon what I saw, but I believe you saw it!

You can beat this.

Q. If you regress someone to an age before they wore glasses, you get spontaneous relief from myopia. I guess the brain remembers how the eyes were back then complete with muscle tension and eye shape. Then you have the person grow, but leave the eyesight the same. Have you ever done this in your hypnosis practice or seminars and has it had any positive effects?

A. There are anecdotes in hypnosis where this has happened in people with tiny correction. Goodness knows if it could even be done 1% of the time, a fortune would be justifiably made.

Q. What programs and strategies are most useful for ending procrastination?

A. Program: The Wealth Package, or, 3 Disciplines. If I could give you one behavioral strategy of the dozens, perhaps this: Do X until it is done. Do not go to sleep until it is done. Do not sleep until it is done. Develop the attitude that your business or family is worth as much or more than the one you spend 9 hours per day at and thus deserves far more effectiveness and effort.

Q. I'm selling Credit Protection for a reputed bank in US over the phone. I use nice words in a hypnotic way, mirror their rate and way of speech and their breath and smile and also put them into a trance, by telling them to experience what they would, if they take the Credit protection. Also I display professional enthusiasm. Apart from this, please tell me other factors which will boost my chances of making more sales.

A. I hate credit protection programs...and I'm sorry you have to currently sell them. The value to cost ratio for the consumer is so low that it makes it hard to justify the sale. Same with most extended warranties at electronic stores. I refer you to the earlier comments about phone sales. Hopefully you will move laterally to other services which you can sell with utter conviction.

Q. Do you have a program that can help rekindle your enthusiasm an energy, Each month the loans I write are then sent to processing, our processing center then processes the loans (usually very poorly) and their production or efficiency at which they do their jobs has a great influence on my paycheck, they drop the ball and my monthly income plummets by about 50%, going from 10k to 4 or 5 k, I get depressed when this happens, and this happens every month. How do I get past this and keep that great attitude? I am already spending massive amounts of time doing much of their jobs and the little they have to do does not get done resulting in me making much less income. I have complained about their lack of production, but nothing ever seems to improve. What do I do to get this fixed?

A. Get the hell out. How long will you punish yourself? You think this company is going to change? You are way too talented to put up with garbage like this. Start planning your departure.

Q. How can I be motivated at my workplace as well as home to provide the best I can?

A. Intrinsic Motivation comes from the 16 basic human desires. (Covert Hypnosis: An Advanced Course in Subtle Unconscious Communication) So, the question is, which one is going to light you on fire? Sounds to me like you've quashed whichever one it is. You do that and you can only be demotivated. Of course, life is more than motivation, it's about self-discipline, personal mastery. When you don't feel motivated you MUST then DO those activities that will cause you to achieve at work and at home. Don't allow yourself any other option.

Q. How can I be happy always even if I have any amount of work to do?

A. If you aren't happy working (whatever happy means), then you might want to choose different work. There are approximately 140 million jobs in America. Pick one that would be something that would help you be happy if that is important to you. When you read Genesis you see that God told Adam and Eve that life IS work. We have a lot more free time than in the old days, but work is still the only legal means to take care of those that rely on you.

Q. Is the stock market a random walk or is it efficient? What's your stock investment philosophy? Where is the US market going now?

A. Here is a metaphor that will "break down" if you over analyze it, but it is helpful. You have a six sided dice. 1-6. You roll the dice. A number comes up. That's a 20 year period with the number being where the market will end. After 20 years they take the 1 off the dice and slap a 7 on instead. Now you have 2-7. Roll the dice. That's where you'll be at the end of the next 20 years. Take off the 2 and put an 8 on. Now you have 3-8. Roll the dice. That's where the market will be after the next 20 years.

Over a period of a century, say, the market is ultimately efficient. It is going to give you GDP + Inflation. It can't sustain any more or less. In the short run (less than 25 years) the market has an upward bias because of inflation and GDP but it is also proven that there is a largely random component to the market. You can go 10 years with a growing economy and have no increase in stock price if the prices were overvalued to begin with. That said it's a "strange randomness"...because the tails of the curve (the super highs and super lows) of market change happen far more than is statistically possible with random action. (Daily, annually) The rest of the curve is a typical bell curve.

The probability that the market will trend higher in the next 10 years is probably 70%, but the probability it will be greater than inflation, is not impressive. If inflation is at 3% over the next 10 years, you would be fortunate to get a 3% return. In fact, as I recall, it has NEVER happened in the U.S. market, that the market is as high as it is now compared to the underlying value and have the market up (beyond inflation) a decade later....Short term. Probably side ways, and that is where you get into a lot of random action.

So my investment philosophy is to be invested in things that are very likely to grow beyond inflation over the next decade. Mostly that means your own businesses (most of your money), some emerging markets where the reward is likely to outweigh risk, commodities, and cheap Anglo/American stocks... and cheap real estate.

Q. What do you think of Tom Cruise's latest outbursts?

A. Tom is a devout Scientologist. Like everyone who follows a dogma, a cemented set of rules or beliefs, he thinks and does precisely what he is shaped to do by his culture.

Q. What is your opinion of Network Marketing (MLM) and is it a viable option for starting a home based business? If you believe it is a good way to start a business, which of your courses would give me the best chance to succeed in this type of business?

A. There are some pretty neat programs out there. (Primerica and Prepaid Legal come to mind.) There are some big time scams. (Others come to mind.) There are some that are in the middle. Just like real life business. Depends on what business you go into.

The best program to help you succeed in this area is (The Millionaire Mind) Complete Wealth Package. But without the Science of Influence Part III (V.25-36) where you learn all there is to know about resistance and overcoming resistance, it's all for naught.

Q. How am I ever going to move ahead and reach my potential when my so-called friends, family and confidants are doing everything in their power to stop me? How do I build without intrusion from evil, phony, fraudulent Individuals?

A. Stop hanging out with losers.

Q. Will Hillary Clinton run for President and could she win?

A. It's very difficult to imagine a democratic nominee that could beat her for the party, then she would run against some Republican....who?? There is no name that stands out except McCain and Americans keep saying "no" to him. (And he's a good man.) So, will she? Yes, and will she win, probably.

Q. I've bought Science of Influence v1-12. I have been learning a lot, and have been using much of the information. It has been making a difference in my small company. Thank you for making it available. Is Science of Influence v13-24 repetitious? Is there really more about persuasion?

A. I won't finish the Science of Influence series until Volume 60 or 70. There is so much that I've simply not touched on. Volumes 13-24 does not replicate Volumes 1-12 in any way.

Q. I recently started working at a kiosk in the mall and , I'm selling nail buffers and salt scrubs. So far in a six hour shift I sell about $250 dollars and I get 25% commission. I can't work any more hours due to my 'MS' illness. I want to raise my sales, what is your best suggestion?

A. I wonder how many other businesses would love to have someone with a desire to sell such like yours? You aren't going to earn significantly more than what you are currently earning, because you are dependent upon their system. If you can co-op with other kiosks or businesses in the mall, you could improve your numbers. But overall, there are a lot of companies that would love to have you. Please consider that.

Q. Have you considered having any workshops or seminars in Austin, Texas?

A. Would love to. Will be in Austin next month for private gig but nothing is on the books. I try and do my public work out of Las Vegas as it's sort of a universal destination for people (and fun).

Q. How can I persuade someone to do what I want them to do under hypnosis? I want to hypnotize people without them knowing it. This will help me when it comes to selling products to people. Please send me some information thank you for your time.

A. Under hypnosis...I wonder what "over" hypnosis would look like. There is no "under" hypnosis. That said, pick up Covert Hypnosis: An Advanced Course in Subtle Unconscious Communication in the store. It will open a whole new world of possibilities.

Q. You have lots of good material, but I wonder why you do not spell check your material (emails, Coffee…) before release?

A. Spell checker is used immediately before release, but that doesn't mean words aren't missed because they could simply be misspelled as other words. I create Coffee on Saturday and Sunday. Finish late Sunday night usually when you are long into your second dream of the night. Coffee takes about 16 hours. I can do that or start reading English and grammar books. I prefer to have Coffee with you and if you corrected everything I said that was mispronounced, grammatically incorrect or politically incorrect while having Coffee, one of us would lose our mind....

Q. If I only speak 20% of the time in a sales meeting how will I have time to use nested loops and metaphors without speaking too much? Thanks in advance!

A. First of all, what is your goal in a sales meeting? To get to "yes" or to use a nested loop? Nested loops almost demand you talk for 10 minutes without interaction. A sales meeting is usually a lousy place to bring in a tool that requires that kind of time investment. Metaphors can be as short as a sentence.

Q. I have anxiety and depression. I was wondering which of your programs would help me gain more self-confidence and control of my emotions?

A. Anxiety and depression should be treated either therapeutically or pharmacologically or both. As far as controlling emotions and greater self confidence, look at Life Storms: Overcoming the 12 Obstacles to Achievement and The Three Disciplines: Personal Mastery, Charisma and Self-Discipline.

Q. I sell software, and I offer a free 30-day demo version to my customers. All I ask from them in return from them is their contact information (name, address, phone, email). I like to write them a couple of follow-up messages to see if they had any problems with the software, and how much they enjoy using it. I also use the information to track the effectiveness of my sales copy on my web site. One of the things that I don't like is that many people purposely enter false information into the form. I have a strong feeling that they are never going to order the software. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can say to these people? I'd like to make an effort to sell to these people, as they did take the time to download and install the software.

A. "Contact information"...people do NOT want to be contacted, especially in multiple ways...especially by phone.

Next. Writing a follow up message to see if there are problems with the software? Not good. Does your grocer come to you and see if there were problems with the lettuce you bought?

Next. People don't want to tell you how much they enjoy using it. Do condom makers call and ask if their users are having fun and enjoying their product? It's a given. (I hope) So, what reason DO you want to be in contact with them for? That's the question you want to answer.

Next. People give you false information because they don't trust you or because they are scamming you. Neither will order the software.

Next. You can say, "try this software for 10 days. See if it doesn't give you x, y and z which is way more than you are getting now with a, b, c. if it does, feel free to keep on trucking and we'll permanently activate it for you. If not, thanks for the test drive.

Finally. If people are downloading it, make it a requirement that they type in the email address they are visiting you from. Then, you will send them instructions on how to use it, then you will send them tips on how Kevin used it to accomplish x. Then the next day you show a little known feature of the software.....

Starting to become clear?!?

Q. Hey, I've been in a relationship with my boyfriend for 1 year and 3 months now, and we're recently noticing that he always stands on my left side and my hand is always underneath his when we hold hands, any other way, we are usually uncomfortable with. When we stand my arms around his waist, and his is around mine, but mine is underneath his arm around back. The only time my arms are above his is when we hug, and I wrap my arms around his neck, and his are around my waist. (Unless I'm sad, and he's comforting me, then his arms wrap around my whole body and my arms are up against his chest, sort of grabbing at him.) I was just wondering if you could tell me what any of that means, or if you even reply to emails like this.

A. It means he's taller than you, that you have culturally been programmed to put your arms around his neck and he around your waist. Both of you are grossly normal and there is nothing interesting going on here. (Invite me to the wedding...it will happen!)

Q. Why did you quit talking about the stock market in Coffee? Did your portfolio turn bad?

A. I had people write and say they were skipping over it. The S&P 500 is up 0.5% on the year. (It's even.) The Hogan portfolio consists of one stock, four mutual funds, and one short position on the QQQQ's. CVX +16%, NLY +6%, FAX +1%, LZSMX +3%, MSF +3%, Short QQQQ +4%. No changes since Jan.1. With the dividends included, we're up a little better than 4% on the year which whips the market as a whole and 85% of the managed funds. No changes in the forseeable future. But I'll let you know.

Q. I work in a call centre where I'm very despondent as I hate my manager. He makes stupid jokes, wants everyone to laugh and I don't suck up so this makes him not communiate with me and have a nasty attitude toward me. Now I'm trapped in a corner where I hardly speak or laugh. What do I do? Help as it seems to make me despondent at work.

A. The reality check works like this. You can do what you do and experience what you experience until they hire a new manager, if they ever do. You can kiss up, take some pride hits and experience less stress and depression every day, probably make more money and feel more included with the crew. You can quit, tell him to buzz off, start your own business and become wealthy.

Q. What is your speaking fee?

A. Depends when and where. Day, 1/2 day? 2 hr.? 1 hr? They all vary. $20,000 international is typical. $15,000 USA, $12,500 Minneapolis area. If something fits beautifully with something else I'm doing or there are some opportunities to share programs or books with the audience, I will come down a bit sometimes. But that's the ballpark.

Q. I am making a prediction that all your programs or books rely heavily on an increase in self belief in the reader or listener. You vividly describe what great things can be achieved. This is true but I am not sure the material you have in your book could be classed as the secrets of persuasion or something similar, although it is clearly marketed like this. So Kevin, I would love to hear your opinions on my thoughts or even a defence. Has an arrogant, patronising but influencial 16 year old from across the pond found you out?

A. There are no arrogant people that are persuasive for long, so consider altering that characteristic. As for the self belief factor, certainly that is always a relevant issue in influence. Sometimes it's the hinge that the door opens on. Other times it's things like primacy, recency, priming, flagging, FITD, DITF, pricing, hypnotic language, covert framing, I mean there is so much that has been scientifically proven to incresase compliance. Once you read the books you bought, you will learn more. Get the foundation, then in a year or two get your school to buy Science of Influence, the first 12 CD's. Everyone will benefit big time.

Q. What's the best technique for selling insurance?

A. Selling insurance is something I really enjoyed a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. There is no best technique for insurance sales. I can think of 20. But because most people are very loyal to their agents, you will want to develop loyalty in your potential client base and among your clients. If I had to put my vote for just one "word" that would be it. Loyalty.

Q. I read that one of your speaking colleagues believes that shows like Survivor and Trump's Apprentice are actually negative idea viruses. What is your opinion and why are you so "up" on these shows?

A. Fascinating. The opposite is actually the case. The Apprentice shows you that big business is willing to take a chance on people with skills and talents that have nothing to do with "it's who you know." I think the show is quite good and it allows you to see others' mistakes so you don't make them. That might be its strongest point. Observing people in intense settings brings out "real behavior" and when you experience that, you see how people operate under pressure and that shows you that when the chips are down, you know who you want on your team. I remember thinking that I wanted Kendra to win, of the remaining four because she was the only one that was willing to pull an all-nighter when the chips were down. And in real life all-nighters are just part of business. You do them often enough.

As for Survivor, the shows creator struck a brilliant chord here, because it mirrors nature and reality very, very closely. The themes in Survivor and real life survival are very close. It's not always survival of the fittest but survival of the genes and that is something you see borne out on the show.

I really like both of these shows. They resonate with the public as a whole because of these things, though most people won't be able to put their finger on that fact.

Q. I want to have sex with a girl who told me that "she doesn't think that way of me, and likes me as a friend." We've known each other for about four years. How do I persuade her?

A. There is a manual that women everywhere are given when they are teenagers. The sentence you sent me is on the first page. The manual is universally distributed and it says, "When you aren't sexually attracted to the guy, but he's a guy who is head over heels for you and will do anything for you, for nothing in return but the hope that someday maybe...., say these words..."

The only way to turn a girl into a sexual partner is to find out which core of the 16 drivers/desires (Covert Hypnosis CD Program) is moving her at the relationship level and wire into it.

Q. My father died last December, and my stepmother claims that he had no Last Will and Testament. He left a retirement account that was intended for me and my three siblings. Without a will, that money is legally hers, and she has made it clear she intends to keep it. I feel very strongly that there was a will and she is hiding it. Any suggestions on how to persuade her to tell the truth? None of us want to outright accuse her when we don't (yet) have any proof...Thanks in advance!!

A. The money is hers. That's the deal. It would only be her generosity to change that picture. If you don't firmly confront her, you have zero chance. There is an extenuating circumstance probably: If they had not been married long, a judge might rule in your favor. Also, if there was a pattern of money disbursement when he was alive that would be something worth looking into.

Q. How best can i steer up the eMOTION of fear of death in my prospects?

A. I can't come up with a big enough "why" to make this ethical whether you are a preacher or selling life insurance. Sorry. It's just not cool to do stuff like that.

Q. I am a hypnotherapist and am starting to market my practice to tinnitus sufferers. What is the best way to approach audiologists to let them know I am doing this?

A. I think before you market to audiologists you need to be able to show that you have a background that creates certainty that you can help this group of people and because the number of people with successful track records is less than 10 in the USA, you might want to write a book, interviewing those who have gotten well, find out what they did, how they did it, THEN get to the audiologists.

Q. When is the next Volume coming out in Science of Influence? I've got the first 36 CD's.

A. End of August.

Q. I don't have the money to buy Covert Hypnosis and your Irresistible Attraction video but I want to know how to get women to like me from the start. In other words I want them to see me and have them feel the same way I do when I see them. Will you help me for free?

A. You have to start with what is called The Landscape Effect. It takes a few CD's to describe the entire process but generally speaking, if you want someone to fall in love with you instantly you have to think about what they want to see and match that "landscape."

Q. My organization provides financial consulting services to businesses. Often our primary contact is not with the business owner(s) but with the chief financial officer. Now, many business owners have both (1) complete faith in their financial officers, and (2) a reluctance to get involved in the details of finance with us, their consultants.

There are inevitably a few such situations where the financial officers abuse the trust of the owner(s) and use their exclusive contact with us to their own advantage and the detriment of the company. After the damage is done, hopefully we get a chance to sit down with the owners and save the case. But not always.

We'd like to think about establishing contact with the business owners in advance of any trouble, but (1) we have to figure a persuasive way to get around the financial officers, and (2) we can't approach the owner(s) with information that conflicts with his /their belief in the chief financial officer - a fact you've taught me. How would you handle these situations?

A. Getting around someone is usually going to fail. So, instead focus on getting into the CEO in the first place. Get their email address and query them. Get their address and write them. Get their phone number and call them. (All of these things are universally available.)

The fastest way to get in, is to give someone something that has significant value that the secretary/office manager can't just set aside, talk to him about, etc. In other words, send him a gift. Something that is tangible, significant and important to him. Something that MUST end up in his hands. This strategy is rarely used which is, of course, why it works so well.

Q. Is the new Paris Hilton commercial really good advertising? A lot of people are complaining about it. Why would Carl's Jr. alienate their audience for sensationalism?

A. You know an ad is productive when you've never seen it and someone mentions it as being controversial...and millions of people intentionally go watch it! Just like the godaddy super bowl commercial (well not quite that big), the Hilton commercial (you can find it on the internet if you haven't seen it), is really quite sexy and of course any time the Parents Television Council complains about an ad on television as being too ...whatever...you can assure yourself of media attention and a gold mine of free publiciity worth millions. Had the commercial simply run as aired and had no controversy from the loonies in the group...it would have simply been pretty much just another ad. But because they hit the controversy button, they made Carl's Junior a mint. They didn't offend their customer base at all. They appealed to the customer base and won big.

Perhaps we can get Paris to do an ad for Coffee and the folks at the Parent Television Council to complain and give us all a blockbuster Monday morning sometime soon!

Q. Since I have at least 8 of the 11 storms (See the Lifestorms program) should I address each one separately or can they be address en masse?

A. Awareness of each of them is a helpful beginning. You can watch them play out every day in your life. Then begin working on them one at a time.

Q. Which of the 16 Core Desires (Covert Hypnosis Program) is the most important in influencing people?

A. The desire for "love" (sex, romance), the desire for "tranquility" (avoiding the flight/fight response), the drive of curiosity and the desire to "learn," the desire for "prestige/status" and the desire to "acquire", are arguably the most important of the 16 core desires.

Certainly the driving force in human behavior is that of reproduction and all things there related. In any context the drives that need to be wired into are different, and of course, they differ for individuals.

Q. What is your favorite book or one that changed your life?

A. Saints and Enders Game (the entire trilogy) both by Orson Scott Card...The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Trilogy...dozens of others come to mind in the fiction category. The Bible (really), Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, Think and Grow Rich by Hill, Success System that Never Fails by Stone, in nonfiction.

Q. I am very interested in the study of the mind and hypnosis training. I am considering NLP training and I know that the information is still valid, but am wondering if it is worth getting NLP certification training or would my money be better spent taking other mind study courses? I appreciate your response.

A. I'm not going to tell you to get certified in NLP or not. It's like advising someone to convert to a religion. You're right. A lot of NLP is quite helpful. A good mind mapping course never hurt anyone...most of the mind/brain stuff out there that is in the courses isn't that impressive, based on 30 year old models of the brain and thinking.

Q. My second question is "How do you apply the Persuasion Techniques in group settings? How do I incorporate them so they influence the whole group to make a positive decision at the end? Is there some kind of Master Common Denominator to shoot for?"

A. Apply the techniques as you would one-on-one. Priming works the same for groups as it does for individuals. So does flagging. So does anticipated regret, choice reduction and so forth. Think of the goal of your presentation then decide what processes and techniques from the Science of Influence (SI) are going to make the biggest difference. Certainly the examples I mention here are all virtually necessary in every presentation you or anyone else gives. The Common Denominator is Outcome Based Thinking as described in Science of Influence and Psychology of Persuasion.

Q. What suggestions basically provoke the emotion of fear of death in people e.g Will you live forever?

A. I certainly won't live forever. Not since cracking my ribs in Italy. What a mess. Suggestions, per se, are the least potent tools in communication. Tagging into fear of any kind ultimately leads to the fear of death for you or a loved one.

Q. I want to train as a Christian motivational speaker. What materials do I study and train for to teach people how to get to the next level and how to take action in business?

A. Take my Professional Speakers Course. I think there are plenty of people who will nod their head in agreement with that. As far as being a Christian motivational speaker, you'll probably be thinking in terms of niche speaking like multilevel groups and so on. Next level is a bit ambiguous. Heaven the next level? Take action in business is pretty important and that usually means marketing (action = marketing). You'll want to work on strategies to get people to get out of their product or service and into moving them to find inexpensive ways to share their message with the world.

Q. Hypnosis and the Silva Mind Control Method are they different? Laura Silva endorses one of your books, isn't it all BS?

A. I met Laura about 5 years ago at a convention. I last was in touch with her in 2001, I believe. I don't have enough adjectives... attractive, sweet, kind, bright and creative. Stunning and charming. There's 7 adjectives. Laura doesn't teach the Silva Mind Control Method per se. She and her Dad's company had a schism of some kind. As far as Laura is concerned, my understanding (and I haven't spoken to her about this) is that she was sort of a test subject for Jose's ideas about clairvoyance, psychology, spirituality, etc. etc. Whatever they did, SHE turned out great.

As far as the Silva Method being BS, I can say that there is some value to Silva's stuff. It's pretty easy to pick on his misunderstanding of the human mind. He believed that only 10% of people used the right brain, for example. He simply didn't understand the brain and how it worked. He thought you could use the mind for things like ESP and connecting with a higher power, which have never been validated. He was part of the whole alpha/beta/delta/theta wave stuff a generation ago. Lots of faulty premises to be sure.

As far as what was good about the Silva Method...anything that causes you to concentrate, to focus attention with intention, and so on, can be useful in the right context in life.

Q. How do you try and stop a person lying? Will they ever stop? My partner keeps on and I don't know if what he says is truth. These lies can always be checked on by a phone call or asking someone. (This question was edited down)

A. We all lie about three times for every 15 minutes of interactive conversation. Some lies are bigger and more damaging than others. Deception is a survival skill. Find out what it will take for your partner to FEEL SAFE around you and in the world in general, and you will find a path to greater truth.

Dealing with lying at a pathological level is difficult, to say the least, and like most behaviors, it is very unlikely to change without major effort.

Q. How would you answer the following questions personally, Kevin?

#1 "You seem to enjoy what you are doing, and you are clearly good at it, But tell me, what is it that you really love about __________?

#2 "What is it about _________ that makes you really happy?"

A word of caution. The answer one poor guy who used these sentences was Or...gasm" Gulp.

A. I see nothing wrong with that poor guy's response....

Failing creatively, I love to entertain. Make people laugh. To be flirtatious with an audience.

And...I love to be entertained (Whether Paul McCartney, Elton John, Pamela Anderson, whoever)...I love to let someone else dazzle me...I love to be a "fan." I love to watch magic.

...I also love one on one quiet, calm, relaxed, no pressure freedom time...

Q. My question is... What are some proven strategies for "marketing" yourself during job hunting and interviewing for a job?

A. People fail at what should be obvious. They don't search for jobs that they will love and have enormous passion for. That's why we have to rely on techniques to "get a job." If you LOVED it, they couldn't help but hire you.....Be nice. Be certain. Ask questions. Be curious. Be informed about their company. Observe your environment when being interviewed. It tells you just about everything about the person interviewing you.

Q. Kev...I just found you, so I'm what... 37 CD's behind? (Science of Influence) You're launching part 4 of the SI Library soon.....but I really don't have the cash to spend on 1 2 and 3 . How about mini programs so us poor guys can get in on enough of the ideas to make the cash needed to step up to the big enchilada three set? More focused on applying a few of your principals to create income to spend even more on your big doozy. Plus you could justify raising the price on the big ones by lowering the prices for entry level guys. A step by step marketing approach?

A. We used to do a subscription service to the Science of Influence Library. We can go back and fire up that concept again. I have no problem with it. See Subscription Offer

Q. You used to have (or still do and can't find it) hypnotherapist training classes about once a year. What happened to those?

A. Time. I loved doing the trainings. But the time and energy expenditures were enormous. Maybe someday again in the future. We are going to release the last live training I did, one year ago, on DVD. It was wonderful and I knew it would be my last...so I pounded out pretty good....

Q. How can I start averaging 4-6 appointments per day using the telephone? I sell radio advertising.

A. Several ways. 6 appointments per day is nothing. 50 calls per hour (if you need/want) to use the phone will get you a lot more than that. Call people who are in businesses that have proven track records using radio. Not everyone makes money using radio. Call on businesses/industries that you can SHOW have made money using radio advertising. Be prepared to SHOW people how much they can make and just HOW they can make a radio spot that will make them money. THEN get back on the phone and watch how your attitude and certainty level have changed.

But here's the thing: Once you have this information, GIVE someone a radio spot for a couple of weeks, let them SEE how much they will make and THEN sell them. Make it irresistibly attractive if you must!

Telephone tip of the day: Don't put the phone back in the cradle between calls! Keep it to your ear and dial until you have your six appointments. Amazingly simple trick that works!

Q. Would it create conflict if you tried to negotiate with someone who believed they are better than anyone? People who are self absorbed?

A. Narcissists? Sure. Be objective, neutral, unbiased - that will cause a lot of conflict. But, tell them how wonderful and smart they are, and they will have no reason for conflict.

Q. I recently took a personality test similar to the Ross test....I scored above average for a sales type position...however the test said I have a low energy level...after thinking about it I realize that I have always sold to my comfort zone....any feelings on this or how to correct it?..... Can't wait for the next influence series .....Thanks

A. I've never seen a test for pre-evaluating salespeople that I liked. There are too many variables that aren't going to be measurable in a truly standardized test. To my knowledge NONE are scientifically accurate.

You have low energy level? You can't sell. Period. If your energy level is low about everything in life, then you have a physical/emotional challenge. If you have low energy level revolving your product/service then you simply aren't passionate about it, move on or learn more about it so you can be passionate about it.....Everyone sells to their comfort zone except the top 2%. Start taking chances. If someone says "no" who cares? It means nothing. Zip. Nada. I still get told "no." But I hear "yes" a lot because I ask a lot....there aren't many greater secrets to success....ask...a lot.

Q. My question is...what, in your opinion, is the best use of NLP? and what is tinnitus?

A. Best use of NLP is like asking, "best use of weather" or "best use of sociology." What I got from the early work in NLP was additional confidence, the idea that there might be predictable ways that people think and behave and that you can wire into those ways to change behavior (self and others).

Tinnitus is hearing sound generated in your head that often sounds like it's emanating from the ears.

Q. My question is... What are some proven strategies for "marketing" yourself during job hunting and interviewing for a job?

A. Here's a few tips.

• Be the first or last interview of the day.
• Dress and groom perfectly.
• Study the company before the interview.
• Ask, "What criteria do you use in determining who you will hire?"
• Ask, "What are your expectations from the person you're going to hire?"
• Ask, "What's most important to you in a...."

A. You bet. There is nothing wrong with walking out at strategic points. If you are willing to walk away, then remember to adopt that possible strategy in place of an E-Bay mentality of bidding until the person who bids the most "wins," because sometimes that person simply gave too much. Herb Cohen said it well, "I care, but not that much." Breaking rapport can add unpredictability and prove valuable at times.

Q. My question is...Codependancy. I've been working through your "Lifestorms" program (great program by the way) and also reading through a book on co-dependancy recommended by a counselor. My question, "what is your opinion on co-dependancy?" Does it exist? Is it self-sabotage by another name and will addressing the self-sabotage schemas in "Lifestorms" address co-dependancy problems? I do believe that in one of your programs you mentioned that co-dependancy was a function of evolution, not really a condition/disease.

A. Probably doesn't "exist." That would require a definition. Codependency is one of those words that doesn't have a definition that is agreed upon by even a majority of people. Thus it's impossible to answer this question in an ideal way. If we assume that codependency means "a need for another" to be "fulfilled," that is an evolutionary function and is certainly not likely to be dysfunctional in any significant way. If codependancy means something else to you, then it's a different ball game. It's very popular currently to believe that you don't "need anyone," to be fulfilled. Science and psychological evidence show the opposite is far more fruitful as far as emotional, physical and mental health. The evidence speaks for itself. Email with your definition you are using and we'll try it again next time.

Q. What scents attract? What perfumes?

A. Check out the article, "Scent of Love?".

Also, check out a previous question in our archives at this link:

Do Smells Make a Difference in Attraction?

Q. What other pieces of Music, besides Lozanov's Active- Passive Concerts, mentioned in the Accelerated Learning article, have been found to enhance Learning and Memory?

A. I feel comfortable with the list in my book, Through the Open Door. Please see the book for a complete list. I list a few samples here:

Active Concerts
Beethoven, Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major for Piano and Orchestra, op. 73 ("Emperor")
Brahms, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, op. 77

Passive Concerts
Bach, Choral Prelude in A Major and Prelude and Fugue in G Minor
Bach, Fantasy in G Major, Fantasy in C Minor, and Trio in D Minor

Q. Can deception be detected via (NLP) eye-assessing cues as some claim?

A. Predictably? Across a group of people or culture? No.

Q. I'm interested in attracting a girl into my life, and I hear that you may write about seduction in 2 years. This is much too far away for me to wait :) I have the Science of Influence up to vol 36, but I don't have a good idea on what to use when it comes to girls who have guys approaching them all the time. Would you please tell me the core principles of seduction so that I have the framework for discovering the strategies, principles, and tactics to use, and how to apply them, from the Science of Influence series?

A. Seduction is selling. You want your customer's attention...then an appointment. You then want to build rapport, develop liking and finally see if there is something of value to be exchanged. The Science of Influence series, Body Language Home Study Course and Covert Hypnosis Advanced Course all work within this framework and combine to give you far more skills than those of your competitors. Seduction is about selling your self. If you think of yourself as a product or service, it all becomes much easier. What are your features and how do they translate into benefits for someone else?

Q. Should I invest $100 a month in mutual funds or should I invest $6000 in one lump sum?

A. If you need a no-brain, super easy answer and you need the money in 15 years or less. You figure it out:

* Had you invested $100 per month in Vanguard S&P 500 Index ("the market") beginning January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2005, you would have about $6700 today. (A small profit of $700.)

**Had you put in $6000 in the Vanguard S & P 500 Index on January 1, 2000 you would have approximatley $5,000 today, a loss of $1000.

***Finally, had you invested $6000 in the more technologically oriented NASDAQ on January 1, 2000, you would have $2000 left of your investment. A loss of $4000....65% of your money evaporated.

If anyone tries to convince you to put all of your money to work in one investment of any kind TODAY....slap them. There is virtually no risk in $100 monthly and although your returns will be lower during some periods they will be more consistent and you can make money when the market is treading water or drowning. (Like now.)

When you are at the blackjack table NEVER put all of your money on one hand of cards.

Q. Sammy Sosa (and a lot of your heroes in baseball) have used steroids. What do you think of them all now?

A. Makes me sick and frankly I feel a bit cheated. Sammy continues to deny it but I have to agree that I think he did. I think that if it is shown they used steroids, their records should be taken off the books. I remember thinking the Sosa/McGwire "contest" was so exciting, fun, invigorating. Then McGwire came back and did it again. Then we knew that something was wrong...and then when Bonds hit 73...well that simply isn't possible in this game...that's when my stomach started turning. This year you'll see a LOT of lower power numbers...

Q. What's your affinity with reality TV shows like Survivor and The Apprentice?

A. It's rather like watching controlled evolution. Human nature is revealed under stress and distress and these two programs do that very well. I haven't watched any other stuff in this country so I'm not familiar with what else is out there. I do enjoy these two shows. They are well produced and insightful into how people think, behave, act and react. You learn a lot and the scenery can be nice as well....

Q. What do you think of all the censorship your Republican friends have been doing to television the last couple of years?

A. They scare me...sometimes literally. I find it hard to believe that ANYONE in government has time to figure out if the girls t-shirt is too tight or low cut in the godaddy.com commercial. Who really cares that Janet Jackson's breast was exposed? This is not what I'm paying the incredible amount of taxes I'm paying for. It's ridiculous. Just about insane. It's a parents job to decide what their children will observe and it's my own decision for myself as well as yours being yours.

Q. Are you going to write a book on seduction?

A. Maybe in a couple of years. It would require my philosophy on relationships which makes for a less exciting read. But sure, it seems feasible.

Q. When is the "Think Like Ben Franklin" program coming out?

A. I keep uncovering new material for the program and it keeps getting bigger. Soon. Summer time probably.

Q. What do you charge for keynotes and seminars at conventions and meetings?

A. There's a lot of variables. Location? What material? Opportunity for additional relationships or income? 12,000-25,000 for a full day. 8,500-15,000 for a keynote. Same kind of variables go into the mix.

Q. Are you doing NLP Tranings anymore? What about hypnosis?

A. NLP: Last training was a few years ago. Will not return. Other commitments like writing, speaking, etc. are simply making NLP trainings less attractive. There is a short home study course in the http://www.store.kevinhogan.com/ It's a good piece of history in that it was one of my last trainings and was done in such a way that you can't help but laughing hysterically throughout much of it. Tape is good quality but was filmed by a student from their table so that's not ideal. For the price it is a great value, a ton of fun and contains priceless moments. Bargain price because of the taping not the material.

Hypnosis: Same as above for hypnosis, with one exception. We captured my last training on video 18 months ago and will indeed be releasing it later this year. It is well taped, the material is brilliant and it was a superb training. I could conceivably do another training in a few years for old times sake. Seems doubtful.

Q. Do you know anything about these Large Group Awareness Trainings (The Forum/Est/Landmark,etc.) and threir use of NLP? Should they be practicing if they are not licensed? Are they taking advantage of the practice or the people that attend?

A. The old Mindspring group, Avatar, the one's you mention are all a little different from each other. Most don't intentionally use NLP techniques for good or evil.

If you can write your wife a letter that says you will not join the cult after the weekend and to keep all of your money if you even bring it up, you'll likely be fine. In fact, there are some really useful exercises that occur at some of these weekends. That's one reason they are so successful in recruiting for their...group...So sure, go, but make sure you stop there. If you go into the jungle as an adventure, great. Most people come out exhilirated. Realize there are tigers and lions and that they can kill you. And you always have a way to get out of the jungle...Make sure you keep your keys and cell phone with you, OK??, just in case you pick poorly? (No do not write me, I won't advise you on which cult you should join, which camp you should send your kids to or which church you should attend.)

As far as should they be "practicing," I don't think it's accurate to call them therapy/therapeutic. If you go to camp as a boy scout you get the same thing. You go to church camp...same thing...There's an eerie quality to all of it, anywhere...but as a rule, I don't see a big issue for most people. Some people will come out better. Some will not. It's like any other significant life experience. God knows I don't want to legislate against them...have some moron on in D.C. telling me where I can and can't go and for how long....

Are they taking advantage of people? Some are built to do precisely that.

Q. Your investment portfolio which you share with us (thank you) is making money. Thanks. Now what?

A. First of all I don't give financial advice. I tell my friends and family what to do and if they don't listen, that's their own fault. Financial advice can only be given by the experts...like people who run mutual funds. See your Sunday paper. 80% are down for the year. I'm not an expert. They are. In December, I told the Merrill Lynch office in Kentucky precisely what I've been telling you. They were stunned at my apparant stupidity. "You really believe that?" "Of course...You have a different strategy?"

Look, if all you did was short google, short the qqqq's and buy the high yielding international stocks/funds and oil stocks I've mentioned in the last few months you could switch all your money to cash and end the year at +11%. What's next? Don't get cocky. I'm shorting the QQQQ's, own a ton of NLY, MSF, FAX, LZSMX, CVX and some miscellaneous stuff. There's nothing on the charts to show "a net" for the NASDAQ ultimate continued fall. Certainly no fundamental reason to not be short the QQQQ's. So...that's what I'm doing. The dollar/gold thing continues to be dicey and I've been mostly on the sidelines. Logic says to be short the dollar... but right now it's enjoying a bear market bounce and no one knows when that will peak then fall again. Probably a month or two. The markets finished down in January. In the last 25 years that factor has correlated to the market being down the rest of the year 50% of the time. (Compared to almost never if January is up.) That might not demand a bad year but it makes a good year very unlikely. For now, there's no reason to not continue a very profitable approach to the market.

It's just above 2000, it's 200 day moving average, a psychological barrier, and the low for the year. What next? A bounce? There is nothing to drive prices up. I'm still short. So far all is as we have forseen it. If MSF falls below 16.75 or NLY below 17.75: I instantly move to CVX. Otherwise the positions stay evenly divided in sixths.

I'm also looking outside of my businesses and the traditional markets for investments now. Coins look good. Commodities like sugar, orange juice, cotton, oil, all look really attractive. Stamps, authenticatable celebrity collectibles...all are likely to do well.

Q. Should I pay off my mortgage?

A. Yes. After your credit cards are PIF and your retirement vehicles are FIF (funded in full). Unless you have a million dollar home, your tax deduction from mortgage interest isn't much greater than your standardized deduction option...and you get to keep your money.

Q. Is there a relationship between Tinnitus and Chronic Sinusitis?

A. The short answer is: No.

Q. Does Botox help tinnitus?

A. Maybe. There is a bit of info that leans that way. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Q. What's the difference between all of the Science of Influence programs?

A. They are all completely different from each other. They are literally a complete course in influence and persuasion especially in sales and marketing. Nothing better is out there...anywhere.

Q. What's the difference between people who try and get rich and people who do get rich?

A. About a dozen things come to mind.

Part of the difference is evident in the question. Abstract representational change, is necesary. And it's not about you just how our culture phrases the question. People who build wealth don't "get" rich. "Get" implies something is received and yes that is true but there is no causal implication. In other words, "make money" reveals a mindset that is different from "get rich." The sad thing is that if I write, you are going to "make rich," it doesn't sound right does it? Words simply represent our thoughts as they are currently structured in our brain.

Now let's just think about this for a moment. Do I want to "get rich" or "make rich?" The answer of course has to be that you "make rich" or it won't manifest and MAINTAIN. I can't remember a wealthy person saying, "I got rich," or "I want to get richer" or have a general thought process that put the words "get" and "rich" together. I think this semantic distinction has gone unnoticed and I strongly encourage people to avoid thinking or talking to their kids in terms of "get money," "get rich" or "get a job."

KEY: It implies no personal causal element and where there is no causal element the brain cannot link up a result to the thought. The brain can't show you how to "get rich" because it's a destination only picture. But the brain can literally show you "make money." My first image is a printing press printing money. That my brain identifies as a PROCESS. It has a cause and an effect. That's what the brain needs to BEGIN to put into motion actions that will lead to the result of wealth.

"Build wealth" is better because although wealth is hard to picture for a lot of people at least you have the causal element, "build." Better yet: "Build an empire." Here you have a picture and an action process.

The next semantic problem in the question is wrapped up in "try." I find it very difficult to "try" and do anything. I succeed at a lot. I fail in the short term at plenty. And there is always effort. But "try" almost implies, "I gave it a shot." You never hear anyone say, "I tried to go to the store for groceries but I just wasn't motivated." You can temporarily fail to get to the store but you can't fail forever! The word "try" has always bugged me.

So, our language, not the grammar, but the abstract verbal representations of what we THINK and FEEL reveals much about how and what we actually do think. It's not that it's "bad," it's just that it can reveal the inability to link cause and effect and THAT will cause ultimate failure.

The next element is responsibility.

I was playing blackjack last night and the table I was unfortunately cold. The cards were favoring the house in a dramatic way. As so often happens, a player got up, yelled at the dealer as if the dealer had anything to do with the losing streak, and stomped away. The fact is the dealer, the cut, position at the table, NOTHING significantly effects the cards you are given beyond random chance. They are all face down and even if someone makes a bad decision and "it costs you" money, the fact is that over one million hands it makes no difference what the guy before or after you does. That's hard to swallow because blaming someone takes the responsibity away from SELF.

Responsibility means that when you don't make money, you only have one place to accept responsibility (which is not blame by the way) and that is in your SELF. The sole initial cause of the person's demise was their willingness to sit down at the table in the first place. That could also be the initial cause of victory but the wealthy person accepts responsibility for success and failure.

When someone says, the pension fund went bankrupt, the initial cause of responsibility is not with the company that cheated the person out of their money or mismanaged it but the individuals illusion that someone other than them SELF should be responsible for their life and livelihood. It's really simple math but people don't want to think about it. You can't get paid money when there is no productivity to return for the money or the "system" will go broke. My first grader can show anyone how this works but that's because I taught him that you need to have money in the account to take out. With pensions, it's not there and ultimately, not just an individual, but a generation will have been sold down the river....I've never heard a wealthy person talk about "collecting" social security or a pension. Wealthy people want or demand to be responsible, at cause, for their income, passive income, wealth and legacy.

Jesus put it best (as he often did). "To he who has much, much will be given. To he who has little, it shall be taken from." Jesus was a pretty wise man, and in my experience people who are responsible (at cause) are given more responsibility and entrusted with more ...far more than those who are not responsible (at cause).

Later Jesus also tells the story of the talents. (Talents were coins) To one man he gave 5 talents. Another 3 another 1. The first man doubled his money and Jesus applauded him for his work. The second man, given less (nothing is fair or equitable in life) also doubled his money. The third man given one, came back to Jesus with just the one talent, afraid that Jesus would be angry if he lost it. The Master not only became angry but called the man "wicked and slothful," for burying it in the ground. The man did NOTHING with the money Jesus gave him. There was no pension in Jesus mind. Only personal responsibility and action.

These two stories from the Bible are the core of my philosophy in wealth building. People who do not find these stories in their belief structure are very likely to fail like the wicked and slothful servant.

Beyond a certain point, the more you give to a person the less they can do for them SELF. If you don't teach your kids how to cook, they will eat pizza and burgers for the rest of their lives. Teach them how to cook and they will eat well and look good for a long time. Self responsibility is a crucial differentiating factor in wealth and barely squeaking by.

The third element that differentiates people who have vs. have not, is education. There are two kinds of education, both are important, and you need to have at a lot of at least one to live well and you need the real life education materials if you are going to get to six or seven digits annually. Almost every wealthy person (someone who has earned and MAINTAINED) I know has an ENORMOUS personal library. I had a big library four years ago when I had well over 4,000 books, tapes and CD's (which I began donating to charity and giving to friends.) Today we're down to about 2000 books and programs. It's mighty empty but it feels rewarding to have given half away!

One of my favorite personal libraries I've seen was Jeffrey Gitomer's. He didn't just have a lot of books and an incredible system for finding them instantly, he had autographed copies of crucial books. That says something. He puts emotion onto and into his knowledge base. When there is emotion, there is retention and action follows. I don't think Jeffrey will mind me telling you that he has a library of what appeared to me to be in excess of 10,000 volumes and frankly, everyone who earns six figures or more annually, that I know, has a huge library. I've gone to Barnes and Noble many times with my dear friend Elsom Eldridge, author of The Obvious Expert. He typically walks out of the store with two armfuls of books...no exaggeration. I usually leave with 4-6 books. I like to visit BN at least weekly.

On my table right now is a book about China, one about the psychology of love, another about happiness, another about Buddhist philosophy and therapy, a book about investing, commodities, and those are just the nonfiction books on the coffee table. Over to my right on the floor... here are books about Stanley Milgram, 5 books about cognitive and neuropsychology, neural organization and function, 4 books about religion and spirituality, 6 books about asset protection and wealth structuring, and a total of seven books about women and how they buy both planned and unplanned items. There are also, CD's and DVD's...and well...you get the picture.

I want ONE idea or strategy from each book. I will definitely implement it. I always do. That book will be worth at least $1000 to me if I get ONE idea. If I get five ideas, that's going to be worth at least $5000. Some ideas and strategies aren't measurable in dollars but in ...love points...giving or receiving...or in emotional gratification of some kind....There are exceptions but if I can look at your education library, I can tell you about what you are worth or will be worth shortly. Books that have bibliographies in business and personal development programs from people who have DONE IT, will make you a lot more money than those without. Why? Because there is a level of thought and dedication that happens when you write and incorporate others ideas who you want to credit.

Understanding one man's isolated experience, while interesting, is not that useful when it comes to building wealth. I will sometimes buy a book without a bibliography, but if it's not fiction, I won't hold my breath...because it might just be! Sometimes the ideas I get are about what NOT to do when I write a book, or what NOT to do in life. What NOT to do in business or raising kids.

The fourth factor in differences between wealthy and those who are not is focused action orientation. People who say they want to be wealthy want to have all the lights green. I just want the first one green...and sometimes I'll wait at the red light for it to turn green. That's what wealthy people do. It's terrifying to people who have not been taught ot have a focused action orientation. Literally fear provoking. That's understandable but not forgivable. Once someone experiences the fear of moving to the next step, that is when they MUST move or they will forever be paralyzed. There's so much to say about this I couldn't fit it all into one brief article.

People who don't become wealthy find other things to do with their "down time" than building an empire. I can't remember having been bored once in 15 years. There are times I wish would have been...maybe...but when I hear someone say they were bored, had "down time", there is one thing you know for sure about that person.....

The fifth factor is delayed gratification. You cannot delay gratification on your real life education. You can't delay it on investing. You can't delay it on starting your small in the house business and making it GO, but you must delay gratification elsewhere.

As a rule of thumb, if you can write it off on your taxes you can spend money for it. If you can't wait until you can enjoy it without the guilt and shame that comes with needless debt. Debt for knowledge is the single best investment on the planet if you get the right information. Debt for buying real estate is good if you get the right properties.

Debt for most other things is not so good....The other way you can tell how much a person will have in five years is by comparing the automobile they drive with their annual income. If the retail cost of the car is more than 50% of the annual income and the annual income is lower than $100,000 per year, the person for all intents and purposes can't become wealthy. In the United States an automobile is directly tied to status for most people. It's such an easy comparison. Most wealthy people don't drive the most expensive car they can find. Annual income divided by 10 is the maximum a car should cost you including maintenance and fuel. If someone spends more than 10% of their income on transportation...and they don't fix that problem...they are making it very, very difficult to become wealthy. Almost impossible. I know a lot of people who make $40,000 annually only to have a $25,000 car. That math precludes wealth. It's simply...not...possible. The worst case scenario is that the person earning $40,000 after taxes annually must spend no more than $4,000 per year on their payment, insurance, fuel and upkeep. Exceed that and it becomes very difficult to enjoy life, be happy and become wealthy.

I know this has gone quite long but I had barely begun when I realized how much was here. There are still 12 more factors I came across while searching the answer to this question.

The rest I will save for the next six CD's I'm going to record in the Millionaire Mind/Wealth Package program, which if you don't have is worth looking at.

Q: How do I apply the techniques in the book, Science of Influence in my profession and personal life?

A. The book is designed for you to be able to interchange the words "customer" or "client" for a loved one, acquaintance, potential love interest, or you fill-in-the blank. Try it. Re-read a few paragraphs and insert your own in the blanks. It will make it much easier for you to begin picturing how to utilize the techniques in your own life.

These things are detailed much more in the CD series (36 CDs worth!), Science of Influence. Start with Volumes 1-12.

Q: Can you give me some kind of clue of the first step in becoming a more "time-productive" person?

A. ---CHANGING YOUR THINKING STEP ONE

The average American works about 40 hours per week. That’s pretty embarrassing if you love your work…and if you loved your work, you wouldn’t do that. You’d spend more time doing what you love! (Clue #1 - do what you love for a living!)

The average Dad spends 20 minutes per day in the presence of his kids. Are you average there? (Clue #2 - spend more time doing the really important things, like being with your kids!)

There is SO much more to being massively time-productive, but this is a place to start. Your thinking. How do you think about time? How do you allow others to control your time? In what ways can you be more in control? How can you make that happen? The new 6-CD set, Time for Love, Time for Money goes in-depth to answer this question. Check it out!

Q: What would you say are the most important traits of a successful person?

A. ---

1. Health (control over weight, nutrition, healthful living)
2. Ability to Control Emotions
3. Have a Sense of Purpose
4. Have a Life Plan
5. Be a Creator
6. Strength in Personal Relationships
7. Self-Discipline
8. Strong Sense of Beliefs and Values
9. Self-Confidence
10. Persistence
11. Certainty
12. Competence

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