5 tactics for INSTANT engagement

Ever needed to instantly engage someone? Luckily, there’s a framework for that.

I call it the 5 SPURS of Engagement. Spurs, because they spur engagement on. Also spurs, because they dig in and provoke an instant reaction. And SPURS, because it’s an acronym:

S — Sharedness

People connect through commonality. If you’re in a foreign country and you hear someone speak your first language, your head will instantly turn to find them. Such is the power of sharedness.

My rule: whenever I meet, email, or phone someone new, I point to something we share in common as soon as possible.

P — Prompt

People act when asked. Very often, you have not because you ask not. How often do we do something just because we’re asked? Start asking a lot more.

U — Unexpected

People notice the novel. If you saw a purple cow, it would stop you in your tracks. You can make someone stop and pay attention by doing something utterly unexpected.

R — Role

People love to play a part. Any parent knows that you get your kids to do something if you give them an important job. The moment you give someone a role, they love playing into it.

Don’t just ask for action — tell people what role to perform.

S — Story

People know through narrative. “Once upon a time…” “I remember when…” “The funniest thing happened…” The moment any of these are spoken, we simply must know how the story ends.

Tell stories. Actual stories.