Don’t tell people their wrong. Try and be nicer about it.

I had an interesting experience at one of our events that got me thinking.

I was running an event with a great mix of people, including lots of people I am meeting for the first time. It was a fine night, with great food and the like.

Towards the end of the evening when I was meeting people, I was swapping business cards and my cards are made from a nice heavy plastic. As I gave it to one lady, she made a retort saying that my “cards weren’t good for the environment”.

It added an awkward tone to the event, where it forced me to respond to the comment. I came back with my typical “I’m a vegetarian line” (which is great for the environment) and it created a hostile sense between us. She wasn’t a vegetarian, she backed off and it was all just weird.

The key point here is that she tried to tell me that I’m wrong in front of other people. It didn’t result in changing my behaviour, it’s resulted in me loving my cards more and wanting to now print more.

My advice and thinking? If you are trying to persuade someone, don’t call them names, say their wrong or try and embarrass them. It will probably backfire, and they will dig in and do more of what you were originally trying to discourage.

Be polite, have nice conversations, exchange ideas. That way, you’re more likely to persuade and make friends.

Love your work, enjoy the thoughts and stay awesome friends!

P.S. No offence or point to non-vegetarians, I more used that as a line to keep that lady off my back 😊 Thanks to whoever did the Trump meme too. You’re cool. 

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