Maximum Influence: The 12 Universal Laws of Power Persuasion [Paperback]

Kurt W. Mortensen (Author), Robert G. Allen (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2004

A refreshing change from the same old worn-out techniques, "Maximum Influence" presents the life-changing skills and techniques that will help you fulfill all your hopes and dreams! What makes the difference between knowing what you want - and actually getting it? Whether it's wealth, professional success, or stronger relationships, "Maximum Influence" can you help make it real. Combining scientific research and real-world studies, this is the first and only complete catalog of proven techniques for persuasion, influence, and motivation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Roanoke Times: ""A powerful tool for those in sales, for those wishing to influence a boss or for those wanting others to do different.""

Black Men magazine: ""This book has applications in all areas of your life...Convince anyone to give you anything, anywhere, anytime!"""

Review

A Library Journal "Best Business Book of 2004" Selection

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1st edition (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814472583
• ISBN-13: 978-0814472583
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kurt W. Mortensen is one of America's leading authorities on persuasion, motivation, and influence. He has devoted nearly 20 years to understanding and teaching the traits, habits, and mindset of exceptional achievers. A highly sought after consultant, trainer, seminar leader, and speaker, he excels at combining scientific research with real-world studies and timeless stories to inform, entertain, and inspire audiences. He is also the author of several books, including Maximum Influence, Persuasion IQ and Laws of Charisma. Take your Persuasion IQ test at www.persuasioniq.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cialdini's INFLUENCE times 10!, March 31, 2005

By 

J. Brewster (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maximum Influence: The 12 Universal Laws of Power Persuasion (Paperback)

If you have ever read Cialdini's INFLUENCE, then the title of this book says it all. MAXIMUM INFLUENCE is influence and persuasion for our day and age. Some techniques have been worn out by old school sales people and rookies alike, but Mortensen is able to show you how to effectively use them today...not to mention the techniques and "laws of persuasion" I have never seen mentioned in another book. As a sales manager for many years, I purchase this for all my employees and whole heartedly reccomend it to any one who persuades for a living.

65 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Basic Ideas, But..., December 31, 2004

By 

Mrs Cat "cyberfabe" (Cincinnati Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maximum Influence: The 12 Universal Laws of Power Persuasion (Paperback)

This isn't a bad book, and if you are new to selling and such this might be a decent starter book for you. However, Mortensen presents some very bad ideas and really does not give you fair enough warning about deploying said bad ideas. One of the first ones that he offers us is the "obligation". If you do something nice for someone else they will feel obligated to you to return the favor many fold. Look, I have had this one pulled on me so often, I see it coming a mile away. So do a lot of other people. It is an old tired shtick. Kurt presents it at the beginning of the book, talks about it and does warn you that it can be misinterpreted or over used. I would say it should be retired and not even discussed. Get another idea.

This is my problem with many of the approaches discussed in this book, they were tired and old and overused. Not many fresh perspectives. It isn't a bad thing to read Maximum Influence, but I would certainly look to another book to learn to sell well. Roger Fisher's "Getting to Yes" is far superior. It is all about negotiations, and that is where selling really either succeeds or fails.

Sorry, I'd like to say this was the best book on sales, but I can't. Only gets 3 stars.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended !, February 22, 2005

By 

Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Maximum Influence: The 12 Universal Laws of Power Persuasion (Paperback)

When a book on persuasion leaves you uncomfortable over how easy it is to manipulate people, it has probably done a good job. Author Kurt W. Mortensen, who warns that persuasion, like other tools, can be used for good or evil, will probably raise your hackles as he takes you deeper into the world of manipulation. His advice on how to become a "Master Persuader" is convincing. Reading this volume may tell you how to win the persuasion game, but, by itself, it will not equip you to do so any more than a roadmap will transport drivers to their destinations. Luckily for buyers and voters everywhere, it takes years of experience to learn how and when to apply the lessons taught in this book. That said, within these pages the craft of craftiness is laid plain for all to read. Machiavelli move over - Mortensen wants to teach you some new persuasive techniques. We recommend this book to those whose livelihoods depend on altering hearts and minds.