Use Identity Nouns, Not Just Verbs
Invite people to be something (a partner, a planner) rather than only to do something.
The original small studies found a clear effect, but a much larger field replication in real elections did not, so treat it as a light touch.
Why it works
Nouns suggest a lasting identity, and people like to act in line with who they think they are. A verb is a one-time task. Even if the effect is small, the noun version rarely hurts.
How to do it
- Find the action you want: help, refer, plan, try.
- Turn it into a role: a helper, a referrer, a planner, an early user.
- Use it once, at the ask, not in every line.
- Make sure the identity is one they would be proud of.
What to say
Would you be open to being one of our first three partners in Telangana?
You're the kind of HR team that plans hiring before the season, so this fits you.
Avoid
Laying it on thick. Flattering labels that do not fit the person sound like a trick.
Example
Instead of asking a dealer in Nashik to help spread the word, Anil asked: would you be our reference dealer for the Nashik belt? The dealer agreed and sent two leads.
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