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Hey Reader!

This week, we’re talking about persuasion without the push - how to connect with your audience in a way that draws them in instead of making them run for the exit.

Whether it’s your emails, content, or offers, the secret isn’t in saying more—it’s in removing resistance. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re sending all the right signals.

You know the drill.

Step inside the first ten feet of a mall, and there they are—stationed like a human bear trap, clipboard in hand, scanning the crowd for their next target.

And somehow, out of everyone walking by, they always lock eyes with me. (A true gift, really.)

"Hey! You looking for a new miracle skincare product today?"

Cue the sudden need to check my (completely blank) phone screen. Or, if I’m feeling extra bold, the speed-walk escape.

Because here’s the thing about persuasion:

→ It’s not about hearing the right words.
→ It’s about what’s happening between the ears.

And if you’re unintentionally giving off red flag energy, you could be losing your audience before your message even has a chance to land.

That was me back in the day—when I first started my business, trying to explain what I did without sounding like a desperate telemarketer.

People would ask me,

"So, how can you help me?"
"Are you taking new clients?"
"Ugh, I hate social media. Can you fix it?"

And for way too long, I went into convince mode.

Listing my skills. Talking too much. Rattling off my elevator pitch like a walking infomercial.

Until I learned the power of the pause.

1 second … 2 seconds … deep breath

And then I’d say:

"Actually… you don’t need a complicated strategy - you just need a plan that works for you. Let’s figure that out first."

The reaction? Shoulders drop. Face relaxes. Walls come down.

Because instead of shoving green flags in their face (“I have the perfect system! I know all the strategies! I can do it all for you!”), I eliminated a red flag - the fear that I was just another online coach trying to sell them something they didn’t need.

That? That’s passive persuasion at work.

So if your emails, content, or offers aren’t converting - if your audience seems hesitant - ask yourself:

"Am I accidentally waving red flags?"

Because being a great digital creator isn’t just about knowing the right strategies. It’s about making sure you’re not sending the wrong signals.

I love this quote! Why? Because it shifts the focus from convincing to connecting.

Instead of trying to prove your value with more words, you create an environment where your audience feels safe enough to lean in—without resistance, hesitation, or fear.

Productivity Power Up

The next time you're about to over-explain or convince, pause for three seconds before responding.

This micro-shift forces you to listen, stay present, and respond with clarity—without falling into the trap of talking at your audience instead of with them.

Try it today and watch the difference!

Have you heard about Liz Wilcox’s List Building Live? If not, now’s the time to mark your calendar.

Liz is a master at keeping email simple (and actually fun), and she’s gathered top experts from both B2B and B2C to spill exactly how they’ve grown their lists in the last 6-12 months.

Why should you care about this - your email list? It’s the foundation of your business.

No list = no leads. No leads = no sales.

If growing your list has been a struggle, this free event is a must.

👉 Check it out here (totally free!)​

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At the end of the day, persuasion isn’t about saying more—it’s about saying the right thing at the right time.

When you remove resistance, your audience leans in instead of tuning out.

So before your next email, post, or offer—pause, listen, and let the connection do the work.

Talk soon,

Johnna

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​My emails may sometimes contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small, one-woman owned business.

Wondering who the heck is sending you this email? Hey it's me, Johnna Kirk, founding Queen Bee - I help beginner digital creators turn ideas into profitable products and build systems for success - without the burnout. I'm also a mom, grandmother of 3, an avid reader, have big sweet tooth and love to pour all my Scorpio energy into new projects. Check me out at johnnakirk.com.