logo
episode-header-image
Today
43m 56s

553. Removing Barriers to Drive Engageme...

MELINA PALMER
About this episode

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Matt Sucha, author of the highly anticipated book, The Hidden Yes. This insightful conversation explores the often-overlooked barriers that prevent people from saying yes, revealing how removing these obstacles can lead to greater success in sales and customer interactions.

Matt, the CEO of Mindworks and editor-in-chief of Inside Be, shares his extensive experience in applying behavioral science across various industries, including banking and telecommunications. He introduces listeners to his SURF method—a structured approach designed to help professionals identify and eliminate hidden barriers in communication and decision-making processes. Throughout the episode, listeners will discover practical strategies to enhance their sales techniques and customer experiences by focusing on behavior rather than motivation.

As you listen, consider how hidden no's may be affecting your own work and what small changes could lead to significant improvements in outcomes. Matt's insights serve as a powerful reminder that sometimes the key to unlocking a yes lies in simplifying the path forward.

In this episode:

  • Learn about the SURF method and how it can transform your sales approach.
  • Discover the importance of identifying and removing psychological barriers in communication.
  • Explore real-world case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of behavioral insights.
  • Understand how to shift your mindset from adding motivation to addressing hidden barriers.
  • Gain practical tips for creating more compelling job descriptions and customer interactions.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/553.

Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further? 

Let's connect:

Up next
Nov 25
552. Unlocking Learning Potential
<p dir="ltr">In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Dan Willingham, a cognitive psychologist and author of Outsmart Your Brain. They explore the intricacies of learning and memory, exploring how to effectively adapt our study habits in an ever- ... Show More
52m 51s
Nov 20
551. The Power Trap: Understanding How Leadership Shapes Our Minds
<p dir="ltr">In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Nick Kinley, author of The Power Trap. They explore the profound effects of power on leadership, exploring how it can alter decision-making, amplify personal ... Show More
47m 49s
Nov 18
550. The Power of Questions: Avoiding the Biggest Mistake in Business
<p dir="ltr">In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits a foundational lesson that underscores the importance of understanding the problems we face before jumping to solutions. Drawing from her extensive experience, Melina emphasizes that the quality o ... Show More
25m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 29
#324 Using Behavioral Science to Hack Your Customers Minds with Richard Shotton, Founder at Astroten
Behavioral science is revolutionizing how businesses connect with customers and influence decisions. By understanding the psychological principles that drive human behavior, companies can create more effective marketing strategies and product experiences. But how can you apply th ... Show More
58m 36s
Aug 2024
499 The Consumer Behaviour Book by Tas Tasgal
The Consumer Behaviour Book: Exploring The Reasons Why Emotions Are So Important In Decision Making by Anthony "Tas" Tasgal ABOUT THE BOOK: Neoclassical economics assumes that most people have well-defined preferences and make well-informed, self-interested decisions based on tho ... Show More
1h 9m
May 2025
131 NYT Bestsellers...and Counting!
#12WeeksToPeak #nytimes #bestseller How To Get on the NYT Bestseller List. Get rich. Die famous.Since 1999, Michael Drew has helped 131 books get onto the New York Times Bestseller list, and he shares how that can make you millions—even hundreds of millions in sales.He discusses ... Show More
59m 51s
Aug 2024
How to Incorporate Influencers into Your Marketing Strategy
Online influencers are an increasingly important way for companies to find new customers and drive sales. But if you’re a marketer hoping to target consumers, it’s important to understand how the social media industry works. In this episode, Emily Hund, a researcher at the Univer ... Show More
32m 38s
Oct 6
591: Founder and CEO of Xenopsi Ventures on Behavioral Science That Sells
MichaelAaron Flicker, founder and CEO of Xenopsi Ventures and coauthor of Hacking the Human Mind, explains how applied behavioral science transforms insight into repeatable commercial advantage across brands, products, and customer experiences. Drawing from his experience buildin ... Show More
49m 3s
Oct 17
An Insider’s Look at Product Marketing
How often do innovators ask themselves if someone really needs their products? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with Laurier Mandin, founder of Graphos Product and author of I Need That. With over 30 years helping innovators bring ideas to life, Laurie ... Show More
1 h
Aug 13
Brent Adamson's Framemaking Sales - How to Make Customers Trust Themselves | Sales Influence Podcast
<p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto">Brent Adamson reveals why most sales reps fail to connect with buyers - and his breakthrough approach that makes customers actually want to talk to you. Grab a copy of Brent's new book "The Framemaking Sal ... Show More
51m 29s
Feb 2025
Ep 206 The Road to 2025: Smart Marketer's Lessons, Growth & What's Next
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Molly Pittman is back with an inside look at Smart Marketer's journey and the strategies shaping 2025!</strong></p> <p>After a challenging yet transformative year, Molly shares what's been happening behind the scenes, why Smart Marketer took a br ... Show More
32m 22s
Jul 2024
What Are Marketing Performance Metrics™ & Why Are They Important?
Ralph and Lauren welcome TJ Kelly, VP of Sales at Tier 11. They discuss the importance of connecting marketing efforts directly to financial outcomes. They also challenge the conventional reliance on ROAS and other in-app metrics, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritiz ... Show More
47m 42s
Aug 2023
376: The Global Customer Growth and Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce, Tiffani Bova — The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth
<p dir="ltr">Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 376, an interview with the author of <em>The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth</em>, Tiffani Bova. This book details exactly how your company can adopt an Experience Mindset, at scale. It's not enough to kn ... Show More
45m 40s