My most direct example of influence was at my family's dessert shop, Bambu. We were introducing a new, slightly unusual fruit blend that customers were hesitant to try.My tactic was "The Personal Guarantee": I stopped focusing on the ingredients and instead challenged customers, saying, "If you don't love the first sample bite, I'll personally pay for your next coffee." This built immediate rapport and trust. By offering a risk-free challenge and delivering the sample with high energy, I converted over 80% of the hesitant customers that day, proving that confident persuasion and a genuine connection are the best drivers of trial.

I would non-intrusively probably break the ice with a joke, then have them try out product, and while they are enjoying it I would tell them about what makes us great, from fresh, to flavor, to health and nutrition!

For a never ending supply of chocolate almond pocky!