Summary

A side hustler significantly increased their earnings by applying the psychological principle of liking through the simple addition of the word "Enjoy!" in customer interactions.

Abstract

The author of the article, a freelance writer and gig worker for Lyft, Uber, and DoorDash, discovered an effective method to double their side hustle earnings by leveraging a psychological influence tactic. By appending the word "Enjoy!" to each order note, the author saw an immediate and sustained increase in tips, boosting hourly earnings from $10-15 to$ 20–30. This low-effort technique is rooted in the principle that people prefer to comply with requests from someone they like, as discussed in Robert Cialdini's book "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion." The success of this approach is supported by research and exemplified by salesman Joe Girard, who maintained customer relationships with simple "I like you" cards. The author encourages readers to implement similar strategies to enhance customer experience and increase profits through the activation of the liking principle.

Opinions

The author believes that the addition of a simple, positive word can significantly influence customer behavior and tipping habits.
The strategy of using personal notes to create a connection with customers is considered an underutilized opportunity that can lead to an outsized return on investment (ROI).
The principle of reciprocity and liking, as outlined by Cialdini, is seen as a powerful tool in customer service and sales.
The author suggests that the exact word used is less important than the act of expressing care and positivity towards the customer.
Regular follow-ups with past customers, expressing that one still values them, are recommended as a method to sustain and grow customer loyalty and business profits.

HOW I DID IT

How I Doubled My Side Hustle Earnings With One Simple Word

A proven psychological influence tactic applied to tips

My side hustle earnings recently doubled after I added one simple word at the end of each order.

I’m always experimenting with different ways to increase my profits, so I was delighted when I stumbled upon this strategy. At first, I didn’t understand why it made such a big difference.

However, after analyzing why the simple word would have such a profound effect on my earnings, I realized that I was applying a proven psychological influence tactic.

My Side Hustle — What You Need To Know

If you’ve read my other articles, then you might know that I am a freelance writer who also drives for Lyft, Uber, and DoorDash.

I do it to supplement my writing income. One of the variables for how much money you make with these side hustles is the number and size of tips you get.

By doubling my tips, I jumped from making $10–15.00 per hour to making roughly $20–30.00 per hour. This is not “get rich quick” money, but it is a small-scale victory for my pocketbook.

The best part is that my low effort technique triggered an outsized ROI. All I did was type one short word to double my earnings.

The Simple Word That Doubled My Tips

A few weeks ago, I realized that I could leave my customers notes about their Uber Eats deliveries.

At first, I left the space blank most of the time. I only added a note if I had a special message. For example, if I left their food by their door.

Otherwise, I didn’t write anything at all.

One day, I realized that I was missing a great opportunity to communicate with my customers. So, instead of leaving the notes space blank, I started simply adding the word “Enjoy!”— just like that with the exclamation point.

What happened next blew my mind.

My tips doubled immediately. And they haven’t let up yet.

Why This Simple Word Works

After a bit of analysis, I figured out why adding a basic word to my orders worked. And it wasn’t because “enjoy” is a magical word that attracts money.

Instead, it goes back to a psychological influence tactic. I first read about this technique in the best-selling book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert Cialdini.

Here’s how Cialdini put it:

“Few people would be surprised to learn that, as a rule, we most prefer to say yes to the requests of someone we know and like. What might be startling to note, however, is that this simple rule is used in hundreds of ways by total strangers to get us to comply with their requests.”

Plenty of research backs up this non-surprising principle.

Joe Girard, called the best car salesman in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, says that one of the secrets of his success was mailing cards to all of his former customers.

What did these magical cards say?

I like you.

All Girard had to do to maintain his past customers is to mail them a card each month that told them that he liked them. Three words on a card were enough to trigger the “liking” principle of influence.

It’s so simple, it’s ridiculous. It’s so easy, it’s easy to overlook.

“The main work of a trial attorney is to make a jury like his client.”— Clarence Darrow

The takeaway: People like people that like them.

How You Can Apply This Method

The more detailed takeaway from this article is that you can use simple words and phrases to increase your earnings. By letting your past and future customers know that you like them, you can boost your profits.

When you show, even in simple ways, that you care about your customers and their experience, you activate the liking principle. The exact word doesn’t really matter. There is nothing inherently mystical about the word, “Enjoy!”.

Here are a few practical steps that you can take:

Analyze each point of contact with your customer or client. See if there are any missed opportunities for communicating a short one to three-word phrase.
Follow up with your past customers by letting them know that you still care.
Write short, personal notes to each of your customers at the end of each interaction.
Tell your customers or clients to enjoy your product or services.
Let your customers know that you like them.
Once a month, remind your former or current customers that you like them and that you care.

Final Thoughts

I continue to add “enjoy!” to the note section of each individual order. The tips keep coming.

The key is to find a simple, short word or phrase to give your customers a positive association with you and your service. If your customers associate you with positive feelings, they will keep coming back for more.

Thank you so much for reading. You’re awesome! (See what I did there?) 😄