Sequence Over Strategy The Power of Positive Haunting
Jan 29, 2026
The conversation unpacks “positive haunting,” the technique of making a single vivid comparison that changes how people see their own behavior. It contrasts vague helpfulness with messaging that prompts real decisions. It shows visual and emotional examples, warns against shaming, and offers concrete reframes and practice steps to make messages stick.
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What Positive Haunting Actually Is
- Positive haunting is saying something with enough clarity that people can't stop thinking about it.
- Michelle Warner defines it as a memorable contrast that reveals an obvious truth the audience hasn't seen about their behavior.
Teach To Stick Not To Be Generally Useful
- Do teach differently when people first meet you: avoid generally useful tips and aim for memorable comparisons instead.
- Michelle warns that generic how-tos make audiences smile and nod but don't prompt buying decisions or long-term recall.
Relationship Versus Traffic Marketing Example
- Michelle uses the relationship versus traffic marketing continuum to create positive haunting and show a whole missed half of marketing.
- She explains audiences often default to traffic marketing and feel haunted when they see they skipped relationship marketing.