Learn Convincing Persuasion Techniques
Are you falling short of effective persuasion techniques to sell yourself, your ideas, or that product of yours? When you learn to persuade, you learn how to influence people and that is a key to success in all aspects of your life.
If you want to win people over, beat out your competitors or reel in that multi-million dollar client, it’s time to get real –it’s all based on how well you can sell yourself. When you learn how to improve your persuasion techniques, you will enjoy a more prosperous career and life, increased job security, and boost your self-confidence in the process.
Persuasion Techniques That Consistently Work!
Aren’t we all attempting to sell something to someone? Whether we’re a sales rep for a printing company, a journalist convincing the world of his or her viewpoint, a marketer with a brilliant new idea, or a politician speaking about the latest bill he’s backing up to the Senate, we’re all trying to sell what we’ve got. What does your current persuasion track record look like? Is it a little behind or way ahead of the pack? Are you able to use your persuasion techniques to influence people? If not, then that is an area that you need to improve.
Influence and Persuasion Techniques
Everyone has the ability to be a great salesman or saleswoman. But, if you are not naturally assertive, it’s time to hone in on those persuasion techniques. Apply the following proven persuasion tips and you’ll live a positively influential life, with the ability to convince others of almost anything.
- Respond to other’s needs on an emotional level. Most people think that in order to score that interview, bargain for that discounted price, or sell your book, it requires an intellectual approach. “How can I appeal to this potential client? I know, I’ll bid lower and lower until they finally give in!” No, that’s not the answer. Even if your price is lower than your competitors, you still may not snag their business. Why? Because deep down we are all emotional beings, and if you don’t spark an emotional connection with your client; that individual you want to sell to, or that person you may want to ask out, or that bank manager you are trying to get a loan from, may not be persuaded to see it your way. You may not get the winning offer. With emotion, there’s always power. So—find something, anything that will connect you to them. Start small. Then go bigger. Think about what they are missing in their life that would make your product, your company, your idea, and your great sense of humor irrefutable. When you find the emotional connection, you can begin to set yourself apart from everyone else, in their eyes and mind.
- Take time out to listen. Many people fail at persuading others because they’re so busy “pushing” their product, opinion and their business on another person, that they haven’t stopped to listen to, and understand their recipient’s needs. If you aren’t getting the results you want, ask yourself: are you too busy trying to pitch your idea, opinion or product that you haven’t stopped to think how they –specifically- could most benefit from your idea, product or service? Have you stopped to really listen to their needs and how, just on a human to human level, you can best help them? Listen first. Then respond. Compromise where you are able. Use your creative mind to come up with a solution that works for the both of you.
- Don’t make bullying part of your persuasion techniques. So many people try to compensate for their naturally passive personality that they come across as overbearing, pushy and well…downright bossy. What often results, is a person or client who views you as a bully rather than their ally. Before pushing yourself or service on someone else, stop and think. Am I really listening to them? Am I giving them a voice? Is the overall vibe of our meeting negative or positive? Would they want to be your friend, given another circumstance or situation?
- Gently insist on some sort of follow-up. Use your persuasive techniques to convince them that they are important to you, and politely request a follow up. A follow up doesn’t have to be a firmly scheduled meeting; it can be a phone call, a Skype chat, or an email to see if their needs may have changed. You could send an invite to a networking luncheon. In the case of a new potential client, give yourself the opportunity to see if they’re still interested in what you can do for them. You may come up with a special price or option that you can offer to them. Make sure to end all conversations on a positive note, and continue to prove through your words and especially your actions that you have the right product or service, or you are the right person for the job. Make them feel that they are important to you.
Continue to be competitive and assertive, but not overbearing. Always act with integrity. Show them you have what it takes to go above and beyond everyone else. Be bold. Be uniquely you, and above all remember: no one can do the amazing job that you can. These persuasion techniques really do work, no matter what the situation may be!
© 2012, Linda. All rights reserved.
Most of my marketing colleagues overdo the pushing of their products too. It’s a very fatal mistake, and they often lower their prices hoping to win their client. Unfortunately, by doing that sort of thing, it clearly shows that you do not value your product, and you are just desperate for their money.
I do notice a few of the successful ones that I know aims at triggering their prospects to discuss their problems in life instead to establish a connection and trust, which is something I’m trying to work on right now! Great post. You really convinced me where I should be targeting.
This is a great post that I will forward to my entrepreneurial friends! So in other words, it is ALL about the client, whether THEIR interest is, and if they know you care about what they want, you have a better chance at getting their business. Don’t sell, tell them at first how you can help them, and show them how you can help them, and then they will be likely to buy your service or product.
Another great comment, thanks Marsha. Caring about your client and their needs is ultimate to gsasining their trust and appreciation. It will keep them coming back.
Linda
I agree with Marsha. If the clients see you care about their well-being they will be more inclined to keep purchasing services and products from you. If you come off as being money hungry they will run. You have to give in order to receive.
I’m a car salesmen so I took note of these techniques. I started a conversation with a potential buyer, and made mental notes on a few key things he talked about. Like his favorite sports team and stuff. I mentioned them an hour later and he was shocked I remembered. Doubt it was everything, but it led to a sale. So thanks!