Selling yourself How do you get someone to accept your idea? With all the hullabaloo in today's world it is nearly impossible to get someone to change their thinking and do what you want done. I …
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Selling yourself
How do you get someone to accept your idea?
With all the hullabaloo in today's world it is nearly impossible to get someone to change their thinking and do what you want done.
I have known a lot of salespeople in my years in business. This one salesman had tried for years to win over an account and get him to use his product to no avail. Finally he thought to himself 'There has to be a better way.' On his next sales call, rather than explaining all of the features and benefits of his product, he asked the client if he would try his product for a few days and give him his honest opinion on its performance, saying 'I am not sure if this product fits your needs, but if you would check it out for me, and let me know what you think I would appreciate it.'
As you might expect, the client tried the item and reported back how well the product performed. He would go on to buy only that product for the next 10 years. Other sales reps were pushing their product and getting nowhere. This salesman asked for the clients opinion and advice on his product and let the client make his own mind.
How does this play out in our everyday world?
With all the war like attitudes in government today, let's apply this principle to our members of Congress. How do you sell an idea to a member of the legislature and make it their idea? Congress is forever being told what to do about this and that. You end up getting a form letter thanking you for your opinion and the whole thing is forgotten.
Why not try this the next time you want someone to buy into your way of thinking? Instead of complaining, offer the problem and ask them what would be the best way to solve it. You might even offer a solution, but be sure to ask if that solution has merit. This approach works not only in government, but also at work or at home.
When a person feels they have come up with an idea on their own, they will go to any length to make that idea work. It's all about making someone feel wanted and needed.
Try it and let me know how it works.
by Milt Helmer
