Perfecting Persuasion
Sunday, April 26th, 2009
photo credit: Mountain/Ash
Corporate job cuts and salary reductions are becoming a part of everyday life in the current economy. More people are losing jobs and more people are being asked to take pay cuts seemingly every day. In order to protect yourself from these demoralizing events you need to work harder than ever. The art of persuasion can play an absolutely crucial role in your success in the world of business, and an important role in keeping your current job. Knowing how to work a room and persuade people into believing you are worth your price tag is a tactic you simply must learn. Getting people to stand in your corner and vouch for your ability is probably the strongest tool you can use in today’s job market. So we have compiled a brief list of techniques you can use to master the art of persuasion.
Create a Need
Getting people on your side is almost impossible if there is no need for your ability or your services. If the goals you are after or the service you provide are not made obvious then you simply will not be able to persuade people. Lace your plea with a sense of urgency and your goals will be that much closer. Creating a need is one of the most powerful tools you can use. Just like advertisers promote their products by creating a need and initiating a sense of urgency, this is exactly what you should do as well. Assure your audience that what you provide can not be found in many other places. And be sure to let them know that the opportunity will not be available to them for long. Tip toe your way around hinting at other job opportunities and ensure that your boss or company knows that your services are wanted elsewhere. Just do not go so far as to threaten to leave or blatantly discuss a possible job transfer as this could leave you out in the cold.
Load Up Your Sales Pitch
Loaded words are something you can hear in debates and speeches by most important people within business or even politicians. Think back to a few more recent speeches by George Bush and his coined terms such as, “weapons of mass destruction”. This is the perfect example of loaded words. A long, drawn out explanation simply does not have as much of an impact as a few short but powerful words. The meaning of what you are saying is often second middle to some of the words you can be using when you are trying to persuade people. Choose these words carefully and ensure that there is in fact some meaning to them though or you may be called out for wasting people’s time.
Communicate Effectively and Relate
If you are likeable the chances of business success increase ten fold. Whether you are trying to keep your job, pitch a new product or suck up for a promotion, the more you relate to the audience the more likely you will receive a yes. Discuss topics that people are interested in and get to know your boss or partners. Refer to people by their name and do not speak in a generic tone or with generic words. The more you are able to make a lasting impression, the better off you will be.
Persuasion is a true art form. It may take time to master but in the long run it can prove to be a vital tool. Get people to agree with you and appreciate what you do or what you offer and you will take massive strides to your ultimate goals.
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Tags: persuasion
