Never try to convince anyone...

Recently, I've gotten a lot of questions about how to "convince" clients of things. Questions like:

"How do I convince a client to work with me?" Or, "How do I convince a client that I'm a better fit than an off-shored VA?"

Bit O’Moxie: You don't. You have no reason to. Either clients get it, or they don't. Either they want to work with you, or they don't. Have pride in who you are, what you do, and what you can handle for clients. Let your life speak for you. There's really nothing else that's needed, and nothing else that really works.

Extra Bit O’Moxie: Need some great language to use for questions like, "Why would I want to work with you?" Or, "Why do I want to work with you when I can hire a VA in Bangalore for $4/hour?" Here it is:

"You may not." (Pause for effect)

"However, if you want someone who will genuinely care about your business, actively work for your success, and who has the mad skills and resources to help you take your business to the next level, I very well may be the person you need to be working with. Tell me...what do you think about that?"

Either the prospect will get it, and make appropriate murmuring noises as he considers what you've said, or he'll not get it, and his answer will let you know that. Let his response guide your next action. Stand tall in who you are, and never forget the value you know you create for clients.

Never try to teach a pig to sing.
It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

Comments

[Laura Jo Richins]

Your timing on this post is amazing. I was recently with a group of VAs who were discussing this very topic. My AssistU training helped me to recognize that I don't want to have to 'convince' anyone to work with me. Either they realize what I can offer them, or they don't.

Thanks for sharing such a perfect example. I'll pass this link on to my friends. :)

LJ

[Judy Vorfeld]

Great comments. You are 100% on the mark. I used to cringe as I tried to figure out how to convince prospects. Now I relax, because I realize I can't convince them. As you said, I just wait to see what the response is to my reply.

[Katie Baird]

Hear! Hear!

I've been thinking about this subject since I was asked this very question, by someone who had just finished reading the 4 Hour Work Week.

I knew the person asking was just a "Lookie Lou," but I hadn't let go of the indignation I felt when I knew he wasn't really even interested in a VA but showing off his recent read.

After seeing your post, I am over that incident.

[Bea]

Sometimes if we have to "convince" a prospect, we end up wasting our time if we do work with them.

This answer is about as perfect as I've seen. I really do care about my clients and their businesses, but they need to care too. They should understand what it takes to head in the right direction instead of nickel and diming for a service.