Do you have an important meeting and want someone to support your idea?
Don’t go without this.
Every time you pitch an idea, you’re asking for something.
- Are you suggesting your boss change a process to improve performance?
- Do you want other teams to support the new app you are creating?
- Want the prospective client to sign the contract?
In call cases, you’re asking for their commitment now, but what you promise will only happen in the future- if it ever happens.
And that is risky.
“People listen to your ideas because they want something in return.”
The more likely your promise will come true, the easier you’ll get them to say yes.
Want to know how to increase the chances of getting their support?
Provide solid evidence.
Yes, evidence transforms an opinion into a fact, giving objectivity to your proposal and helping others believe in you.
Six keys to increase your credibility and influence
Here are six types of evidence that will make your proposal more appealing, and thus boost your credibility and influence:
1) Testimonials
Use someone else’s words as social proof that you have successfully delivered the same thing. “Sebastián’s method allowed me to multiply my sales conversions five-fold.”
2) References
Mention the names and the company names of other people who have accepted your proposal and achieved the promised results. “I’ve worked with ACME Inc for the past five years.
3) Data
Use numerical information that confirms your promise. “97,3% of our clients have succeeded.”
4) Credentials
Show awards, recognitions, or certificates granted by external sources with impartial opinions as proof of your capabilities. “We are ISO 9001 certified”.
5) Demonstrations
“Seeing is believing”. Use a demo to show what you offer. Or even better, let the other person experience it, like using a trial version of your app.
6) Success stories
Tell the transformation story of someone you’ve helped achieve success. Success stories work like testimonials but are told from your perspective.
Use one or more of these resources to make more concrete proposals, and people will be more willing to say yes.
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