<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=577820730604200&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">


This post was written as part of the IBM for Midsize Business program, which provides midsize businesses with the tools, expertise and solutions they need to become engines of a smarter planet.


Your client’s contract is up. You need the renewal. But your client is dragging their feet. So you decide to ratchet up the pressure and start withholding. You withhold support. You withhold some orders. You believe that by withholding, you can ratchet up the pressure on your client and get your contract signed. They need you, and you have the upper hand. Or so you think.

Or maybe you want to create a sense of urgency, so you make your dream client a time-sensitive offer. If they don’t place their order by the deadline, “poof,” the offer disappears. Now they have a compelling offer; scarcity works. Or does it?

These are both tactics. They both sometimes work. But they’re force, not persuasion. And selling is persuasion, not force.

Persuasion Saves Relationships

Anything that violates trust works against long-term relationships. And being self-oriented is a violation of trust. Period.

There are better ways to handle issues like the two I described above. It’s better to deal with these things openly, honestly, and persuasively.

In the case of the expired contract, you’re better off persuading your client to put a 30-day patch in place while you complete your contract negotiation. It’s better to go to your client directly, work to understand what’s preventing them from signing a new agreement, and persuade them to make something work. If you have to resort to force, you run the risk of damaging your relationship—and potentially losing your client.

I promise your client will remember having their support turned off and their orders not shipped.

There is nothing wrong with trying to compel a client with a time sensitive offer—if it’s truly time sensitive. But if it’s only time-sensitive to meet your revenue goals, then you are using force when you should be using persuasion. Instead, call your client and ask them when it would make sense for them to make the purchase. You might be able to persuade them to buy sooner.

If you have to use force to make your offer compelling, you don’t have a compelling offer. Don’t be surprised if instead of being greeted with a signed contract, you’re instead greeted with a lost opportunity.

Force isn’t as effective as persuasion. It never is. It never has been. You’re better off winning hearts and minds than attempting short cuts that damage—or destroy—relationships.

Questions

Do you ever try to resort to force to compel your clients or dream clients?

Why do some salespeople—and sales organizations—resort to force?

How might resorting to force damage your client relationships?

How could you use persuasion instead of force—even if it took longer and was more difficult?

Tags:
Sales 2013
Post by Anthony Iannarino on January 13, 2013

Written and edited by human brains and human hands.

Anthony Iannarino

Anthony Iannarino is an American writer. He has published daily at thesalesblog.com for more than 14 years, amassing over 5,300 articles and making this platform a destination for salespeople and sales leaders. Anthony is also the author of four best-selling books documenting modern sales methodologies and a fifth book for sales leaders seeking revenue growth. His latest book for an even wider audience is titled, The Negativity Fast: Proven Techniques to Increase Positivity, Reduce Fear, and Boost Success.

Anthony speaks to sales organizations worldwide, delivering cutting-edge sales strategies and tactics that work in this ever-evolving B2B landscape. He also provides workshops and seminars. You can reach Anthony at thesalesblog.com or email Beth@b2bsalescoach.com.

Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn, X or Youtube. You can email Anthony at iannarino@gmail.com

ai-cold-calling-video-sidebar-offer-1 Sales-Accelerator-Virtual-Event-Bundle-ad-square
salescall-planner-ebook-v3-1-cover (1)

Are You Ready To Solve Your Sales Challenges?

Anthony-Solve-Sales

Hi, I’m Anthony. I help sales teams make the changes needed to create more opportunities & crush their sales targets. What we’re doing right now is working, even in this challenging economy. Would you like some help?

Solve for Sales

Join my Weekly Newsletter for Sales Tips

Join 100,000+ sales professionals in my weekly newsletter and get my Guide to Becoming a Sales Hustler eBook for FREE!