(By Rick Fink) Experience tells me that people, in general, like to take credit for “their” ideas… even, when at times, it wasn’t their idea alone! In other words, someone else or others were involved in helping come up with the idea!
So, when you are dealing with a client or potential client, is it more effective and more powerful to say, “I came up with an idea that I think you will like”, or “We came up with an idea that I think you will like”.
One of my favorite sayings (author unknown) is, “All of us (Both of us) are nearly always smarter than one of us”.
Of the following two statements, which do you think is more powerful?
“Hello Joe, thanks for taking my call. Since we met last week, I have been working on some ideas based on the information you provided that I think you will like. However, if you don’t mind, I have a few more questions about your business.”
Or…
“Hello Joe, thanks for taking my call. Since we met last week, we have been working on some ideas based on the information you provided that we believe you’ll like. However, if you don’t mind, we have a few more questions about your business.”
The next time you are presenting an idea or suggesting that you will work on an idea, try using “We” instead of “I”. They’ll like the fact that you have a “team” of people working for their business rather than just “you”.
In cases where it was you and you alone that came up with the idea, it’s o.k. to lay claim to it. However, you may find it more impactful if you mention that you “shared this idea with others” and “they” liked it.
Remember, both of us, are nearly always smarter… and more creative… than one of us!
NEVER Stop Learning – Get Better Every Day!
Rick Fink from ENS Media (www.ensmediausa.com) can be reached by phone at 605-310-2062 or e-mail at [email protected]
