Persuasion: How to win people over

Be authentic, and honest

There are people who just seem to naturally get others to see their point of view, to follow their suggestions or to buy in to their ideas. It seems effortless and uncomplicated. Others though, make you feel like every time they are speaking to you they are making a sale. The experience feels contrived, sleazy and like you’re being sold to.

Despite the bad rap that sales people get, the key to convincing other people of our point of view is less to do with being a good salesperson and more to do with being a great connector. Whether it is at work while on a project or asking your boss for a pay rise, how do you hone your persuasion skills without constantly feeling like you are trying to make a sale?