Comments on: Jedi mind tricks: How to persuade your users, boss, or clients

By: David Kitchenham

David Kitchenham — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:25:55 +0000

Beyond the non verbal communication aspect of the lesson, always enter a meeting with as much information as you can. Knowledge is power and you can never have too much of it! Know the company you are visiting,

1) Google your contacts. 2) Check out the business at companies house. 3) If for a new deal, credit check them? 4) Understand your potential clients industry and competition. 5) Have a mental idea of what you want the outcome of the meeting to be.

By: Amber Weinberg

Amber Weinberg — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:58:46 +0000

Pretty basic tips, but it's interesting how many people DON'T follow these. A smile is your best friend, and even if you're on the phone, people can hear a smile through your voice. People like people who are enthusiastic about their products.

By: Sulcalibur

Sulcalibur — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:23:04 +0000

These 'tricks' are what I used as a salesman for like the last decade. It's amazing how just a few body language movements can do.

I do however find it more difficult when conversing with clients via phone and especially email.

One thing I have noticed is that when I have clients, bosses, colleagues etc that like me, they tend to start to mimic words and phases that I use. When that happened I know I've sold the goods! :P

By: Stoo

Stoo — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:18:54 +0000

Another good read Paul... nicely put.

By: Alex Burrows

Alex Burrows — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:08:31 +0000

Yeah, Paul wrote it for Smashing as well. He's a genius like that everyone wants his wisdom :P

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:16:57 +0000

Didn't I just read this article on Smashing Mag?

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:47:02 +0000

This really rang home for me Paul, thanks!

Personally it's a lot harder in practice than in theory to persuade clients and bosses alike... especially when working remotely. It really does take practice. Emailing and phone calls are an art that truly separate the student from the experienced designer. Even the greatest designer requires a high level of emotional intelligence and communication skills to become successful in his field.

Where I work, we often pass potentially sensitive emails by more experienced staff before sending them out to the client. It's a great way to better communication skills for younger members in the office and detach emotional bias in sensitive situations.