Much of business is just getting other people to do what you want.
Good marketing is good because it succeeds at getting others to do what it intended—to buy into the brand, to believe the product is what they say it is, to think that brand is superior to others, and ultimately, to purchase it and encourage other consumers to do the same.
But getting others to do what you want extends beyond just your customers—it’s in getting your team on board with your new strategy, your boss to give you that raise, your co-workers to respect you—without realizing it, you probably spend most of your day trying to get other people to do what you want.
That doesn’t mean you have to be manipulative, rude, or obnoxious about it, though.
Here are four tips for getting what you want without annoying people:
1. Think about what they need, rather than what you want them to do. Phrase your requests around how it will benefit them, and you will come across as far less demanding.
2. Be honest. This goes hand in hand with the first tip. If you are going to say your strategy delivers real results, then you’d better make sure it accomplishes that every time. Lying to get what you want will only make you enemies.
3. Be persistent, but not overbearing. The truth is, people need reminding—they’re likely to forget what you asked for. Send them an email to or swing by their desk to “check in” if you don’t hear back in a week, but keep it casual.
4. Demonstrate what you want to see in others. Don’t ask others to do what you’re not willing to do yourself. If you want to see it, show it.
5. Be part of the solution. I love it when you’re in a meeting and someone says, “We don’t have anyone to plan next year’s conference,” and then the boss says, “Congratulations, you are the president of the conference committee next year.” Don’t tell me about the problems unless you’re willing to be a part of the solution.
The squeaky wheel is the one that always gets oiled, but that’s also the first thing to go when adding upgrades. Make sure you’re contributing to the solution and to others, not annoying them, and you’ll have their support moving forward.
Do you have any tips for getting what you want? Please comment and share them below!
*Image courtesy Kool Cats Photography
As a speaker and author, Curtis Zimmerman has impacted over one million people with his life-changing messages and award-winning programs. Curtis is an expert at transforming organizations by inspiring individuals to live their lives at performance level.
Want to be inspired? Check out his podcast The Next 24 Hours.
