FEATURESTORY Even when you disagree, careful listening makes you better informed. become such a valued business strategy in recent years: Working together produces more and better ideas. When you collaborate with others and seek out differing viewpoints, you become better prepared to present a winning persuasive proposal. Even when you disagree, careful listening makes you better informed about how others see the issue at hand. At the very least, you understand what you're up against and others feel included when you ask for their opinion. In the best case, it may help you devise new strategies that you may not have considered otherwise. 5. Persuade Even Before You Present Sales professionals know that buyers oen make their purchase decision before they ever speak to a sales rep. at's increasingly true in other areas of business: the decision is made before the meeting. at means you'll need to gain commitment from stakeholders in advance of your presentation. It's essential to know who the important stakeholders and influencers are, and where they stand with regard to your ideas and proposed action. Seek out those people proactively to gain their buy-in. Is your presentation capable of getting others to consider new ideas or points of view? AND getting them to act accordingly? Try these five strategies to present your case in a way that resonates with your audience and produces a successful outcome for you and for your business. ■ Stephanie Scotti is the owner of Professionally Speaking. Email Stephanie at smscotti@professionallyspeaking.net. Discover the leadership potential of emerging managers Accelerate 6724 Patterson Avenue Richmond, VA 23226 FOCUS | Winter 2017 | www.L-TEN.org 804.288.4125 info@pciassessments.com the development of current leaders LEARN MORE AT pciassessments.com 43http://www.pciassessments.com http://www.L-TEN.org