If you want to have a successful influencing conversation, you need to be intentional about the outcome that you want to achieve and plan for it. This is especially true if you are new to influencing and need some guidance.
Here are 5 things to think about when planning your next influencing conversation and some questions to help you prepare:
- What is your outcome?
- What do you want to accomplish during this conversation?
- Who do you want to influence?
- Who are the people that you need to influence to attain the outcome?
- What is important to them?
- What are their priorities and goals?
- Does this fit in with their plans?
- What questions will they raise regarding this topic?
- What is your ask from them?
- What do you want them to do to help you?
- Are you looking for their support in a meeting?
- Do you need their feedback?
- Do you need them to make a decision?
- How do you want the conversation to go?
- Do you have a way to break the ice and build rapport?
- What questions will you ask?
- Are you prepared to actively listen?
- Do you have answers prepared for the most likely concerns?
There may be multiple people that you need to influence to reach a successful outcome so be proactive to build support for your plans. Practice these conversations so that you are confident and ready when you are in front of the right people. Plan for whatever questions or objections that they may have to your ideas. All of this preparation will set you up for influencing success and help you to achieve your goal.