Some interpersonal interactions involve influence and persuasion leading to both parties agreement.  A sales transaction is a common example of this, but even the most informational type of exchanges require some closure (to be considered effective).

There is a huge knowledge base around techniques to achieve closure.  Training courses abound and the technology to support deal closing has exploded in recent years.

Achieving success often requires getting others agreement whether to a strategy,purchase or approach (or all of the above).  For myself I have found good success by following some basic principles.

 Motivation

When trying to influence a change/ sell an idea or product, the first step is to get attention from your target.  While gaining their interest evaluate their motivation (i.e., why are they interested?)

Does your target:

• believe they need to buy, accept, agree to your proposition (i.e., they want something, maybe not sure exactly what but are receptive to agree to something)
• agree to let you entertain them out of politeness or someone made them  -they are not really interested
• express that they are are intrigued but skeptical, they are willing to listen but maybe not much more.

Planting the idea

Ultimately if you can get the agreement decision to be championed and proposed by your subject, that is, it’s their idea, chances of a successful close are high.

Unless you are a mentalist or hypnotist you might believe planting the idea so it comes from others is not a realistic approach.  Actually it is quite doable.

Based on their apptitude – they are ready to deal or being polite or forced or semi interested,  the approach is slightly different butthe fundemental methodology is the same (let it be their idea).

The key to this methodology is simply creating involment in others through asking for questions, opinions, thoughts and advice. That is, putting the ball in their court.

Try it, you will be surprised how often your target takes charge, suggests the solution, purchase or strategy you guided them to by probing and questioning, so they think it is their idea.