In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home for Writers for Publishers Article Directory Article Search Contact
Directory of Ezines  
Products & Services
Article Distribution
Ghost Writing Services

Multiple Traffic Streams Report
Redneck Product Creation

Article Marketing Ebooks now available at: WritingPuzzle.com

Site Navigation
Home
+ FAQ

FAQ

+ Contact Us
+ Article Software

Use one of our Software Plugins to receive Articles from our site:

WordPress Content Plugin

Article Dashboard Content Plugin

+ About Us
+ Ebooks
+ Blogs
+ Social Media
+ Extra Pages
Search Tools
+ Search Our Articles
Article Directory
+ Authors
+ Articles
thePhantomWriters Blog
Get RSS Feed

Did Google Finally Kill Article Marketing Forever?
Early Indications Are That Google Farmer Update Loves Quality Syndicated Content
Detailed Insight into the Cooks Source Magazine PR Debacle
Increase Your Profits From Google Page One
Understanding How To Be Successful With Article Marketing
Temporary Issue with Article Distributions
Computer Upgrade
New Service Upgrades in Place
Are You Paying Too Much For Traffic? Increase Clicks 40-Fold With This PPC Strategy
How To Use Disinformation To Foul Up Your Competition In The SEO Game
Recommended Sites
Live Marketing Chat (Free) Saturday 8pm EST
Register for Notifications

 

 



Objections - The Ten Foot Wall

Copyright (c) 2007-2012

I've found that there are three big objections that frequently come up when anyone is looking at retaining the services of a professional.

1. I don't have the money.
2. I don't have the time.
3. I'm not ready/can't do it/am not able.

This is assuming everything else fits. They have the need and you have the services that can help them. They like you and trust you and you are both excited about the possibilities.

But then an objection bomb falls. So what do you do?

First of all, it's important for you, the professional, to understand the nature of the objection. And the first fact about all three objections is that they are lies. Every time.

Even if they really don't have the money, have absolutely no time and are in some way not ready or able, they are lies. I suppose a softer way to say it is that they are excuses. And excuses are lies.

We lie because we have not made the distinction between an external reality and our belief about confronting that reality. To most of us they are exactly the same. For instance:

  • I don't have the money now = I can't raise the money.
  • I have a completely booked schedule = I can't make the time.
  • I don't have the experience = I'll never really be ready or able.

    Several years ago I participated in a workshop that included a ropes course. And one of the exercises was getting over a ten foot wall. The reality was that the wall was ten feet high. Everything else I thought about it was a lie: "I'll never get over it, it's too high, I'll hurt myself, this is impossible, etc., etc."

    And then our instructor told our small team that it was time to go over the wall. And he really had no interest in our reasons why it was impossible. "It's a ten foot wall. Now go over the wall."

    So we put our heads together and in just a few minutes (no kidding!), amazingly to me, we found a way to get over the wall.

    And this is exactly how a potential client looks at working with you. They see a high fee, a commitment of time and a challenge that they have never faced before - a ten foot wall.

    So the immediate knee-jerk reaction is to lie about the wall.

    And the worst mistake you can make is to believe the lie. "Yes, that wall is too high. You're right, it's impossible to get over. I understand how hard it is, so let me call you back in a few months and see if you're ready to get over the wall then."

    I promise you, they won't be ready.

    Again, assuming the work or project is right for them and they will gain a real benefit from working with you, then it is simply irresponsible to buy into their lie. You are definitely not serving their best interests if you "just let it slide."

    So what do you say when they lie to you like this?

    You tell them the truth:

    "This is something you really want to do, right?"

    "Yes it is"

    "And if we do this, you agree that it will make a huge difference in your business (or life), correct?"

    "Yes, it will."

    "Then I'd like you to make a commitment to move forward. And when you do that, we'll work together to find a way to pay for it (or fit it into your schedule or get past your uncertainty). Are you willing to do that?

    "Well, I'm not sure. What if I can't pay for it (or find the time or get past my uncertainties)?"

    "Let's do this: You make the commitment and I promise we'll find a way to make it work. The worst that could happen is that things will get delayed a little while. But I know when you make the commitment, we can make it happen."

    "OK, let's do it!"

    Will it always go like this? Can you use this script verbatim? What if they accuse you of pressuring them? What if they tell you never to darken their doorway again?

    All I can tell you is that if you make the commitment to take a stand for the truth about the difference your work will make for your clients (and don't back down when they tell you lies), you will have a client who puts themselves completely in your hands and produces a magnificent outcome.

    Give it a shot. What's the worst that could happen?


    About The Author:
    Robert Middleton, the owner of Action Plan Marketing, has been helping Independent Professionals be better marketers since 1984. On his web site http://www.ActionPlan.com find valuable resources, products and programs for attracting more clients. Get a free copy of his Marketing Plan Sart-Up Kit.

    Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter (@phantomwriters)
    to be notified when new articles are made available.


    VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
    Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

    Tell our authors what you think about their article.


    Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles || Related Categories: Business Online Articles

    10 Most Recent Articles Written by Robert Middleton

    Flabby Marketing Thinking
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-22 | Word Count: 572 | Page Views: 1033 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.83
    In marketing, there's an equivalent to exercising and pumping iron and that's the topic of this article on marketing for professional service businesses.

    Making The Cut
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-20 | Word Count: 552 | Page Views: 1204 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.75
    One of the hardest working groups of Independent Professionals out there are professional golfers. It may look like they have an easy job just hitting a ball around while enjoying the outdoors, but as Paul Harvey says, 'Here's the rest of the story...'

    The Master Marketing Skill
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-14 | Word Count: 741 | Page Views: 924 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.88
    Make learning how to give presentations and talks a priority in your development as a professional. It's a skill that will pay for itself thousands of times over in the course of your career.

    Web Site Leverage
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-12 | Word Count: 747 | Page Views: 976 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.38
    Ever go to a web site and find that after poking around a few pages you just click off and go to another site? Of course. It happens millions of times a day on the web. Why? Good question! This is an important one because if you can't get people to stick around your site and eventually contact you, your web site is just taking up cyberspace.

    Fire, Ready, Aim Marketing
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-07 | Word Count: 937 | Page Views: 1502 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.29
    One of the dumbest marketing mistakes is failing implementing what you already know. You may read a lot, buy online programs, attend seminars and yet still implement a fraction of what you've learned.

    Risking By Not Risking
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-06-05 | Word Count: 684 | Page Views: 1323 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.67
    I've often been asked, 'What is the biggest mistake you've made in your business?' And the first one that comes to mind was not creating and selling products much sooner. I was in business for years and years before I created my first product. Up to that point I only offered consulting and workshops. And why didn't I create and sell products sooner? Simple. I was afraid of doing it wrong. I didn't want to risk making a mistake.

    The Questions Behind The Questions
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-05-31 | Word Count: 716 | Page Views: 1577 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.33
    One of the greatest confusions in talking about, and marketing, professional services is that we tend to answer the questions about our services at face value.

    Dumping Powerpoint
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-05-30 | Word Count: 575 | Page Views: 1360 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.71
    The purpose of presentations is to persuade. To make your case you need to be both prepared and passionate. Dump your PowerPoint slides and get your ideas across as if your future depended on it.

    The Intensely Detailed Plan
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-05-24 | Word Count: 716 | Page Views: 1177 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 3.33
    Will you create intensely detailed marketing plans or will you make vague plans resulting in vague results?

    Getting Excited About Marketing
    Written by: Robert Middleton | Distributed: 2007-05-22 | Word Count: 798 | Page Views: 1174 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 2.80
    Are you excited about marketing your business? I've learned over the years, working with thousands of Independent Professionals, that the word EXCITING is about the last one most would use to describe marketing their business.

    All of Author's Articles on this site:

    Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles

    How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
    Written by: Trey McMartin | Distributed: 2011-11-10 | Word Count: 987 | Page Views: 466
    During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring... Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the success they are today... They have forgotten that they have a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in their paths.

    SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
    Written by: Trey McMartin | Distributed: 2011-11-09 | Word Count: 945 | Page Views: 871
    More than once in the six years that I have been providing SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to discuss with individual business owners their search engine optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute statement, I like to press for details. It has been my experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will have a horror story to share.

    Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
    Written by: Norm Howe | Distributed: 2011-09-12 | Word Count: 706 | Page Views: 353
    Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement systems.

    Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
    Written by: Titus Hoskins | Distributed: 2011-09-12 | Word Count: 560 | Page Views: 366
    Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good reasons why you should get it.

    Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
    Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-30 | Word Count: 676 | Page Views: 445
    Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.

    Go Green With Your Career Search
    Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-28 | Word Count: 636 | Page Views: 361
    Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the career is not directly associated with green industries.

    ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
    Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-26 | Word Count: 525 | Page Views: 423 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 3.00
    Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit, being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being intentional about how you spend your time.

    Up in the Air
    Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-24 | Word Count: 678 | Page Views: 426
    When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn from the art of listening and having a conversation.

    Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
    Written by: Dan Lok | Distributed: 2011-07-05 | Word Count: 477 | Page Views: 464
    Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional rocks, so put that sack down!

    The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
    Written by: Dan Lok | Distributed: 2011-06-30 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 569
    Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of your spa or salon.

    Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles

    How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
    Written by: Mark Silver | Distributed: 2008-07-15 | Word Count: 821 | Page Views: 36741 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.83
    There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be' written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm... might there be a better way to get a book written?

    The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
    Written by: Judy Murdoch | Distributed: 2007-05-09 | Word Count: 1522 | Page Views: 33878 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 3.60
    From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books. Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises people. Curious? Read on.

    The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
    Written by: Morris Timlen | Distributed: 2008-11-05 | Word Count: 1211 | Page Views: 28586 | Votes: 22 | Rating: 3.32
    The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City, the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the American movie industry.

    What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
    Written by: Casey Moher | Distributed: 2008-08-05 | Word Count: 930 | Page Views: 16092 | Votes: 68 | Rating: 3.16
    In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?

    Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
    Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-11 | Word Count: 333 | Page Views: 6840 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.65
    Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans. While the regulations generally don't take effect until January 1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.

    Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
    Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2007-12-25 | Word Count: 413 | Page Views: 6112 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 1.94
    Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball, they're sure to make an even greater impression.

    Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
    Written by: Perry Maisin | Distributed: 2008-08-12 | Word Count: 971 | Page Views: 5870 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.29
    When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a 'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed that that was the difference between getting the job and being passed over.

    Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
    Written by: Andria L. Corso | Distributed: 2010-03-10 | Word Count: 690 | Page Views: 5332 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.88
    Enhance your talent management and development programs through conducting career aspiration discussions with your employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to determine if it matches your business needs. This will enable you to differentiate your employee development to grow the future leaders of your company.

    The Pros And Cons Of Postcard Marketing-direct marketing offline
    Written by: Cheryl Miller | Distributed: 2006-11-29 | Word Count: 675 | Page Views: 4000 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 2.60
    Postcard marketing is one of the oldest methods of marketing. Its concept is simple but can be quite effective. It is just sending out your message to your mailing list on a postcard. Postcard marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to advertise and will keep building in momentum when done correctly.

    The Tea Room Business Plan – First Steps And Start Up Basics
    Written by: Marcus Stout | Distributed: 2007-03-22 | Word Count: 1218 | Page Views: 3703 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.63
    Every venture starts with the first steps and a business plan for a quality tea room is no exception. Well thought out first steps, properly implemented, will pay dividends in the business operations of the tea room in later years.

    Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles

    Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
    Written by: Toby Seibert | Distributed: 2007-08-08 | Word Count: 866 | Page Views: 1887 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.60
    In today's business environment, many businesses need to fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the business.

    Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
    Written by: Rudy Vener | Distributed: 2007-07-09 | Word Count: 640 | Page Views: 1550 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
    What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?

    Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
    Written by: Melissa Mashtonio | Distributed: 2008-04-15 | Word Count: 423 | Page Views: 1637 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
    I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.

    The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
    Written by: Scott Bywater | Distributed: 2009-12-03 | Word Count: 480 | Page Views: 1062 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
    This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe" sales copy from another advertisement.

    Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
    Written by: Rudy Vener | Distributed: 2007-10-19 | Word Count: 629 | Page Views: 1547 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 4.38
    With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your community.

    The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
    Written by: Kate Smalley | Distributed: 2006-10-11 | Word Count: 672 | Page Views: 1660 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 4.00
    If you have a hard time making successful business connections, don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to want to give you a chance.

    How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
    Written by: Chet Holmes | Distributed: 2007-01-15 | Word Count: 1523 | Page Views: 1647 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 4.00
    Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval. Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater emphasis on pure performance?

    Get the Balance Right
    Written by: Rich Thawley | Distributed: 2009-01-28 | Word Count: 638 | Page Views: 1499 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.91
    Do you build your business around your family or your family around your business? The choice is yours.

    Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
    Written by: Steven Gerber | Distributed: 2006-12-11 | Word Count: 560 | Page Views: 1671 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.86
    The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when, where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.

    Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business on the Cutting Edge
    Written by: Carole Martin | Distributed: 2007-08-24 | Word Count: 1400 | Page Views: 1413 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.86
    You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone - these are the tools of this trade. Who would believe that someone with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell phone?







  • Article Reprint Rights
    Creative Commons License

    This work is
    licensed under a
    Creative Commons
    License


    You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
    Article Publishing Tools
    Print Article
    Email-to-Blog
    HTML Source Code
    Text Newsletter Format
    Link Back HTML

    Blog Publishing Tools

    Internal ID: #4798
    Article Statistics
    Word Count: 765

    Total Views: 1061
    Views This Month: 15
    Views Last Month: 16

    Article Rating: 3.00 of 5
    Votes Cast: 4

    Author Overall Stats:

    Times Viewed Overall: 20767
    Author Rating: 2.92 of 5
    Votes Cast Overall: 92

    More Articles By Author:




    Article Title Search:

    Widow Search
    Right Blinker
    Google
    Yahoo!
    Zuula
    Bing
    Cuil

    Last Distribution Date:
    2007-05-03 15:36:00






    All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2012 of the Defined Authors.

    All other material and images on this site are:
    Copyright © 2001-2012, ThePhantomWriters.com

    Local Marketing Consultant