Persuasion and Influence Trainer: Betty Stallings
Influencing Key Stakeholders Executives Staff Current Volunteers Board Prospective Volunteers Funders ????
Cardinal rules of Influence…. Key skills: asking questions and listening – NOT TELLING!!!! Strategy for getting to “Yes” by using marketing principles (2 page worksheet) “What’s in it for them to be supportive of your ideas, your program, etc.?”
Influence Strategy What am I attempting to accomplish? What is the preferred outcome? Who must I influence to support my plan?
Influence Worksheet #2 What response do I anticipate hearing? What are potential sources or reasons for his/her/their resistance? What do I need to know about him/her/them that is (would be ) helpful in understanding their view, response? What potential exchange am I offering them for accommodating to my interests?
Influence Worksheet #3 What are my sources of power in this situation? In what style or method of delivery should the request come? Who is the best person(s) to influence him/her/them and why?
Influence Worksheet #4 What are possible strategies or approaches to counter their resistance? What can I reasonably expect to accomplish with them on the first (next) encounter? How do I keep them “on board” if they are persuaded? What is Plan B if I am unsuccessful?