How to convince clients who are resistant to innovative research techniques?

When clients are resistant to innovations, the more you try to convince them, the more they dig in. Try 3 pragmatic strategies:

1. Stop pushing and sniff out the underlying reason they’re balking, common deterrents: (a) they’ve always coasted and therefore have little incentive to try something new; (b) cost concerns; and (3) risk aversion. Cost and risks can be quantified and managed. But if the client is simply content with the status quo, this project might not be ready for your innovative mind.
2. Implement incremental changes. It’s easier to convince clients to adopt a small change (you might not even need to ask for permission on something small). Several small changes add up to noticeable improvements.
3. Get someone else to do the convincing. You’d be surprised how someone else can say THE EXACT SAME THING you did but the client is not as resistant to their words. Chemistry and celebrity are incredible persuasive powers when trying to convince clients!

SEE ALSO:

How to handle client disagreements about your presentation?

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