1. Know what you want – As that great saying goes, always start with the end in mind. Be sure you know what you want the outcome to be, what you want the others to do and what any change will look like.

2. Explain your position clearly – Be sure to explain why it is you want to see a change made or thinks done differently. Use ‘I’ statements to show it is you driving the change and not someone else.

3. Inspire them with a clear vision – Ensure the others truly understand the benefits of any proposals you are making. Let them know what any change will look like and feel like and the benefits it will bring. Help them to paint a picture in their minds.

4. Use facts to back up your case- Use facts, case studies and projections to back up your proposal. Show them what successes others have had by adopting the approach you would like to take.

5. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare – Find out as much as you can about the person or people you are trying to influence. Talk to others who may have been successful. Structure you case clearly and be sure to be ready for any questions.

6. Be ready for resistance – Think about what objections people may have towards your proposal.

Once you have them, add this information to your proposal to reduce the resistance people will have.

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