Thoughts on Handling Objections

  • Despite your positive attitude, not everyone will join. But many of those who are reluctant now will join if we continue to ask them.
  • A person’s reasons for not joining the Association are often not strong.
  • The first objections given are often not the real reasons for not joining.
  • Often objections are because of incorrect information or a lack of information.
  • Look at your task as one of identifying the real objections, providing sufficient or adequate information to overturn or minimize the objection as compared to the value of membership.
  • Excuses may be a result of fears, uncertainties, and doubts about the recruiter, the organization, the programs and benefits of membership, or the cost of membership and timing of the contact.
  • An excuse for not joining may be the result of not having spent sufficient time establishing a positive relationship and finding out the prospect’s needs, wants, and concerns.
  • Reluctant prospects have often joined when recruiters continue to ask them, even though they continue to hold the same objections.


Overturning Objections

  • Keep asking. Make the potential member your project until he or she joins.
  • If a potential member attempts to get you to argue or defend your position, respond with a question or offer to provide more information.
  • Listen to what the potential member is saying. Continue to use listening skills while the person fully expresses his or her objection.
  • Refrain from giving an immediate response to an objection.
  • Keep the potential member talking after he or she has raised an objection. Ask open-ended questions that reflect on what the potential member said. This helps the person talk it through without arguing or defending.
  • Determine if the potential member is firm in his or her objection by observing if he or she sticks to it.
  • Listen carefully until it is your turn. Then check out your statement of what you believe the objection is before you respond.
  • Share your own reasons for joining. An enthusiastic member is the best person to promote the organization.