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Last updated on Feb 7, 2025
  1. All
  2. Business Administration
  3. Consulting

Your client is pushing back on your solutions. How can you effectively overcome their resistance?

Navigating a client's resistance can be a tightrope walk, but with the right approach, you can turn pushback into partnership.

When faced with a client pushing back on your solutions, empathy and strategy are key to moving forward. Here's how to effectively overcome their resistance:

- Listen actively to understand their concerns and validate their feelings without necessarily agreeing.

- Reiterate the benefits of your solution, tying them directly to the client's goals and pain points.

- Offer alternatives or compromises that address their worries while maintaining the integrity of your proposal.

How have you navigated overcoming resistance from clients? Feel free to share your experiences.

Consulting Consulting

Consulting

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Last updated on Feb 7, 2025
  1. All
  2. Business Administration
  3. Consulting

Your client is pushing back on your solutions. How can you effectively overcome their resistance?

Navigating a client's resistance can be a tightrope walk, but with the right approach, you can turn pushback into partnership.

When faced with a client pushing back on your solutions, empathy and strategy are key to moving forward. Here's how to effectively overcome their resistance:

- Listen actively to understand their concerns and validate their feelings without necessarily agreeing.

- Reiterate the benefits of your solution, tying them directly to the client's goals and pain points.

- Offer alternatives or compromises that address their worries while maintaining the integrity of your proposal.

How have you navigated overcoming resistance from clients? Feel free to share your experiences.

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49 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Madhura Narasimhamurthy

    Advisory - Strategy Risk and Compliance

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    Here are my perspectives: Let's begin by actively listening to their concerns and asking clarifying questions to fully understand their objections. Empathize and acknowledge their perspective to build trust, then provide evidence and clearly articulate the benefits of your solution, focusing on how it meets their specific needs. Be flexible and open to adapting your approach, and emphasize shared goals to reinforce alignment with their long-term interests. Discuss potential risks transparently, involve the client in developing the solution, and consider offering a trial or pilot project. Maintain patience and professionalism throughout the process, and follow up with any necessary information to ensure all concerns are addressed.

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    Arun Vedula, MBA, PMP®
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    When we present a solution, it doesn't always guarantee it's the best fit for the client. That's why it's crucial to first listen and understand the reasons behind their resistance. Once we have a clear picture, we can confidently assess whether our solution truly benefits the client. If we're certain that our solution is the best option, we need to educate the client on the potential drawbacks or missed opportunities if they don't move forward with it. Offer a transparent comparison—highlighting the pros, cons, and the value they’ll receive. It's also important to remain flexible and adjust the solution to address any concerns they have. Ultimately, the process should be collaborative, not just about pushing a solution onto them.

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    6
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    Contributor profile photo
    Pratik Patel ACA, CPA

    CA | CPA | Forensic Accountant | Solving Complex Financial & Tax Challenges Globally | UAE Tax, IFRS & Compliance Expert | Trusted by Businesses to Fix What Others Miss.

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    A resistant client isn’t rejecting you—they’re protecting their interests. Instead of pushing harder, step back and ask: What’s their real concern? I once had a client reject a cost-saving strategy outright. Instead of debating, I asked: “What’s your biggest hesitation?” They feared implementation risks. By tailoring my solution to address that, they bought in. Overcoming resistance isn’t about convincing—it’s about understanding. Listen deeply, reframe concerns into solutions, and make them feel heard. That’s how you turn a “no” into a strategic “yes.”

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    4
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    Julio Cesar Diaz Corte

    | Cloud | AI |5G | Sales |Tech Strategy | Business development | Digital Transformation | MBA

    (edited)
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    The customer resistance is not just an obstacle; it could be an opportunity to redefine our approach. Active listening, demonstrating genuine interest in their challenges and aligning the solutions accordingly must be the first step. It is essential to map the benefits of our solutions directly to the customer's strategic goals (operational, costs or revenue), Flexibility in negotiation is critical; we must to structure alternatives or phased approaches can ease concerns while maintaining the core value of the proposal.

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    Contributor profile photo
    Mohammad Raza Mulla

    Dreamer. Trainer. Enthusiast. Entrepreneur

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    As a consultant, I often face client resistance to solutions. - I handle it by first actively listening to understand their concerns. - Then, I reframe the solution in their language, linking it to their goals. - I use data and case studies to show proven success. - If resistance persists, I offer a small pilot test to demonstrate impact with minimal risk. - I also co-create adjustments with them, ensuring they feel ownership. - Most importantly, I stay patient and adaptable, turning resistance into collaboration.

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