First – what not to ask…
Most sales questions are asked in the positive, e.g., “Can we get the contract signed by end of year?”
This is better than nothing, for sure.
However, here’s your best shot according to human psychology:
Ask in the negative…
It might sound like this, and of course adapt these to your context:
- I can’t imagine we could get signatures before Christmas?
- Is it out of the question to get signatures from [so and so] by end of year?
- Would it be unreasonable to ask [what’s-his-face] to sign the agreement by December 15?
What do these questions do?
- Lower guards
- Provide free choice
- Empower your prospect
- Open their minds to possibilities
I hope these help!