In sales, the “alternative choice close” is a well known technique for getting the client to buy something, rather than nothing. You ask them if they want “A” or “B” and no matter which one they choose, they’re buying something.
“Credit card or check?” “Deluxe package or basic package?” “Would you like to come in at noon or 4:30?”
Clients want you to help them make a decision. They know they might procrastinate and never get the work done. When you help them take action and get the benefits they want and need, you’re acting in their best interest.
And did I mention you’ll also get more clients?
Anyway, you can also use the “alternative choice” concept to improve your own decision making and productivity. It can help you reduce procrastination.
The idea is to always have more than one project you’re working on, or could be.
Writer Geoff Dyer put it this way:
Have more than one idea on the go at any one time. If it’s a choice between writing a book and doing nothing I will always choose the latter. It’s only if I have an idea for two books that I choose one rather than the other.
If you find yourself procrastinating on Project A, you can turn to Project B. Or Project C. When you find yourself resisting something, work on something else.
You probably do this now with client files. When you are frustrated or bored or unsure of what to do next on a given file, you put it aside and work another.
I do this with blog post and other writing projects. I’ve got lots of irons in the fire and when I run out of steam on something, I’ve always got something else I can work on.
I also do this with reading books. I have thousands of books in my Kindle and I usually read two or three of them at a time. When I find myself losing interest with one, I turn to another.
You can use the “alternative choice” concept for anything you’re working on, or should be. Calls, letters, documents (drafting or reviewing), even errands. Always have something else lined up, because doing “A” or “B” will always be better than doing nothing.
