How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Not Now

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > Not Now

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Say that you are too busy and do not have the time to accept the proposal at this minute. You can alternatively say that others are not ready or that the organization is not at a maturity level that would allow the proposal to be used.

Put off any return so it is far enough out into the future to suit your purpose. It could be days, weeks, months or even years.

Example

Sorry, I'm just so busy I don't have the time that your proposal really deserves for fuller consideration. Could you come back next week?

Great idea, but our people just aren't ready for this sort of thing. To be honest they're pretty maxed out also. Maybe they'll be ready next year.

Discussion

Not now is a nice and quick objection. You can say 'not now' and return to your work without much in the way of explanation. If they see you are busy then the message is clear.

Putting something off allows you to show appreciation for the idea rather than dismissing it out of hand. This can be a kind way of letting the other person down, although it can also be unkind in keeping their hopes going.

Sales people know that 'not now' means 'no' and have a saying 'There's no bebacks', meaning when people say they will 'be back' they will not. Saying 'not now' to a sales person hence is likely to increase their attempts to sell rather than them backing off.