Sticky Pad

The other day while reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People" I thought I would try spreading a little Honey on a Sprint Representative.  My goal was to reduce my rate without losing any of my current services. Now, I must tell you up front, I have a low tolerance for people who tell me "WHY" they cannot do something.... to help me.
So ring a ding ring....I was now connected with Shirley.  I explained to Shirley in a "friendly way" that I had been a loyal customer for the past 12 years and that I was seeking to lower my rates.  I discussed possible options with other carriers.  Shirley jump in by telling me "that she could not do it" without hesitation.  To move Shirley to my way of thinking I asked what she would do, in an attempt to motivate her to believe that she held the solution to my problem.
This approach resulted in a 50% reduction in my phone bill, with no contract extension, or loss of services.