How to Get to the Decision Maker

One of the questions that you probably ask yourself when you're trying to understand what it will take to get an organization to say "YES" is, “How do I know I’m talking to the real decision-maker?” There are lots of ways to ask that question; however, I think many of them are fraught with peril. You don't ask a blatant question like, “So, who is the decision-maker around here?” because you would likely insult the person with whom you’re speaking by suggesting that other people have to be involved in the decision. Maybe this person actually is the lone wolf who makes the decisions and has all the power in the world.