Sales can be a long and arduous process. After dozens of back-and-forth emails, a handful of phone conferences and two in-person meetings, it can be fairly disappointing when potential clients decide, "this isn't quite right for us at this time." Walking prospective buyers through the sales funnel can be enriching as you learn more about their business needs and identify ways you can help fulfill their long-term goals. But when a 'sure thing' falls through, the question then is: How can you effectively persuade prospects to say 'yes'?