Short term versus long term benefit. If you are selling something with a long term benefit, you need to find a way to make that appealing. For those who live more in the moment (for whatever reason; not necessarily as a zen master), you will need to make that benefit seem immediate. I guess the trick is to do that without being dishonest.<p>Perhaps that's why the "path" and "journey" metaphors are so common. The destination is some ways off, but you can set your foot on the path immediately and "enjoy the journey" all along the way.<p>There is also the negative sale: Stop doing what you don't like. (Implied: My product is part of what you like. Start doing it.)<p>Perhaps the constant advertising is then what continues to make it seem immediate, in lieu of immediate effects of the product itself. The pill doesn't cure you overnight, but the advertising keeps telling you it will, eventually. Keep popping it. The advertising is the immediate, Ersatz payoff.<p>Just off the top of my head.<p>----------<p>As for me, I don't have a specific product I'm marketing, but I tend to push both aspects in my interactions with others, e.g. when helping/training them. I quickly fix an immediate problem. I then, and concurrently to the extent possible, explain what I did, how it works -- enough for them to see that they might be able to do this as well. Push/encourage them to run through the process as well; reinforces memory and convinces them that they actually CAN do this. Provide references and my continued availability, should they wish to pursue this further.<p>I fix their problem: Pain killer. I show them how and that they can do this for themselves: Vitamin.<p>For those who refuse to take the vitamin, the trick is to cut them off from the painkiller (your assistance) before they become addicted.<p>Unless providing the painkiller forms the basis of your relationship, e.g. your continued employment. Just beware that such a relationship can turn turn pretty unhealthy. There's a difference between collaboration and dependence.