LMAO, that could be me sometimes. Those type of people you must find out how to be friend them so they can trust you. I usually go ahead and show visual examples if I need to work with someone like that, and I always provide candy or snacks during our meetings (it works, it relaxes high stressed people).
I am a visual person who only accepts things if I can see it. It must be on paper or I am not giving in. I need facts and figures. But people usually get to me by giving me small talk (not always work talk), and giving me little gifts. I know your like what the %^&*, but its something about it. They know how to distract me and sneak in a change lol.
I work with one of the most successful fashion brands in US, and when I have meetings with the head person and I want to suggest a change, I make sure the room is comfortable, bring drinks (water, oj, coffee) and hard candy (warm favors like vanilla, cream, carmel, etc.) are available (they are serious diet types, so no donuts) I also have tons of visuals to explain my thoughts. I have charts and prices ready to pull out if needed. Then I end the conversation on a personal convo note.
Last meeting we talked about American Idol for about an hr, no lie, normally I would be upset that we are wasting time, but I learned that small talk works with some people. My last job, I hated it because those that moved up didnt work hard, they just talked football, and crap with the CEO. He just liked there company and would have them present at meetings and join him on his private jet to go city to city to meet with potential clients. It sucks but you must learn to play the game. Learn about other personality and you will learn how to get what you want out of people.
Try these audiobook- Interesting Reads while you commute:
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office : 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers (This book helped me walk away from design and get into brand management- I was scared to quit lol)
Say the Magic Words: How to Get What You Want from the People Who Have What You Need
Get Anyone to Do Anything
(This book helped me to get my licensees to make changes, and communicate with emotional designers)