Strategies for a strong willed 3 year old

[hungrytillater]

I have an older dc who responds very well to the kind of discipline I know how to give, such as giving countdowns, consequences etc.
3 year old has a different personality and though normally well behaved, when he does decide to misbehave I don't seem to have any strategies which really work, so I end up pleading with him, or physically forcing him to do things, neither of which are very good!
So for example, I could ask him to do something and he will just say 'no', countdown doesn't have any impact, neither do threat of consequences. He will laugh if I sit him on the step, though he will normally apologise for something if asked.
In some ways he is quite bright for his age, very good langauge etc, so his understanding is good.
Does anyone have any strategies they could suggest please?

We have similar issues with ds, now 5, so I feel your pain (and frustration!). The only thing which has really had any effect with him is positive reinforcement - so having a token system where he gets a token if he makes a right choice, shows kind behaviour etc. He then gets a sticker for a certain number of tokens, and then his sticker chart builds to a reward. He is very toy-focused!

But, I also have a 3 year old who used to respond to counting, consequences etc, and now just completely ignores me! So it could be the age....

Thanks I think I'll try that, I'd have to do it with both probably but it won't hurt the 6 year old either!