Image Courtesy of Tony the Misfit
Influence is at the core of everything.
Employers influence employees to be productive. Parents influence children to do their chores. Children influence parents to get what they want!
The power of influence can be learnt and developed into an art form. Just promise to use it only for good!
Here are 25 ways to influence others:
1. Know What You Want
What is your purpose in influencing others? In order to persuade others, you must have the end in mind.
2. Hypnotise
Not literally, but through your charm and speech patterns. Remember that people want to please someone they admire and respect.
3. Pay Them
Money is always a motivator, isn’t it? It may be the easiest and quickest way to get what you want, but it sure can get expensive.
4. Reason With Them
Explain your position. Focus on the answer to their burning question: “What’s in it for me?”
5. Compromise
Getting someone to do what you want often involves communication and negotiation. This is where you can take the “I’ll scratch your back and you scratch mine” approach.
6. Communicate
Communication is the key to influence. Clear and effective communication will lead others to your view point.
7. Be Passionate
Passion, alone, can persuade others. You can be just the flame they need to light their fire.
8. Remain Consistent
Stay the course regardless of the direction of the wind. If you flip-flop, it’s a sure way to destroy any influence you might develop.
9. Be The Expert
Whether you like it or not, people respect authority figures. When you become the expert, you have the power of influence on your side.
10. Listen
If you want to be able to influence people then you have to be able to listen. Active listening is part of effective communication, which is essential to influencing those around you.
11. Be Likable
If you want to influence others, they have to like you. If you show a genuine interest in others and care about them, they usually will.
12. Show Confidence
If you speak with confidence, people will trust your advice. This makes it easier to influence others to see things your way.
13. Be Authoritative
Speak using powerful, emotionally charged words to persuade others.
14. Respect
You’re more likely to be heard if you’re respectful of others.
15. Use Scarcity
People assign more value to objects and opportunities that come in limited quantities. So don’t try to influence others too often. If you do, it won’t seem genuine.
16. Brand Yourself
People love brand power. If you can brand yourself as the go-to guy or gal, others will spread the word about you. That’s influence!
17. Understand The Point of View
Demonstrate that your point of view also reflects their beliefs, too.
18. Be Patient
It may take several tries to convince others, so be patient, yet persistent.
19. Admit Your Mistakes
If you’re wrong, admit it. People will remember you as being fair and honest.
20. Highlight What You Have in Common
Find a thread of common interest and build from there.
21. Practise
Any chance you get, practise the technique of persuasion. Practise really does make perfect!
22. Research
Research facts and arguments that prove your point of view.
23. Be Positive
Influence others with a sunny disposition and bring them hope.
24. Get Endorsements
People love to follow the trends set by others. Get someone notable to endorse you and you’re sure to influence masses.
25. Ask
It may seem silly, but sometimes just asking someone to do what you want can get them to do it. Just make sure you say “please” and “thank you.”
Respecting others and communicating with honesty, integrity, and passion will help you become a master of influence. Just vow to only use this power for good!
Cheers~
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on Nov 4th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Wonderful and inspiring post Mark. You hit on some fantastic points here with your post. Loved it!
Cheers,
Dayne
on Nov 5th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Great list!!
on Nov 6th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Hi Mark,
Cool list. You gave me a lot to ponder which I love.
In my mind, the best way to be of influence is to just be your best. Not many people do their best to excel at what they love. Usually many people want to be of influence due to the desire for attention.
But when you are good because you love what you are doing, chances are you will get more attention since not everyone loves what they do.
on Nov 9th, 2009 at 4:09 am
@ Dayne: I’m glad you like this.
@ Positively Present: Thanks!
@ Nadia: Agree. Being our best can certainly influence others because you walk the talk when you’re at your best. And I agree that not many people do their best because that requires a lot of hard work and discipline. So when you’re able to do what most people can’t, people will look up to you, and that makes it easier to influence people when they look up to you.
Cheers~
Mark
on Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Great tips on influencing others. I find that it works to show people that you care about them and what is in their best interest. They are more open to being influenced. Also, your tip about being likeable is ‘dead on.’ It’s hard to influence people if they do not like you.