How to Influence People

The word "influencing" often gets a bad rap from today's society. Most people think that it means the same thing as manipulating. Influencing is simply getting someone to do what you want them to do. Usually the person you are influencing will enjoy doing something for you. Read the steps below to begin influencing the people around you to get what you want.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Realize that influencing people is a give and take relationship. You will need to give before you can take. In order to be able to influence people, you will need to figure out what they want from you first. Whether it is praise, security or something more tangible, figuring out what they want is the key to getting what you want.

2. Develop a comfortable relationship with the people you wish to influence. Make sure that they feel at ease with you and open to talk to you about issues that are of concern to them. Be a good listener and show that you appreciate their friendships.

3. Learn that you will never be able to influence someone by being pushy, bullying or yelling. Forcing someone to do something is not the same as influencing someone. When you influence someone they want to help you. They don't feel like they have to help you.

4. Clearly state what you want from the person you are influencing. State it in clear terms and make sure that they understand exactly what you would like them to do.

5. Influence in a way that is persistent but not forceful. You may have to try several times to get what you want, but do it in a friendly comfortable manner without trying to bully them into doing what you want.

6. Be prepared to give back to the people you are influencing. Influencing is often a two-way street. If you ask too much or too often, the people you are influencing will usually want something in return.