How to Win Friends, Influence People

Take on projects with others to get to know new people and make friends.

Whether you're new to a place or have been there for a while, making friends is an important aspect of feeling included in a community. Some people view friendships as not only an opportunity for social interaction, but as a means of influencing others as well. If you would like to meet new friends and become an influential figure in their lives, open yourself up to meeting new people and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Instructions

1. Groom yourself in preparation for making a positive impression on new people. Clean your fingernails, comb your hair and make sure that your clothes are neat.

2. Attend social events. Attend events like mixers, company luncheons, or organization meetings. If possible, locate social gatherings that will draw people who share similar interests to yours. You can use websites like Meet Up, Craigslist or Yelp to connect with people who have similar interests.

3. Introduce yourself to new people. Share information about yourself, such as where you are from and what you are interested in. Likewise, ask questions about them as well.

4. Arrange to meet at another event. Ask for their phone number or Facebook information so that you can meet another time.

5. Share things that you are interested or believe in with your new friends. If they agree with your ideologies, invite them for further conversation. If they are opposed, do not force your beliefs on them. If you are religious, for example, ask them if they would like to attend church service with you. You can also invite your new friends to any organizational meetings you take part in. If they agree, make sure that they are comfortable and not doing so out of obligation.

6. Continue to share information about your ideologies or thoughts with your new friends. However, be sure to do so once in a while, rather than often. Partake in a wide range of activities and conversations with them, only bringing up your ideologies sporadically. If they have questions about things you believe, send them news stories or other text they can read themselves.

Tips & Warnings

• Join an organization that is relevant to your specific interests. Volunteer to help with activities and even run for a position within the organization. Doing so will allow you to both make friends and influence people who share your beliefs.

• Make use of social networking tools to connect with people who share similar interests with you.

References

• Succeed Socially: How to Meet People
• Times Online: How to Influence People at Work
• Impact Factory: Influencing Skills