The Soulful Art of Persuasion: The 11 Habits That Will Make Anyone a Master Influencer

HABIT 1: Being your own weird self makes it difficult for others to see you as phony or manipulative, and allows them to recognize you as a unique individual. HABIT 2: The power of storytelling will help you to reframe contentious issues and offer your point of view in a way that resonates on a human level. HABIT 3: Never be closing and avoiding th

Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon

Don’t force the interaction; just make the introduction and let them do the rest. Your goal is to value relationships for their own sake—and that includes other people’s relationships.

Rule 1: Never Sell Anything You Wouldn’t Buy Yourself

Specifically, you should always be on the lookout for people you admire for their sincere, no-bullshit demeanor.

There are four collaborative skills for you to consider that are particularly powerful: Ask for small favors. Ask for advice. Give honest encouragement. Think outside the silo.

Second, persuasive people are generous. They give habitually and without expecting things in return. I’m not just talking about money or physical gifts. Persuasive people also are generous with advice, opportunities, introductions, respect, and emotional positivity. You never get the impression that they are just looking out for themselves.

Persuasion isn’t about coercing your audience to do what you want. Rather, it’s about attracting them to a particular conclusion, and letting them get there on their own. Being pulled is always preferable to being pushed.

People who are habitually positive—who reliably base their thoughts, beliefs, comments, and actions on their positive emotions—are the kind of individuals you want to have around. Their positivity can be infectious, rubbing off on you and making it easier for you to focus on the more uplifting aspects of your own life. They are more likable and mor