Fraser on Influence (an ongoing experiment)

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An article in the March issue of Esquire has inspired me to learn more about influence. I’m going to learn by doing a number of small experiments over the coming weeks and I’ll share my results and observations here.

In the Esquire article, titled “Influence: A Little Nudge”, the author, Tom Chiarella, provides some great observations. Mainly, I found it interesting that a gesture went further than a gift. Tom offers an explanation why: “The truth is, gifts are not the same as favors. While people respond to a gesture easily enough, nobody wants an obligation he or she doesn’t know how to answer.”

Influence tip number one (from the article): “when it comes to influence, perceived obligation is your best tool.”

Stay tuned for the results of some mini experiments. If you have any suggestions, please share :)

[bonus: the article reminded me of a hilarious magazine article I read a few years ago - so I went to google to try to track it down for you guys. Here it is: "The $20 Theory of the Universe". Who's the author? Why our friend from above, Tom Chiarella. (found via Ben's site)]

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  • James Wolowicz

    I too read the Esquire article with great interest. In fact I think there are three, now one on perceived obligation, one on using someones first name and a third on eye contact. I am looking for some more ideas to try on my own. A google serach to try to find some more yielded zero but perhaps I am using the wrong key words. If you have a list of these little experiments with descriptions or keywords that would help me find them, it would be very much appreciated. I tried an interesting one recently where I waved to people on the street while driving by or waved to them when I was walking the they were driving by. The results were very similar… most people did wave back and the exchange ended with a strange “do I know that guy”? look. Its been fun. No redeeming purpose or influence gained just a fun exercise to see what happens when you do something socially acceptable out of context. Thank you for your help. James