21 Laws of Influence

Written by Robb Drury on Feb 19, 2009 1:36 am

Read More: Law of Attraction | Personal Development

1. The Law of Agendas

Those who control the program and set the deadlines are in the best position to influence the path taken to achieve their goals.

2. The Law of Analysis and Benchmarking
People work harder and more motivated toward accomplishing goals when they receive frequent feedback on their progress.

3. Law of Belief Replacement
People are willing to change their beliefs ONLY when they are replaced by other beliefs that, at the very least, are equally valid in their minds.

4. The Law of Commitment
People are more likely to listen to you if they see you take action directed at achieving your goals.

5. The Law of Consistency
People are more willing to trust those who behave in a stable and predictable manner.

6. The Law of Contrast
When the contrast between alternatives is great, it is easier to convince people to take one path rather than the other.

7. Law of Expectation
Go above and beyond what is expected to gain the influencing advantage.

8. Law of Expertise
People are more likely to listen to, trust, believe, and follow those who are acknowledged experts in their fields.

9. Law of Friends
People usually respond more favorably to advice and recommendations that they receive from friends.

10. Law of Image
People are more likely to interact with people they are attracted to and who have an appropriate appearance for the setting or situation.

11. Law of Logic
People are more subject to influence when they can follow a sequence of thoughts that make sense to them.

12. Law of People Pleasing
To influence others, identify what will please them and deliver it to them.

13. Law of Perception
If you can uncover and understand how the other person perceives the world, you can plug your influencing strategy into their perception.

14. Law of Prospecting and Networking
People are more likely to succeed when they receive help from those who have the contacts to help them reach their goals.

15. Law of Reciprocity
Recipients of gifts, or help, most often feel that they have an obligation to repay those who gave to or helped them.

16. Law of Satisfaction & Standards
It is easier to persuade people when you help satisfy them, while they remain true to their ideals and maintain their standards.

17. Law of Scarcity
People are willing to pay a higher price when items they desire are rare, limited, or not readily available.

18. Law of Similarity and Attraction
Individuals are more prone to being influenced by others when they share our beliefs, interests, and values.

19. Law of Societal Pressure
The people with whom we interact on a regular basis (our peer group) strongly influence our actions, decisions, and behavior.

20. Law of Status
People give greater respect to and have more faith in the words and beliefs of those who have prestige, power and esteemed reputations.

21. Law of 3rd Party Endorsement
Many people are influenced to take action when those they respect and admire endorse certain positions.

Courtesy of Helen Davis