From the course: Influencing Others

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Ask for advice

Ask for advice

From the course: Influencing Others

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Ask for advice

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- Request help or advice. You can call this the Benjamin Franklin influence method, because he gives a great example in his autobiography, of how he turned an adversary into a supportive colleague. Franklin paid him a compliment on the quality if his library, and asked to borrow one of his rare books for a good purpose. Then he followed up with a thoughtful thank you note. Afterward, the man approached Franklin in an agreeable manner for the first time. And their friendship grew from that initial rapport. So, be like Ben. First, ask for input, support, or assistance in ways that reinforce the respect you have for them. They'll like the compliment and be more invested in your success because they want their advice to work. Second, make it simple. Say something like "I know you have a lot experience in this area. "Can I ask for your thoughts on something?" Third, make it easy to say yes. Ask for things that take very little time or effort. Fourth, express genuine gratitude afterward. In…

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