“I’m sure you’d do the same for me” are the eight words that can make anyone more influential. Here’s how..
What happens when I do a favour for someone? That person usually says “Thanks”. And then what? Well I probably do one of three things:
- Say “That’s OK”; or
- Say “No worries, I’d have done it for anyone”; or
- I say nothing and just move on.
Imagine if I said “I’m sure you’d do the same for me” at the very point when that person was feeling so grateful. More than likely my friend would respond with “Absolutely” or “Of course I would”. And from that instant I would have more influence. There would be an immediate sense of obligation that they owe a favour. A favour that I could call on at any time. A favour I have ‘in the bank’ because I went out of my way to help. Favours are influence.
If I then think forward a day, week, month or year when I need some help, I already have at least one person who has made a pledge to give me a hand. All I have to do is pick up the phone and give them a call, they already volunteered!
These eight little words can be a great help. But don’t overdo it. It’s nice just to be nice sometimes, you don’t always have to get something in return.
“I’m sure you’d do the same for me”. The words to help you be more influential.
**Want to know more about influence? Robert Cialdini is where you could start searching.