itseffi Influence Strategies (Cialdini)
Generate influence strategies using Cialdini's seven principles.
When to Use
When you need to influence a stakeholder or group toward a specific outcome.
The Seven Principles
| Principle | Core Idea | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocity | People return favors | Give first, then ask |
| Liking | People say yes to those they like | Build rapport, find common ground |
| Unity | Shared identity creates connection | Emphasize "we" and shared goals |
| Authority | People defer to experts | Demonstrate expertise, cite credible sources |
| Social Proof | People follow others | Show what peers/competitors do |
| Consistency | People honor commitments | Get small yeses before big asks |
| Scarcity | Limited = valuable | Highlight unique opportunity, deadlines |
The Process
1. Define Your Context
- Who are you trying to influence?
- What outcome do you want?
- What's their current position?
2. Generate Ideas for Each Principle
For each of the seven, create at least one strategy:
- Strategy: What specifically to do
- Rationale: Why it works for this situation
3. Select Best Approaches
Prioritize strategies that:
- Fit the context naturally
- Are ethical and professional
- Create value for both parties
- Build long-term relationship
Principles
- Focus on positive influence, not manipulation
- Create genuine value for both parties
- Maintain professional ethics
- Build relationships, not just transactions
When Not to Use
Do not use this skill when the request is unrelated, low-stakes, or better handled by a simpler direct response.