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How to Buy Your Way into Someone's Favor
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This sounds ugly and probably is. But, if you've exhausted all the
alternatives, this might be your only choice. Carefully define your
goals, then perform a cost-benefit analysis: What do you want from this
person and what can you expect to achieve for a given expenditure?
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Steps:
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1.
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Decide if your strategy is the best approach. A botched plan could prove embarrassing.
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2.
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Keeping your goal in mind, start small but move quickly. Take your target to happy hour and pick up the tab.
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3.
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Don't force your position right away. As with any sales job, get the
person talking. Learn as much as you can before committing yourself to
anything. There's always the chance that you've miscalculated and can
achieve your goal for far less.
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4.
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Identify valuable services that you can offer. Sometimes small favors
are more effective than money. Making yourself indispensable can have
more of an impact--and be cheaper--than simply tossing money around. Be
discreet and confident.
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5.
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Know the timeline that affects your goal. If you need something right
away, expect to pay more. Longer timelines allow you to work slowly and
cheaply.
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6.
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Recognize that this needs to be a short-term project. Arranging your
life around mercenary practices will result in your being surrounded by
a pack of sycophants instead of friends and family.
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Overall Tips:
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If companionship is your goal, consider a dog. They're better company
and more reliable than a person whose friendship can be bought.
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Overall Warnings:
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If you find yourself doing this often, you're either a politician, a pathetic loser or both.
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What to look for:
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Identify your goal
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Look for alternatives
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How much will it cost?
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What favors can you provide? |
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| | Posted 2/11/2005 7:22 PM - 1 View - 4 eProps - 2 comments
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