Rating: 
Summary: The ART of persuasion
Review: This book is an absolute must read as it points of some very important aspects of human behavior and compliance techniques. If you have every been ripped off by some savvy car dealer, or been in a situation where you ended up buying something you absolutely didn't need and never understood why - this book is for you! Excellent book, highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Good for Everything From Dating to Selling!
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read! In fact, it's so good that I recommend it to all of my clients. As a love coach, I teach people how to find love and happiness, now and always. But this involves getting other people to do what you want. For example, if you're single, you have to get people to ask you out, or you'll never go on a date. It sounds simple enough, but if you're single and not dating, learning how to influence your potential dates is probably one of your top priorities.Because finding your perfect partner is a "sales process," this book is a must-read for anyone who is looking for love. If you're in any type of sales, whether it's life insurance or multi-level marketing or "selling yourself" to a potential partner, you'll wonder how you ever sold ANYTHING before you read this book. Influence teaches you the psychology behind getting people to do what you want. Once you understand what it takes to influence another person, it's easier to get what you want out of life. Don't waste another minute, BUY THIS BOOK and start getting the life you always wanted.
Rating: 
Summary: Things you thought you knew...
Review: This is not the most well-written book I've ever read, but it's definitely one of the most thought-provoking. Some of the things Cialdini reveals seem like common sense to me, but the rest really surprise me -- not that I am a sociologist. Some of the techniques have also been very helpful in gaining compliance from my kids, who are only 2 and 4. We have an older edition of this book, and I like the layout of that one better -- easier to read. Asthetic aside, this book will raise your level of awareness, even if only a little bit.
Rating:
Summary: Scary
Review: It is scary how true this book is! A must for anyone in business.
Rating:
Summary: SEMINAL.
Review: This is most certainly not only a book about negotiation, it is for anyone interested in a gripping read about human psychology and our subconscious response to external stimuli. An interesting example: if you are at a party and you begin talking with a member of the opposite sex whom you find moderately attractive, it is very likely that your initial assessment of this person will decrease when a "beautiful" girl or guy ambles over to join the conversation. Obviously the first person did not morph into someone physically different, but did become comparatively less appealing when smothered in the shadow cast by the "beautiful" person. While "Getting to Yes" and "You can negotiate anything" were flush with such interesting real-life nuggets and the best on offer in their time, "Influence" would rate as my personal favorite that conceptually digs deep into the art of persuation. For one thing, Cialdini's writing style is entertaining and exudes common sense. Which makes it worth the ride for just about anyone interested in an intelligent read. I'd even venture to say that he comes across as accessible as Thomas Schelling ("Strategy of Conflict", "Choice and Consequence") in the kinds of intuitive but compelling examples that he uses to illustrate his points. For another, this is one of the rare books that explain the *psychology* of WHY and HOW human beings/animals respond the way they do. What is different about his hypotheses? Cialdini breaks down his analysis into 6 broad principles consciously or subconsciously employed by people to persuade their counterparts (consistency, reciprocation, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity) and then discusses each of these principles in term of its ability to elicit "automatic, mindless compliance" from us. And if you do not feel that simply being aware of such compliance tactics is defense enough, he goes on to offer useful, practical shields in a scattering of sections such as "How to Say No". This is an incredibly useful book that one can only hope does not fall into the hands of one's adversary. Clearly required reading for anyone involved in the business of persuasion (marketing/sales, diplomacy, strategy etc) and highly recommended for everyone else.
Rating:
Summary: Worth both your time & money to read this book!
Review: Most of the reviews of this book have already covered everything I would've said; however, I wanted to add my endorsement of Dr. Robert B. Cialdini's fantastic book. I purchased the book after reading a recommendation for it in an essay by Charlie Munger (Berkshire Hathaway/Wesco Financial). After reading it, I was not disappointed! Five stars is not high enough for this excellent book. It has altered my view of the world in so many ways. I feel armed for dealing with all of the marketing tricks & propaganda thrown my direction daily. Do yourself a favor; buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Extreme Detail...and more
Review: I went out and bought this book after I was unable to attend a seminar with the author. I had a pocket guide from Cialdini called the "princiles of ethical influence", and now I have the substance behind that guide. And am I happy I purchased this book. It is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand the craft of sales better. If you want to be a more complete shopper, pick up this book. It is written for everyone, for everyday life.
However, I gave this book four stars because of the over use of examples and clinical study. Okay, maybe that is appropriate for some, and would lead them to better understanding but it was more than I needed. Regardless, this book will remain one of the few I will read more than once.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely stunning
Review: This book is an eye-opener for those of us who like to think of themselves as rational people. It points out, with great accuracy and good stories, little glitches in the way that humans are wired that can be exploited. For someone who is looking for an introduction to psychology, this is the very best. You will not be able to put this book down. The book goes into an array of stories that outline how we respond in certain situations. For example, why does no one help a person in need when there is a crowd around? Why do we feel obligated to contribute to people who are nice to us, or who have given us a gift, even if the gift has a very low value compared to the contribution being asked. Why does authority have such a strong effect on us, often leading to unquestioned crazy behavior?
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Summary: A Superb Text About Influence
Review: As I sit here and write, I wonder why I did not draft this review long before now. I read Cialdini's book about five years ago and have been hooked ever since. It is simply a superb book about influence. Cialdini believes that influence is a science. This idea attracted me. As a rhetorician, I have always thought of persuasion as more of an art. Cialdini, however, makes a first-rate case for the science point of view. But maybe most importantly, he makes his case in a well-written, intelligent, and entertaining manner. Not only is this an important book to read, it is a fun book to read too. He introduces you to six principles of ethical persuasion: reciprocity, scarcity, liking, authority, social proof, and commitment/consistency. A chapter is devoted to each and you quickly see why Cialdini looks at influence as a science. Each principle is backed by social scientific testing and restesting. Each chapter is also filled with interesting examples that help you see how each principle can be applied. By the end of the book, I had little doubt that these are six important dimensions of human interaction. I highly recommend this book to all professionals. It does not matter if you are a manager, sales person, pastor, or non-profit volunteer. The ideas in this book, once applied, will make it easier for you to accomplish your goals. In a video featuring the author, Professor Cialdini even goes so far as to promise that these principles can help you influence the most resistant of all audiences--your children. With a claim like that, who wouldn't be intrigued? My advice is to read this sooner rather than later. You will be quite glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Entertaining and informative read. Eye opening to your own weaknesses at its lowest, lucrative at its greatest. Highly recommended.
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