How to fast track business success: Rule Eight

Using Robert Cialdini’s Five Weapons of Influence criteria, Bruce and Barry tell readers how they've managed to secure such a series of high powered, influential and well remunerated roles in companies like Qintex, HIH, AWB and OneTel.

Crikey

Jul 25, 2007

Using Robert Cialdini’s Five Weapons of Influence criteria, Bruce and Barry tell readers how they’ve managed to secure such a series of high powered, influential and well remunerated roles in companies like Qintex, HIH, AWB and OneTel, and how they became patrons of a variety of cultural institutions such as the Ballet and enjoy membership of some of the best Clubs in Australia.

WEAPON OF INFLUENCE: SOCIAL PROOF

Rule 8. Supporting sport is important – being seen to support the right sport even more so

Becoming a vocal and high profile member of a respected Australian sporting organisation is another effective mechanism to grow your networks. Note how the Board of Governors of Australian Rugby or the Football, the Tennis and even increasingly Soccer seem to be comprised of some of the top names in business? They don’t do it because they love the sport (when was the last time anybody actually saw Ron Walker at a footy game?), they get involved because of the profile and networking.

Choose a high profile and respected national sport and get involved — and remember that sports like hockey, lacrosse, surfing etc that don’t get much TV coverage are for ‘little people’ people to support, not you.

Actively participate in any of your chosen sport’s social events (the networking is always good) and as soon as is practical, nominate for the committee on a platform of “wanting to really get involved and work for the sport” — because remember that committees always need someone who will actually do some work rather than just talk on TV about how much work the committee is doing.

Another sports related tip – learn to play golf and always suggest a golf game “in the near future” with any new contacts. This allows you to follow up with a call shortly after you’ve met them. Playing the actual game is of course incidental — although make sure you get a reasonable score – the whole purpose of golf is to spend three or four solid hours with influential people during which time you can bring them up to speed on what a competent and good bloke you are.