I found this book to be both an excellent read and a lifesaver-It has helped me many times to defend myself against those who would use me for personal gain. Although it doesn't exactly tell you how to influence others, it describes the patterns used to attain influence (Its description of FAPs comes at the same time I was learning this in bio).Cialdini's ability to relate his scientific work to the real world is a godsend to anyone who has to deal with telemarketers, sysco scouts, or scientologists!Its too bad its out of print, but I just found mine in an old abandoned church ;).