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# Bribery works...but only in the short term
- URL: https://www.jeffsu.org/bribery-works-but-only-in-the-short-term/
- Published: 2023-02-12T10:30:46.000Z
- Updated: 2024-07-24T12:30:36.000Z
- Author: Jeff
- Tags: Career, Growth

A few weeks ago I came across this quote by [Daniel Priestley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpriestley/?ref=jeffsu.org) in his book [Oversubscribed](https://amzn.to/3YCrVrm?ref=jeffsu.org):

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2023/02/image-28.png)

The idea is that you don’t need to hold a senior title to influence people.

We are more likely to trust people who put out high quality work **consistently.**

- Just imagine a fresh grad with 0 years of working experience (no way he can influence others right?)
- He takes notes during every weekly meeting and then emails attendees with a concise summary
- ...for an entire year

While I agree with this concept whole-heartedly, this process **obviously takes time.**

So what if we want to give our credibility a boost right at the beginning?

## First Impressions, Manipulation, and “Bribery”

When I visited new clients for the first time back as an Account Manager, I would bring Teddy Bear Biscuits (from Jenny's Bakery) that can only be purchased in Hong Kong (where I lived).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2023/02/image-29.png)

When I pitched new ideas to cross-functional teams as a Product Marketing Manager, I would always bring Starbucks coffee to our first meeting.

Although no-one has ever explicitly said, “Wow because you got me a $5 coffee I will do whatever you want!”

**I firmly believe first impressions matter and the** [**rule of reciprocity**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reciprocity%5F%28social%5Fpsychology%29?ref=jeffsu.org) **meant the audience were more likely to help with my requests.**

Does this count as “manipulation”? Eh, maybe.

Does this work in the real world? Of course.

## Pay-to-win vs. Value

The examples I gave required a financial transaction, but we can all trigger the rule of reciprocity completely free of charge; the key is to **add value.**

The next time you’re about to start a project with a colleague you haven’t met before, message their manager beforehand to ask about their recent achievements.

During the kick-off meeting, mention “Tim, I heard you were part of Project TeslaApp. It’s amazing how we can message clients directly now. Awesome stuff!”

💡

****Pro tip:** The comment has to be genuine. Nothing is more embarrassing than trying to give a compliment and get the facts wrong (trust me I’ve been there)

## To sum up

1. Anyone can build credibility and exert influence by showing up consistently
2. Give yourself a boost at the beginning by leveraging the rule of reciprocity
3. “Bribery” doesn't have to cost money

[I have a question 🙋🏻](https://www.jeffsu.org/bribery-works-but-only-in-the-short-term/#ghost-comments-root)

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