When we feel that someone has done something for us, our hardwiring kicks in and we feel a very strong urge to return the favor. Throughout evolution humans have survived by cleanly and clearly reciprocating favors – it is one of the foundations of a successful society. People who did not feel a natural and strong desire to reciprocate would often have been kicked out of a social group. Which in the past, meant death. This is why the urge is so strong in us.

To influence someone to act in a way you desire, try to think how you can first give the impression at least of having done them a favor.

The initial thing could be a gift, and this gift can be in the form of a physical gift, a favor or a piece of advice. Perhaps some free information as marketers often use. The gifts or advice need not be too expensive and can be economical and yet, useful to the end user.

For example: by giving a free gift with a product, marketing companies make people buy something. This gift need not be something expensive but can be something of great use to the user.

At the workplace, if a particular thing is required to be done by a particular person, then attaching something as small as a nice hand written note will probably push your chances by 20%. Similarly, sending in personalized gifts or favors is sure to get you in many people’s good books regardless of whether it is for business purposes or personal use.

Here, it is important to understand that you have to have your favor returned and if you don’t, then it will be your loss. So what you give in the first place should be carefully thought for and you must make it worthwhile to the extent that the other person will return the favor even if he or she is not in a position to. They should take it upon themselves to give you what you ask for and when you ask for it owing to you having done the same to them