We think of bribes as low-handed or even illegal.Most people use bribery in daily interactions, even if it is unethical or illegal.A bribe is a gift in exchange for an action or decision the person might not make.By knowing who and how to bribe, you can maximize your return.
Step 1: Decide if your situation calls for a bribe.
If you're not careful,bery can backfire.A mom might have to give a new incentive every night if she bribed her kids to finish their vegetables.A bribe to parents to attend a party might make them think a kid is not open to compromise.Do I really need the thing I'm asking for?Is it possible to handle the situation myself or not?Is it possible to offer something in return?Will this change people's opinion of me?Will that make my life more difficult?Will the bribe become part of our relationship?
Step 2: Do you know what actions are required for the task?
You want to make sure you get what you want when you bribe someone.Explaining what you need in return for a gift or favor should be as specific as possible.A specific action is more likely to be agreed to by the person.Helping me move can be a three-hour time investment or a week-long investment.Give a clear description of what you need the person to do and give specific hours.
Step 3: You can make a list of people who can do what you need.
Picking the right person to bribe is what the game is about.Ask who among your contacts has access to what you need.You might want to make a list while you're on the phone.In our moving example, you want to avoid anyone who is lazy or weak to lift heavy furniture for you.The people who own trucks will be the most useful to you.
Step 4: You need to narrow your list.
Cross people off the list based on availability.Think about which people won't be able to help.Cross anyone who's out of town, at work, unwell, or otherwise not in action off the list.Do you know who would be most receptive to a bribe?If you offer a free round of golf, a weekend of babysitting, or something else they value highly, people who might otherwise be too lazy to help you move might perk up.
Step 5: Decide what to give them.
It is important to find the right price.A bribe can be about more than money.Favors can be in the form of goods, services, or something else.You may have more luck if you give a gift rather than cash because many people find cash offensive.personalize your bribes if you think about what each person on your list would value most.After the move is complete, you can offer to cover gas costs, and then have dinner and drinks.I owe you can be an effective bribe.When called on, be ready to return the favor.The more expensive the bribe is, the fewer people you can get.You can get help moving by offering pizza and beer.Only one person can give a bribe to a friend to quit smoking.You'll need a bigger bribe.
Step 6: You have to make your final decisions on who and how to bribe.
Think about the return on investment when making your decision.The people who will give you the most in return for the gifts that cost you least are the ones you should bribe.
Step 7: Don't say it's a bribe.
People don't like to think of themselves as bribers in cultures where it is accepted.There are many ways to frame a bribe in different ways.If you let me go to this concert, I'll do extra chores for a whole month.If you waive the late fees on my account, I will sign a new contract with your company.That's how we both win."If you help me move, I'll pay you for your labor and gas."
Step 8: Begin early and slowly.
Once you know who to approach and how to bribe them, approach them as far in advance as possible.A number of small gifts over time can prime a person to provide a service in the future without you ever even framing the service as a bribe.They might want to help you because you've been so nice to them in the past.You need favors quickly.It's a good idea to ease into the topic slowly.Before you ask for the favor, talk about how difficult the situation is for you and how much you need help.When talking to someone you don't know, you want them to feel bad for you.
Step 9: Start slowly.
The person you plan to bribe probably won't respond to your first offer.It should be treated like an auction or negotiation.The expectation is that the amount will rise, so start with a low bid.The starting point for negotiation should be based on your knowledge of the person.The person might be offended if you start too low.If you start too high, you could reach the limit of what you can offer before the person feels like he's been offered a good deal.
Step 10: The terms should be negotiated.
Will the gift be given in advance?The favor has been given.Sometime in the future.Make sure the terms of your agreement are clear before you sign it.If they're paid upfront, many people will agree to a bribe.As soon as we finish moving my furniture, we'll go out for drinks on me.If you bribe a friend to stop smoking, the bribe will be drawn out over time.The bribe can be offered in smaller chunks based on progress.I will take you out for a nice dinner on the weekend if you go without smoking.
Step 11: Follow through with the deal.
You're taking advantage of people if you don't follow through with the gift you offered.Regardless of the circumstances, he or she will never help you again.Your other friends are less likely to help you in the future if you have a reputation for taking advantage of people.