Dr Robert Cialdini wrote a book called Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion. One of the weapons of influence and core principles in this book is “Social Proof”. Wikipedia defines it as “is a psychological phenomenon which occurs in ambiguous social situations when people are unable to determine the appropriate mode of behaviour. Making the assumption that surrounding people possess more knowledge about the situation, they will deem the behaviour of others as appropriate.”
So here’s a recent example of this. Last night was I was out with two female friends and another guy in Johannesburg. And we went to a regular spot for me, Katzie’s in Rosebank. I know most of the waiters, bartenders, and other regular patrons. So very naturally I start to introduce people to each other. Now what this does for me is puts me in the centre. If you want to call it centre of attention that’s also good.
But when you are a Connector, as Malcolm Gladwell talks about in the Tipping Point, you can create instant social proof. And as they chat among themselves I’m free to approach new groups of women I do not know. So what you ask? Well social proof pushes your social value way up. And in bars, clubs, social groups it allows you to stand-out. And when you talk to a woman/man outside of your social group who has seen your social proof it makes them much less resistant and much more interested in what you have to say. The biggest benefit I’ve seen is it brings the new people into your life without hard work. So through expanding your acquaintances you increase your social proof, and increase the chances of meeting your next girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, etc.
I had read the same book by Cialdini. Curious to see if others thought as I did, I googled [dating “social proof”] and your blog entry was the first hit.