The Go-giver Influencer ─ A Little Story About a Most Persuasive Idea

From the bestselling authors of The Go-Giver, Go-Givers Sell More, and The Go-Giver Leader comes another compelling parable about the paradox of getting ahead by placing other people's interests first.

The Go-Giver Influencer is a story about two young, ambitious businesspeople: Gillian Waters, the chief buyer for Smith & Banks, a midsized company that operates a national chain of pet accessory stores; and Jackson Hill, the founder of Angels Clothed in Fur, a small but growing manufacturer of all-natural pet foods.

Each has something the other wants. To Jackson, Smith & Banks represents the possibility of reaching more animals with his products--if he can negotiate terms and conditions that will protect his company's integrity. To Gillian, Angels Clothed in Fur could give her company a distinctive, uniquely high-quality line that will help them stand out from their competitors--if Angels Clothed in Fur can be persuaded to give them an exclusive.

At first, the negotiations are adversarial and frustrating. Then, coincidentally, Gillian and Jackson each encounter a mysterious yet kindly mentor. Over the next week, while neither one realizes the other is doing the same, both Gillian and Jackson learn the heart of their mentor's philosophy: The Five Secrets of Ultimate Influence.

The story ends in a way that surprises everyone -- and with lessons we can all apply to our efforts to influence and persuade others.

Bob Burg and John David Mann are the coauthors of The Go-Giver, Go-Givers Sell More, and The Go-Giver Leader. A former top sales professional, Burg is a sought-after conference speaker and the author of Endless Referrals. Mann is the New York Times bestselling coauthor of Flash Foresight, The Red Circle, and Among Heroes.