Agent of influence How to use spy skills to persuade anyone, sell anything, and build a successful business

Hanson, a former policeman and CIA agent, became a bestselling author with his first book (Spy Secrets That Can Save Your Life, 2015). He's back with advice on how to build a successful business by using skills he learned as a spy. By implementing the SADR cycle (Spotting, Assessing, Developing, Recruiting), he illustrates how to gather information, build a business, and then successfully sell your product. Vignettes about spies in action appear throughout the text to illustrate each phase of this technique. Myths about spies are shared to correct misperceptions and to encourage readers that they, too, can use these techniques to their advantage. While generally entertaining, there is serious information here that could be used beyond the business setting, such as how to tell if someone is lying or when to effectively use eye contact. He also includes a fifth part of the cycle (T) advising readers on how to know when to terminate a relationship. In a bonus section, he relates how to snag a spot on TV to sell your product.--Caren Nichter Copyright 2019 Booklist