One of the main things INFLUENCE AT WORK focuses on is translating Dr. Cialdini's work into real world, applicable solutions. Twice a year, we put on the Principles of Persuasion (POP) workshop. This workshop is open to the public and focuses on ethical marketing and skill development. Though I have read the book, and am familiar with the material, I was taking notes like crazy the whole time! The workshop is a two day event with lecture for all of the first day (as well as a special lecture From Dr. Cialdini about his latest research) and Half day lecture with role play and skill application on the second day. Participants are encouraged to come into the workshop with a specific issue they would like assistance with, and work on it for the entire workshop. Participants also have a chance to brefily discuss questions and applications with both Dr. Cialdini and Dr. Neidert (Dr. Cialdini's college and facilitator of the workshop). 
My role in this was mostly supportive. I gathered materials, checked things off the to do list and set up the meeting room. Basically, someone else planned the thing, and I executed the plan and, was an extra set of hands (and brain for problem solving or helping out where necessary) and jumped in to solve hiccups as they occurred. The director of client services (who typically does all the "behind the scenes" work) got sick the night before and was not able to come to the workshop, leaving all her duties up to me. Luckily, since she was so well prepared, and I was very attentive to her instructions before hand, things went incredibly smoothly, and I got to learn in a much more direct way than I had counted on. 
Beyond getting a better understanding of Dr. Cialdini's work, this workshop gave me hugely valuable insights into meeting planning and event management. I also had the opportunity to network with a wide variety of business people. We had one attendee from Singapore, one from a university in California, one from a Foundation in South Carolina, and a Business owner from Australia. By the end of the day, my brain was buzzing with ideas on how to apply the principles to fundraising, public initiatives, professional relationships, and where non profits can benefit from this kind of marketing.
Overall, I am so lucky to have had to opportunity to participate, and can't wait until the next one!
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