How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Secret to Scaling Your Business 10X
How to Win Friends and Influence People: The Secret to Scaling Your Business 10X

Most people think business growth is all about marketing, strategy, or innovation, but often, the true key to scaling is much simpler: learning how to work with people.
Years ago, when I was an Amway distributor, I was just beginning to learn about business. That experience introduced me to many of the books I’ve been writing about in this series. I still remember going to my mentor and asking, “What book should I read next?” Without hesitation, he handed me a copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People.
I read it in two days and loved every page. I came back to him, handed him the book, and asked again, “What should I read next?” He handed it back and said, “Read it again.” I thought he was joking, but he wasn’t.
So I read it again. And again. And again.
After the fourth time, the light came on. The truths in that book hit me in a completely new way. I’ve carried them with me throughout my career, and they’ve had a profound impact on how I lead, connect, and build influence. If you want to grow your business 5 to 10 times, the principles in this book are a powerful foundation.
1. Show Genuine Interest in Others
One of Carnegie’s key insights is simple: people care more about themselves than they do about your product or pitch. If you want to influence others, you have to start by being genuinely interested in them.
In business, this looks like:
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Asking customers thoughtful questions instead of launching into your sales pitch
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Listening to employees’ ideas and concerns before offering your own
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Remembering key details about clients and bringing them up in future conversations
People want to feel seen, heard, and valued. That’s where trust starts.
2. Smile and Keep a Positive Attitude
This isn’t about being fake. It’s about being approachable. Your energy affects your team, your clients, and your entire business culture.
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Smile when greeting customers and coworkers
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Create a welcoming environment in your business
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Lead with encouragement instead of frustration
A positive environment is one people want to be part of, and that kind of environment helps businesses grow.
3. Use People’s Names
Carnegie famously said, “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest sound in any language.”
How to apply it:
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Use names in emails and meetings
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Train your staff to greet returning customers by name
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In networking, make an effort to remember names and follow up personally
This small act builds big connection.
4. Be a Great Listener
So many people are waiting for their turn to speak. They’re not really listening. Carnegie teaches that listening is one of the most powerful ways to build rapport.
Practice active listening:
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Let your clients or employees finish before jumping in
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Ask follow-up questions that show you care
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Focus on understanding, not just responding
When people feel heard, they become more loyal to you and your business.
5. Talk in Terms of the Other Person’s Interests
If you want to get buy-in, whether it’s from a client, employee, or partner, speak in terms of what matters to them.
Don’t just sell what you offer. Connect it to why it matters to them. That’s how you build influence.
6. Make People Feel Important - Sincerely
Everyone wants to feel like they matter. Make it your mission to notice the good in others and let them know you appreciate it.
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Recognize your team’s efforts
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Celebrate client wins
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Acknowledge milestones and contributions
This builds long-term loyalty and a culture of mutual respect.
7. Avoid Arguments and Criticism
Carnegie makes it clear: you can’t win an argument and still keep the relationship.
In business, this means:
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Handle conflict with empathy and calm
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Offer constructive feedback without blame
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Focus on the solution, not who’s at fault
This doesn’t mean being passive. It means being strategic. Influence is lost when ego takes over.
Final Thought: Influence is the Gateway to Growth
How to Win Friends and Influence People has stuck with me because its lessons work, not just in life but in business.
If you want to scale your company 5 to 10X, you need more than a good product or strong operations. You need the ability to inspire, connect, and lead others.
That starts with influence, and Carnegie’s principles are the blueprint.