This was tough to write

This topic has been impossible to write on because I feel both terms are so close. I believe that no matter how good your poker face is, your intentions come out through your actions. So, if your goal is to make yourself the best by any means necessary, you will be manipulative. Where if your do have some values, and take into account other people (or even the world), you will come across as influential. To me, that is the key difference between the two. As an influencer, you will know when to use these tools rather than a manipulator who would focus only on making themselves better. However an influencer can be worried about their reputation, but it is not their sole focus which is another key differentiator to me. Personally I do want to "get ahead in life" and I will work hard at this, but sacrificing other people, metaphorically or physically, intentionally is just not an option. I chose intentionally because we all make mistakes, and even though our intentions can be good, we do mess up from time to time.

Another reason to understand the powers of persuasion, even if you don't intend to use them often, is so you can understand where another party is coming from. Spotting someone who is trying to manipulate you is about as useful as being able to influence. As Joi brought up the used car sales man example, sometimes people are just trying to cram a deal down your throat and will do anything, and other time people are trying to genuinely help you.

As for the last question, is it ok to influence people if it is for their own good? Well that also depends because "good" is not universal between cultures and even individuals. So, how can you be sure that you are influencing someone for their own good? It is a line that we, including Google must walk very carefully because there are no universals. I think all we can do is experiment and learn from our mistakes, in order to know how and when to use persuasion so that we are influencing and not manipulation.