"When you force the other person to act, you are the one in control. It is always better to make your opponent come to you, abandoning his own plans in the process." — Robert Greene
Are you a Hunter or a Fisherman?
A hunter runs through the forest, sweating, chasing the deer. He is exhausted. He reacts to the deer's movement.
A fisherman sits quietly by the river. He throws bait. The fish comes to him. He is calm. He controls the game.
In Part 8 of The 48 Laws of Power series, we discuss Law #8: Make Other People Come to You – Use Bait if Necessary. This is the law of ultimate control. If you are chasing, you are losing.
1. Detailed Analysis: Why Chasing is Weakness
When you chase someone (a client, a lover, a deal), three things happen:
The Three Consequences
1. You lose Energy: Moving takes effort. Waiting takes patience.
2. You look Desperate: The one who comes to the other is seen as the "Needier" party.
3. You enter Their Territory: When you go to them, you play by their rules. When they come to you, they play by yours.
The Golden Rule: He who initiates the action is often the one who loses. The master sets the trap and waits.
2. Be the Spider, Not the Fly
Have you ever seen a spider chasing a fly? Never.
The spider builds a web (A System/Trap). It sits in the center. It waits.
The fly buzzes around, gets tired, and eventually flies into the web.
How to apply this:
Instead of calling 100 clients a day (Cold Calling/Chasing), create content or a product so good that 100 clients call you (Inbound/Attraction).
When they call you, you set the price. When you call them, they set the price.
3. The Honey Trap
How do you make a powerful person come to you? You cannot order them. You must Seduced them.
The Bait: Use their Greed or Curiosity against them.
"I have information that can save your company millions, but I can't discuss it on the phone. You'll have to see the documents in my office."
The moment they step into your office, the power dynamic flips. They have invested time and effort to travel to you. They are now psychologically committed to hearing you out.
4. Real-Life Examples (Indian Context)
The "Sarkari Naukri" Power Dynamic
Why is the Government so powerful in recruitment?
Because it never chases candidates. It releases a notification.
1 Crore people apply for 10,000 jobs. People travel thousands of kilometers for an exam.
The Government makes you come to them. Hence, they have 100% control. The day a company has to beg you to join, you have the power (e.g., Rare Specialist). The day you beg to join, they have the power.
The Apple Store Launch
When the Apple Store opened in Mumbai (BKC), Tim Cook didn't stand on the road handing out pamphlets.
People slept on the sidewalk to enter the store.
Apple created such massive Bait (Status/Brand Value) that customers came to them. This is the ultimate business victory.
5. Win the Negotiation Before it Starts
If you have a meeting, try to hold it in Your Office.
Why?
• It is your territory. You know where the coffee is. You sit in your comfortable chair.
• The opponent is in a strange land. They are slightly nervous.
• The sun is in their eyes (if you position the chair right).
These small psychological edges add up to a win.
Key Takeaways
- Stop Chasing: Chasing implies value disparity (You need them more than they need you).
- Use Bait: People are driven by self-interest. Show them what they can get, and they will run to you.
- Control the Terrain: Always try to make the interaction happen on your turf (Home, Office, or your Website).
- Patience is a Weapon: The one who can wait the longest usually wins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What if they refuse to come?
A: Then the Bait wasn't strong enough. Increase the greed factor. Or, be willing to walk away. The willingness to walk away is the strongest bait of all.
Q2: Is this arrogant?
A: No, it is efficient. If you spend your life running after people, you will achieve little. If you build a magnet, you will attract the right people effortlessly.
Q3: Does this work in Dating?
A: 100%. Desperation ("Please talk to me") is a turn-off. Confidence ("I am busy living an amazing life") is a magnet. Be the prize, not the contestant.
Up next: Part 9 – Win Through Actions, Never Through Argument (Law #9).
📚 Credit & Disclaimer:
This post is a summary based on the bestseller "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene. Content is for educational purposes only.
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