People like that are either born with it or not. And you know if you are. I bet this guy was one of the most popular people in his high school or college. It is really a talent to be able to appear likeable to everyone and easily become "friends" with people (of course that does not really mean friends, just pretend friends).

My point is that if you do not have the talent it is absolutely pointless to try to do this and there aren't enough blogs in the world that will be able to teach you how to do it.

Of course, it is usually a good idea to try to improve one's social skills, but don't bother trying to learn to be manipulative, because if you weren't born a manipulative bastard, you will never learn.

And I have to say that even though people like him will always prosper in certain organisations, lately their fates are really declining in comparison with the truly talented. It used to be that the business word was dominated by a few fat and complacent companies where people could get ahead merely by being popular. But nowadays, business is getting ever more competitive and it is becoming ever more difficult for people to rise up merely because they are popular. It often becomes very clear who is not pulling their weight, even if they are popular.

So it is much better to spend your energy into learning to be good at what you do rather than being ruthless.