Influence (positive) is a valuable currency at home, at work, at the bank etc.
Manipulation is a form of influence. "Do this, or I will not be your customer any more".
However, it does not result in long term influence.
Being nice is another form of manipulation (perhaps you don't agree, and that's ok)
Surely connecting with people by being genuinely interested in them is the best pathway to influence
How do you increase your influence?