When conning or social engineering folks, I'm often asked "What pretext will you use?"

Pretext?

I generally just ask with kindness.

Folks prefer if you're straightforward with them. It's a form of respect.

Most employees are not overly concerned about their corporation.

Why should they be? Most are underpaid and overworked. They want to do enough to get paid and go home.

If you don't take care (and I mean fucking care) of your employees... why should they take care of you?

So when "social engineering" someone, I just say:

"Hey friend. You mind holding that door open?"
"Hey friend. You mind telling me what X you use?"
"Hey friend. You mind installing this program for me? I'm not admin."

They don't mind.

Why should they?