As far as getting people involved in it, I haven't had much success. They don't see it having any direct use for them on a short term basis. Also, even if I show them how simple it is to get some, they see it as an extra hassle just to buy things they can find much more easily elsewhere (e.g. having to by gift certificates on
https://www.gyft.com/ before buying elsewhere). It's an extra step they prefer to skip.
What I'm currently trying is to increase visibility indirectly and make Bitcoin seem like a normal accepted idea before any conversation about it has occurred. For example, my buddy makes good looking designs themed around Bitcoin for t-shirts and we're hoping that just wearing them (us looking like normal guys and not anonymous online human traffickers) will make the notion of digital currency seep into people's minds as part of everyday life, even if they themselves don't use it yet.
Also, I just got
http://theageofcryptocurrency.com/ and I try to have it in my hands or close to me as much as possible even when not reading just so people I'm with will notice it.
These actions might seem small, but many people have less than positive preconceptions about Bitcoin, and seeing it accepted by those around them will help to open them up to it.