You can earn IP by having people buy a pledge package and using your friend code. You also get IP when you buy a pledge package or merchandise through the store at a rate of 10 Influence Points per $1 spent. So if you purchased a basic Elyrian pledge package, you would have spent $40 on the package and obtained 400IP.
Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together.