Learning how to build influence in your business has tons of benefits. And can be incredibly lucrative in the business world. So what are you doing today to spark your influence with others? This post will help uncover 4 ways to build influence in your business — and really, your life.
BUILD INFLUENCE THROUGH POWER
… the correct type of power, though. Remember, we move people to good things — products, services, investments, etc. This influence is similar to positioning yourself as an authority figure or expert in your niche.
Learning how to build influence (and maintain it) in various roles can help with productivity, sales, respect, collaboration and creative collectiveness.
Influence has countless advantages. But learning how to build influence, like learning a new skill, will take time and effort. Fortunately for you, there are many strategies you can use to master this skill.
CREATE RELIABILITY THROUGH CONSISTENCY
The moment you become inconsistent in your service, content or otherwise, it can quickly ruin a reputation. Your customers, clients, and audience develop trust in you through consistency.
Executing your regular tasks daily is essential. Your audience will start to rely on your information, value and support. Now, the timing may vary and may not be daily, but the process stays the same.
Think about what people have come to love about you — do that. And still do that on the days you don’t feel like it too! Consistency is KEY.
DEVELOP CONFIDENCE, NOT ARROGANCE
Have a great idea? Say so. Feel your time isn’t be respected? Say so, too. Regardless of how large you grow your business (and we hope it’s enormous!), stay grounded.
Your fans have come to love you and what you stand for. We hear it often, don’t let success get to your head. It is here where business standards start to slip, and when working with a team, the trickle effect is natural.
Confidence is key in business – your posture, positioning, and even language. However, this should never translate to being aggressive or arrogant. Instead, stay firm in your beliefs, protect your energy and stay humble.
BUILD INFLUENCE THROUGH FLEXIBILITY
Above, we mentioned protecting your energy. Although we believe this is critical in business (and influence), we also think you sometimes need to be flexible.
Entrepreneurs are typically those ‘out of the box’ people — don’t lose that vision. However, there will be days (and clients) who need some flexibility from you. Consider all aspects of the situation and act accordingly.
For example, consider if negotiations, compromise or even collaboration will better suit your audience’s needs. Be creative in its approach but never compromise your beliefs.
FOCUS ON FEEDBACK FOR SOLUTIONS
As you grow and build your influence, you will face controversy. Chances are, you will meet some critics along the way (aka haters). Someone once told us that it meant we made it when that happened. We still laugh at how true that statement can be.
So, knowing that it is coming (or here), focus on only the feedback that can generate a solution. This is where flexibility and confidence come into play. Of course, you want to stay true to your brand and authenticity; however, is there any truth in the ‘critique’? Perhaps a perspective — shared in an ugly way — that could help?
Now the answer will often be no; however, we want you to know here that we focus only on feedback that will generate improvement solutions. Forget the ones who offer nothing beneficial to your business.
