Credibility and influence are essential skills for building strong and lasting relationships, whether in your personal or professional life. They help you establish trust, respect, and rapport with others, and enable you to communicate effectively, persuade, and collaborate. But how do you show credibility and influence in relationships? Here are some tips to help you.
One of the most important ways to show credibility and influence in relationships is to be authentic. This means being honest, transparent, and consistent in your words and actions. It also means being true to yourself, your values, and your goals. People can sense when you are genuine or not, and they will respond more positively to you if you are. Authenticity also helps you build self-confidence and integrity, which are key factors for credibility and influence.
The most decisive influence is created by authenticity, especially in a sales function. Sales, since ages, have got a bad name. Customers believe that a seller is always going to be manipulative. With such a negative perception to begin with, how can a salesperson still establish their credibility? By being transparent. Transparent throughout the sales process. Mentioning the pros and cons of your product & service. Recommending to the client what's in the client's best interest. Not having a self-serving attitude.
Another way to show credibility and influence in relationships is to listen actively. This means paying attention, asking questions, and showing interest in what the other person is saying. It also means avoiding distractions, interruptions, and judgments. Listening actively shows that you respect and value the other person's perspective, and that you are willing to learn from them. It also helps you understand their needs, motivations, and emotions, which can help you tailor your message and approach accordingly.
Active listening is not only taking care of the external barriers but also the internal barriers. So many times, you could be listening to the other party under the heavy influence of your past conditioning, preconceived notions, and unconscious bias. This leads to you assuming much of the message that may not have been said or meant. It's not healthy for any relationship, especially a seller-buyer relationship.
A third way to show credibility and influence in relationships is to provide value. This means offering something that the other person needs, wants, or appreciates, such as information, advice, support, feedback, or recognition. Providing value shows that you are generous, helpful, and knowledgeable, and that you care about the other person's success and well-being. It also helps you create reciprocity and goodwill, which can lead to more opportunities and cooperation.
One of the principles of Influence is 'Reciprocity' What it means in all genuineness is, to be the first to give. When you give with love, others can feel it, and it encourages a bond of trust. Generosity touches the noble side of every human, and it makes them feel that they need to reciprocate this act of kindness. One of the best platforms to add value is LinkedIn. It's not an algorithm that drives your engagement; it's how much value you have added to your network. That's how I have been having downpours of leads on this platform.
A fourth way to show credibility and influence in relationships is to build rapport. This means creating a connection and a sense of commonality with the other person, based on shared interests, experiences, or values. Building rapport helps you establish trust, likability, and empathy, which are essential for credibility and influence. It also helps you reduce barriers, conflicts, and misunderstandings, and create a positive and comfortable atmosphere.
A fifth way to show credibility and influence in relationships is to be assertive. This means expressing your opinions, needs, and preferences clearly, respectfully, and confidently, without being aggressive or passive. Being assertive shows that you are self-aware, self-respectful, and self-reliant, and that you have a clear vision and purpose. It also helps you stand up for yourself, your rights, and your values, and negotiate effectively.
A sixth way to show credibility and influence in relationships is to seek feedback. This means asking for and accepting constructive criticism, compliments, and suggestions from others, and using them to improve yourself and your performance. Seeking feedback shows that you are humble, open-minded, and eager to learn and grow, and that you value the other person's input and expertise. It also helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and address any gaps or issues that may affect your credibility and influence.