All About Power and Influence

Over the past two weeks I did something which, if you had asked me if I’d ever consider doing it even three weeks ago, I would have said “out of the question”:

I created a YouTube Channel called, not surprising to many of you, “Power and Influence”.

Every single day during the past two weeks, almost religiously, I uploaded a new video and tried my hand at something which, again I never thought I would do, and I had zero knowledge about: video editing, video compilations, “trimming”, “splitting” (there was no “slicing” ??), detaching audio and so much more.

I’m pretty proud of what I managed to do, especially since I’ve just proved that yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks??!

The main reason I set up this channel is because expressing my love and passion for everything that Public Relations can really do and get involved in surpasses the LinkedIn readership profile, Twitter is no longer what it used to be and, I still have a lot to speak about and “get out there”.

As of right now, I have created 14 videos (I even learned about YouTube “thumbnails”, tags, and keywords, adding cards and subtitles ??) which, I hope, will allow many of you who are subscribers to this newsletter (and thank you so much to each and every one of you!!!) to find at least one video that will get you thinking, will resonate with you but, most importantly, will help you find a solution to a problem you are facing.

Everything in each video is highly practical, with immediate takeaways.

While all my videos – the current ones and the ones to come – will always return to the power of communication and the influence of Public Relations, many of them will be very useful for those of you who make investments, who regularly buy out other companies, and for those of you who are considering your businesses overseas.

There will also be special videos on crisis communication and crisis management and, shortly, I shall also create a suite of very specialist training courses – including the one that changed the professional lives of 10 peers (“The Business Value of Public Relations”) – that you can download and share with your colleagues / contractors / staff.

Before I introduce you below to each of the 14 videos I made and their topics, I have one massive request to you if I may - please let me know which video format you prefer:

1.?????? The video compilation with the AI narration,

2.?????? The video compilation with my voiceover or,

3.?????? The video compilation with me.

Just as #PowerAndInfluence’s direction on Twitter, for all those years, was largely dictated by you, so will the content style of my YouTube channel. This is, pretty much, its “formal launch”. No one other than my husband knew that I was doing this, and I did find it hard to keep quiet about it until now, but I wanted to make sure that I would be fully comfortable doing it. Now, I am.

In the description of almost every video, you will find links to two books I consider very useful to read on that particular topic. Some of the books I recommended are by authors well known to the PR practice, others not so much.

And here they come:

1.?????? The 4 Stages of Brand Success

Branding is crucial in the lifecycle of any business. Branding entails much more than visual or audio identifiers. If you are a marketing professional or a business owner, this video is for you!

2.?????? Country Branding – Dos and Don’ts

The optimal country-branding key points to consider for direct foreign investments, tourism, and exports!

3. ?????? How to Create a Brand Awareness Strategy

It is critical to understand the steps, the right steps, you need to take to create a brand awareness strategy that is foolproof. If you are marketing strategist, a start-up founder or a business owner, this video is for you!

4. ?????? Networking Secrets You Should Know

Networking is a curse for some, and a blessing for others. It has its benefits, and it also has plenty of traps. In this video, 15 of the world's best communicators - public relations and communication academics, experts, and agency bosses - will share with you their networking secrets, so that you can excel at it!

5. ?????? How To Organise the Perfect Event - Practical Tips

Do you find organising an event difficult? Is there so much to think about that you don't know where to begin? This video has everything you need to know to organise the perfect event!

6. ?????? Do you communicate, or do you just speak?

There is a lot of noise in our world today: both across social media and our own social lives. We speak a lot yet, often, we communicate nothing. It is just noise. In this video, I am sharing with you some fundamental principles surrounding effective communication not just in the workplace but, also, in your private life.

7. ????? Never Ask This Question When Doing Business!

Sometimes, a seemingly innocent question can irreparably damage a very well-crafted sales pitch, negotiation or even workplace dynamics. Never ever ask this question if you really want to make a good impression and be a very successful businessperson!

8. ?????? Are You Biased?

It's amazing how quickly we judge others based on absolutely nothing concrete other than our own perception, brought on by our own bias. In this video, I am providing you with a very quick real-life test to check your bias. You will be amazed by what you will find about yourself, and about your decision-making process!

9. ????? The Secret to Global Business Success

People and mindset - they are the only real assets you need to succeed. BUT you need the right people and the right mindset. Do you have either? If you're not sure, this video will explain it all!

10. ????? How to Persuade Anyone to Do Anything

Decision-making is directly linked to risk appetite. In this video, I'll show you how you can use human psychology and behavioural science to persuade anyone to do anything!

11. ?????? To Compete or to Collaborate? Which One Is Successful?

This is a real account of how power and influence come through collaboration, never through competition. This video presents you with clear examples of what it takes to accrue power and influence - without stepping on anyone else, only by bringing others with you on your journey. This is my story.

12. ?????? The Secret of Change Management Success

Very few like change, and even fewer embrace it. Change management in an organisational setting is intrinsically linked to the leadership's ability to communicate and empathise. Therefore, the role of the Comms Department becomes critical. In this video, I am sharing with you the most important things you should do, as well as the ones you shouldn't.

13. ?????? Public Relations: Trust, Influence, Truth

If you work in Public Relations, credibility and trust are, likely, some of the things you have struggled with; without them, you cannot hope to have any influence either. If this is your case, then this video is for you: at the end of it, you will know exactly what you need to do to gain trust, credibility and, most of all, influence!

14. ????? This is What is WRONG with Energy PR!

If you do PR for an energy company, or if you work in its Communication department, how much influence do you have on WHAT, WHY, and HOW it is being said? Do you foster ethics and transparency, and push for real community engagement, or do you just go with the flow? This video is a call to action: to do your job ethically, professionally, and responsibly. It doesn’t take much, on the contrary!

If you like any of the videos you will be watching, I would be grateful if you could subscribe to my channel – after all, knowing that what I produce is helping others, is the only motivation I need to keep doing it!

It would also be amazing if you shared your thoughts and comments on the videos, too – your views may inspire me to create a new video which, of course, I shall credit you with, who knows!

But, most importantly, please do not forget to let me know which video format you prefer best (whichever the majority choose, that will be the format I shall post all my content in going forward!).

PowerAndInfluence is a journey, and I would love to have you with me on it! THANK YOU!

Written by a human – me.