How to Build Trust as an Influencer (3 Simple Steps)

Abe Brown, MBA

The necessity of influence is undeniable. The most successful people in the world understand and have made use of the power of influencing others. Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Franklin Roosevelt, etc., are all great examples of incredibly successful people who had tremendous influence. In fact, if you go back and study the records of successful individuals, you will find that one of the most common threads binding them together is their ability to influence.?

And the best part? The power of influence is not reserved only for the “special few.” But rather, it is something that is available to us all—it just has to be developed. So how can you, as a coach, how can you develop influence in your life? Keep reading to find out.

1. COMPETENCE

There is no substitute for competence. The initial stages of influence begin with a certain degree of knowledge and capability. For this reason, it’s important to ask yourself: In what areas do I have specialized knowledge that can be helpful to others? Many coaches get hung up on this with the dreaded imposter syndrome. They falsely believe that because they don’t have a wall full of credentials and accolades that they aren’t “qualified” to help others.?

Look, I’ll be the first to tell you to get educated. It’s important. However, having a wall full of certifications is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to coaching. I’ll tell you what, if that were the case, then every person who has gone through a certification training would be inundated with clients.?

And that is, unfortunately, not the reality for many coaches. Competence is the result of experience. You’ve come a long way in your life. As a result, you’ve gained experiences, knowledge, and lessons that can be incredibly valuable to others.

That is where your competence comes from!

And while I do encourage you to get proper training, understand that your credentials—while helpful—are not 100% necessary to influence others as a coach.?

2. CHARACTER

Character is the indispensable quality of becoming an influencer. No one will want to follow someone lacking in moral, ethics, and integrity. For this reason, establishing trust as an influencer is the result of developing character in your own life. Here are a few ideas that can help you foster character that your followers will admire and respect:

• Be consistent and congruent: Say what you mean and mean what you say. People love a consistent and congruent person. This type of individual is reliable and trustworthy. So whether it’s posting to social media on a regular schedule or keeping your word to someone you’ve made a promise to, be consistent in all that you do. Your followers (and everyone else in your life) will love you for it!

• Be humble: The humble person will always have the respect of others. A mindset of humility will expand your perspective, strengthen your relationships with others, and keep you level-headed when you reach success. Moreover, as an influencer, humbleness will instill character into your personality and build trust with those who are engaged with you.?

• Live by your principles: One of the most powerful things you can do to build character is to live out what you believe is right. This is a tall order. However, it’s a necessity if you want to establish trust as an influencer.?

3. COMMUNICATION (VERBAL & NON-VERBAL)

Your skill in communication is critical for building trust as an influencer. Effective communication establishes your trustworthiness because it is the primary pillar to convey your ideas. And when your thoughts are properly delivered to your audience, they can more easily and readily resonate with your message. As a result, you can build your brand quicker than you thought possible.?

Now, there are two forms of communication: Verbal and nonverbal. Verbal consists of what you say, the actual words you use in dialogue. This is important for:

• Public speaking
• Filming videos (YouTube, Instagram, etc.)
• Meetings (online or in person)
• Lecturing, etc.

However, most communication is done at a nonverbal level. In fact, experts say that as much as 93% of our communication is performed nonverbally. For this reason, it’s essential you fine-tune how you interact with others. Some of these nonverbal communications can include:

• Tone of voice
• Body language
• Hand gesticulation
• Stance and body positioning, etc.

Once you dial in these nonverbal cues, you can easily communicate what you want to your audience so that they see you as a trustable and credible person. And that is how you foster connection, likeability, and engagement with your audience as an influencer.?

ESTABLISH YOUR CREDIBILITY AS AN INFLUENCER TODAY

The world needs people who are willing to step up and lead. And becoming an influencer is the perfect way to start that process. It allows you to increase personal fulfillment in life, while at the same time, create a positive and powerful impact in the lives of others. And here at Certified Flourishing Coach, we want to help you make that dream a reality. So if you’re serious about becoming an influencer, contact us today to learn more.?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Abe Brown, MBA, CMCT, CPHSA is the Coach’s Coach, and is an Entrepreneur, Professional Speaker, International Best-Selling Author, and High-Performance Leadership Coach. He is the founder of Certified Flourishing Coaching?, the Flourishing Life Coaching Program?, and Flourishing Workplace. Abe is also the author of the Certified Flourishing Coaching? Programs.

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