The Value of Influence

As we become more entrenched in this digital age, it is interesting to me the evolution of the word “influencer” and the fact that people who would have called themselves “models and actors/actresses” now dub themselves as “influencers”

What makes one an influencer? Is it the number of followers? Is it the amount of engagement or is it the ability to affect a desired outcome?

There was a time when people relied less on influence and more on position, title or celebrity status to lead others. That’s no surprise, I think those days are gone.I think we are better for it. We live in a time where you must earn influence and accountability is more readily available, especially on a public platform.

People do what they want. If we continue in the context of this digital age where having followers is important to many. I have a question, Does anyone want to follow you? Why? I don’t mean on Facebook or Instagram or TikTok, in your actual day to day, does anyone want to follow you? Your children, coworkers, friends?

Even if you possess a title or position of authority, you still need influence to lead people to making choices about what product to buy, equity of a brand, becoming a thought leader or mobilizing them to get things done.?

If you do have a position, it’s a starting place, it gives you a chance to earn influence. Same is applicable for leading a team.?

Do you have the ability to develop influence??

Some people are born with charisma, talent, maybe even beauty and have the ability to connect with others naturally but if you weren’t, there is still hope for you.?

John C. Maxwell gives four points that I agree will help you to develop the ability to influence.?

? Prove yourself.?

? Earn relationships.?

? Make your team successful.?

? Help people reach their potential.

When we think about influence these days we think about people that have hundreds of thousands of followers but the truth is, someone who has hundreds of followers or even thirty followers could have more influence than someone who has millions.?

Let’s break it down, if you are selling a product and the “influencer” you choose to help promote it has millions of followers and our goal is awareness and visibility, then absolutely the impact will be greater from someone who has millions than someone who has hundreds of followers.?

If you are selling a product and the “influencer” you choose has millions of followers who simply follow because the person popular but they have no influence over their purchasing decisions Vs someone who has hundred of followers that people trust, they know cares about them and generally only shares products they have tried themselves or they believe is part of their actual lifestyle and does have influence over purchasing decisions, who is more valuable? Millions that don’t convert to sales or hundreds that do?

Same is true for leading a team, as a leader, our level of impact is more valuable than any position we hold. I love people, I value people and so connecting with others is my superpower.?

1. The first thing I do when I go to any organization is understand who the key players are that affect my ability to be successful. As a marketer, every department affected my ability to succeed… finance, purchasing, warehouse, production, sales, merchandizing….?

2. The second thing I do is figure out how I can add value to them.?Whether it’s through communicating to the Financial Controller in way he/she understands eg.?telling them how my request will affect their bottom line without them having to think about it OR developing a football (soccer) program for the people in the warehouse as an outlet for them to release and build commradery. It could also be something as simple as checking in to say have a good day or randomly asking “how can I be of service.”?

3. The third thing I do is, I am intentional about actually serving. Many of us ask, but we don’t follow through with serving. (Prove Yourself)

4. I have people who call me to help them with former customers or co-workers to get something done because they know I have relationships and have developed influence with them. (Earn Relationships)

5. I am a strong believer in if you win, we all win. Team for me is not just my direct reports or the people in my department, it’s anyone who contributes to achievement of our overall goals. If HR needs me to help them plan an activity, I will. If warehouse needs me to assist with managing a delivery time for a customer, I will. If credit/sales needs to me call a customer to get a payment I will. If production needs me to shift a promotional plan because of delays I will. If a supplier needs me to sit with them to walk through how I need something done, I will. Understanding that team goes beyond just the people in your immediate department is important. (Make your team successful)?

6. How can I help you to grow? As someone with a Sociology background I also love to study people and how society impacts us as individuals and how once empowered we can have a positive impact on our society. I try to be intentional about helping others around me grow. It could be helping them to acknowledge something they are great at that maybe they never thought of, helping to shift a mindset, encouraging others to grow in particular areas, even helping them to realize that they may be in the wrong place. You would be surprised at how many people are miserable in their careers because they haven’t been using their talents in the right place. (Help people reach their potential)

If you want to develop the ability to influence, you can, it’s a choice you have to make and be intentional about your actions.?

Using your influence for positive impact is something I pray we all strive for whether it’s two people or two hundred million.?