What is a GovCon Influencer?, part 3- Trust and Transparency

Please read these first- they are short:

Part 1: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/influencers-govcon-redefining-influencer-niche-market-mark-amtower-mbqxf/ ?

Part 2: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/what-govcon-influencer-part-2-visibility-credibility-mark-amtower-fviie/ ?

Influencers are everywhere, permeating all aspects of our lives. So it should not be surprising that they show up in GovCon as well, though perhaps in a less obvious way than an actor or athlete.

So what? Who cares? Why does this matter?

It matters because whether we admit it or not, we are all influenced, positively or negatively, directly or indirectly, by others in and out of our market.

I realize I am influenced by a number of outside forces in what I read, listen to, watch on YouTube or see on LinkedIn and more.?

However, I choose to be influenced by certain people by following them, listening to them on podcasts, reading their articles and posts, or even trying to get some one-on-one time with them on a call or Zoom.

I know there are other influences on them and on me, but I actively seek out certain people so they can directly influence what I am thinking. I look for subject matter experts who are happy and willing to share, people who are genuinely nice.? You can be the brightest person in the world but if I detect arrogance, I don’t want you in my network and I will not refer people to you.

Why?

I like to think of myself as an active, or proactive, thinker. I like learning more about my niche in the market because it continues to evolve and I need to evolve with it. If I don’t stay current, I become passé.? I hate when that happens.

So where does that bring us?

In my previous two articles I have discussed the evolving progression: SME to influencer to (possibly) thought leader, and the need for visibility and credibility.

As I stated in Part 1, there is a two-factor verification requirement for GovCon influencers: trust and transparency, and these are critical.

Visibility and credibility can lead to trust. Trust is built over time with consistent activity in a niche. It evolves by consistently sharing articles or other content, activity in pertinent groups or associations, speaking, but adding value at each step. It evolves from being reliable in whatever you do in and for your niche in the market. It comes from being you in a way that resonates with the business niche you work in. People expect honesty and consistency from those they follow.

Trust evolves with your open and honest sharing of your thoughts, including acknowledging the changes in your ideas and approach. Influencers are influenced by others as well- they do not operate in vacuums. And hopefully we all evolve.

Transparency is the logical companion of and extension to creating trust. Being consistent in your messaging, being open and honest when you change or evolve your point of view, something most of us do over time.

You should be conscious about who you are following and why you are following them. There is no shortage of great thinkers and writers in our market. Your biggest problem is that you probably can’t follow all of them, so make a list and monitor the activity of several and read what you can, listen to podcasts while you drive,?watch YouTube sessions as time permits.

Follow and connect with these people and comment- start a discussion.

Let these influencers whet your appetite for what you do and how you do it. Evolve your own thinking and your go-to-market strategy.

I’ll go back to what I said in Part 1 of this series:

Visibility and credibility, trust and transparency. These are earned with consistent work over time. They are not self-bestowed.?

There are no shortcuts.

Not that I have an opinion.

I would welcome having your thoughts and opinions here.?

There will be a part 4- some wrap up thoughts and a list of some of those I follow.