Show Notes

Episode 13 – Become and Influencer and Take Your Business To the Next Level

Look at some of the big players out there – Marc Cuban, Michael Hyatt, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, Jill and Josh Stanton, Amy Porterfield.

How did they get to the level they’re at? They are seen as authorities in their fields.

Whether you want to be known in the world of finance, personal development or healthcare, becoming an authority in your industry can be a great way to promote your business and help you better serve your clients. In order to do so, it’s important that you find ways to set yourself apart from your competition.

With the growth of the internet, and especially social media, the world is changing – especially the business world. 25 years ago someone might be seen as an authority because they had the most billboards or radio/tv commercials. Maybe it was because they were picked up in newspapers or magazines. But all of the relies on money and others getting you there.

But with the growth of the internet, we, as individuals have much more power and say in what level we are able to attain.

But while some things are changing, the fundamentals aren’t. And one of the biggest factors to becoming an authority, besides offering VALUE, is the know/like/trust factor.

What this means is that people first need to know WHO you are so that a relationship of sorts can start to be developed. Maybe they read your blog post or listen to you on a podcast.

From there it turns into them liking you, which means you have to be relatable. Not only do they want to know that you know what you’re talking about, but they also want to get to know the person.

• Maybe they want to know that you and they have similarities.
• Or they want you to make them laugh
• Maybe you have a unique story that people are attracted to

Whatever it is, you want them to start liking you.

Finally, there is the trust factor. And this means two things:

1. That you know what you’re talking about and offer VALUE
2. But also they want to trust that you’re a good, ethical person. They want to know that you will take care of them and be a supporter.

So what do the steps look like in order to really make the know/like/trust factor come together?

Know and claim your specific expertise.

• It can be hard at times, but it’s so important that you resist the urge to claim that you can help everyone. No you can’t.
• Know exactly where you can bring big value and own it.
• If not, you will get lost in the noise and people won’t be able to trust you.

Become a leader – or at least start thinking like one.

• Your mindset will change the moment you begin to think like a leader.
• Leaders aren’t focused on trying to maintain the status quo. Instead they are looking to be drivers of their industry.
• Maybe it’s running your own online group or even writing a book. When you put yourself in the role of leader, people will start looking at you like one.

Build a following.

From email lists to social media, you have the ability to attract and continuously communicate with an audience who wants to hear from you. 

• There is a lot of noise out there in terms of content so make sure that you delivering value.
• The more you create and share memorable and sharable content – links to your blog posts, news, quick tips, opinions, and questions – the quicker your audience will help you get your message out to the world.
• One caveat here is making sure you are going to the platforms where your audience is. For instance, products sell better on Facebook than LinkedIn. But it’s potentially the opposite for certain services

Once you have your audience, keep the lines of communication open.

• Your clients are critical to your business. Don’t lose touch with who they are and why they’ve chosen to do business with you.
• Make sure you stay on top of their needs because when you stop speaking their language, they will find someone else who does.

Try new things.

• Why? Because they get noticed.
• This could mean coming up with a brand new idea, or even making a variation to something that is already in the market.
• The best part of this it will also help you break out of your current 4-walled world and take a risk.
• Every industry has changes that affect the way business is done. Strive to address these changes through an online platform. By being one of the first to discuss these new trends, people will look to you for further advice and you will be memorable.

Get out there and be seen. 

• Look for opportunities to speak at events. Look to get on panels.
• Maybe you have the chance to be interviewed in the media.
• No matter how big or small the outlet, in the beginning, go for it all. Gary Vee used to say it all the time, 1 is better than none. If you are able to get one new follower, you’re doing something right.
• Reach out to other outlets who might be attracting your audience and see where you might be able to add value. Guest post on their blog, get interviewed on their podcast, etc.
• Another way to do this is by connecting with other influencers. You want allies out there. And the more influential they are, the more you can tap into their audiences.
•  How do you do it? Deliver tremendous value to them. Become THEIR allies and help them.
• Also, build strategic alliances with other leaders who aren’t necessarily doing what you do, but who could benefit from the relationships?
• i.e. Financial advisors and accountants. Or a mortgage broker and a real estate agent.
• Not only can you tap into each other’s audiences but it sets up a great way for referrals.

Lastly, keep learning. 

• Stay on top of change. Hell, try to drive change.
• Keep learning your industry and where you can deliver value, and get agile.
• Look outside of your industry and see what might be new and workable in your field.