Become a "person of influence"

The term "person of influence" is something you hear in business. Many times, when we hear this term, we think of a person in a position of power - a politician, a CEO, etc.
But a "person of influence" is exactly what it says - a person that influences (or affects) others (generally a large number of people). In NM, we are often told to contact "people of influence" in order to spread the word about our biz. (And that is a good idea!)

But what I would like to talk to you about today is about how to become a person of influence.

Becoming a person of influence is no more than making a decision and taking the steps to make that decision happen. It is about following your heart and passion and letting others see that in you. It is about stepping up to the plate and filling a need that you see.

Let me give you an example.

Just over four years ago, I moved to a new city. Aside from my kids and my husband (who is the reason I moved in the first place!), I did not know another soul.

I searched for local moms groups in my area and found none. I searched for any kinds of local groups (I was in a smaller town) and found nothing that interested me, so I simply started my own group. I put up a website and began putting the word out online.

From that simple, small start, my group has grown to over 400 moms across the South. The group I started to help me find other moms now helps moms all over the South find friends, playdates, apartments, jobs, good school districts, and so many other things!

From that website/group, I created a spinoff website for Southern moms who are either working from home or are looking to start a home business. The membership for that site/group is almost 1000 moms.

So what does this have to do with you and your business? Glad you asked!

First, becoming a person of influence changes your whole mindset. It truly sets you apart from the crowd. Not many people will take the extra step to fill a need. If you will, you have already set yourself apart from the crowd.

Second, it will put you in a position to be noticed by others. People come to you, wanting to know what business you are involved in. They support you and want to be in business with you.

Third, it puts you in a wonderful position to help others. I recently was asked to help spread the word about a charity that helps kids in the hospital. She was thinking that she might have to close the charity because of a lack of volunteers. One message out to the fantastic moms in my list and she had offers to help pouring in. It was a wonderful feeling. The thank you note I got from her brought me to tears.

I have even approached some women and volunteered to spread the word about their business or cause because I believed in what they are doing. It is a great feeling to help others in this way.

Fourth, it gives you leverage with other people of influence. I can approach others with large circle of influence and offer a joint marketing venture with confidence.

So take the first step.

Make the decision.

Be a person of influence.

Change lives.