Communications, Media & Strategy Gavel

Being an influencer- whether online or offline, is a desirable thing. A person of influence commands respect and attention of others. There is a huge difference between being a person of power and a person of influence. A person of power gains is status through position while the person of influence is respected a lot for being whom he or she is.

We have taken some times to observe several influential persons and we have come to see peculiar characteristics they posses. These unique characteristics set them apart. It is more of their action, attitude and they way they conduct their affairs that really give them the edge. Like the ‘Godfathers’ they have become known, strong and a force in their chosen fields or industries.

Being an influencer affords the person certain privileges. An influencer is a goldfish that cannot be hidden. They are sometimes household names in their niche and enjoy access to certain privileges a non-influencer often wish to partake of.

As we know, life is based on certain principles. Paying attention to these principles will deliver same result to whoever applies them. For instance, being a Professor will not exempt you from breaking your bones if you decide to jump down from a ten storey building without a parachute. So here are factors that can turn anyone to an influencer.

Have a technical know-how in a niche: Every influencer knows something. Influencers have a technical ‘know –hows’ which others lack. In this age of free information, start your journey of becoming an influencer with a passion for specialize knowledge in something. You have got to bring something to the table.

Form or belong to relevant group: with good knowledge at your disposal, become a member of relevant groups or start one. Do not do this to show off but with a mindset of adding value.

Love people and raise many up: The secret of the ‘godfathers’ are in their ability to help other people to get what they want. When you love people genuinely, you will want them to succeed. The principle of being good is that you never lack any when you need them most.

Listen: No matter how much you know, you do not become very useful to people if you do not listen to them. When you listen, you can identify the real issues people want to be addressed. Listening saves you from unnecessary gambling with people’s lives.

Be a dependable ally: Soldiers have morale, courage and doggedness, clergy should be morally upright. There are expectations people want from you. Be dependable. Never abuse the privileges you have.

Be positive and passionate: people are going through enough negativity in their lives, do not add yours. A positive and passionate person attracts more people. Keep your fears and share inspirations.

Never expect returns on every good deed: Good deeds are never forgotten, but do not expect returns of good deeds from the same source you give them to.

Avoid needless argument: No one ever won an argument completely. When you win, other party would have lost out. The shame may make them avoid you. This becomes an issue in today online world. The argument and counter arguments are open to everyone who has internet access. So be very careful. You should not be involved in unnecessary argument online. Other people will take side without any justifiable reason.

Watch your words: In addition to the above, watch your words. Words are like eggs, if broken it may be difficult to withdraw. Never press the button until you are sure that sentence will represent you well throughout your lifetime and beyond.

Make people feel important and appreciate every feedback: Appreciation is a key influencers must learn to use. Make people feel important and thank them for every feedback.

Do not short-sighted: Do not be short-sighted. Rome was not built in a day is a popular maxim. You will not become an influencer overnight. Study the people before you. They did not start the journey yesterday.

Stop comparing your success with others: Short-sightedness often leads to unhealthy comparism of results with others. They want to make money like the Jones. That state of mind will position you in a bad image.

Go beyond what people expect: people have expectation, break that expectation and go beyond that. If you have a book, give it out. People like Chris Brogan, Rajesh Setty, Brian Solis, Tom Peter, Guy Kawasaki have books and Ebooks they have given free of download.

Put a carrot in your request if you can: Many influencers are not users of people. This is especially so in online world. When they want you to do something for them, they usually have a small reward for your time.

Do not get angry often: anger does not produce desire result often. This is especially so in the online world.

Monitor your reputation: An influencer reputation is important. Keep monitoring your reputation. Your perception may change if you take certain actions in the course of your life. Keep an eye of what your reputation looks like.

What do you think?