In today’s post I would like to talk about a subject I have read many very good articles on. Also this subject has been spoken about many times by my mentors. The subject deals with a wide range of opinion as to how and why influence is the road to a successful business. When I was in the Navy one of the first lessons I learned about being in control and having to delegate authority to those under me was influence.

If I was not influential to them I did not get the respect or work done I had to achieve. In short I was not successful. So first we must understand what influence is. It is the power to sway, the power that somebody has to affect other people’s thinking or actions by means of argument, discussion, example, or force of personality. Remember this thought as you think about the people who speak with you everyday on your business and life. Influential people succeed and non-influential people don’t. The fact is most people do not know how to speak or think about what they are saying at any given moment. They do not choose their words carefully or understand how people around them perceive the power or lack of power in the words they choose to use.

To be influential to those customers you seek to do business with the first thing is understanding all words have power and the right words spoken can drive a conversation. The second thing is that no one opinion carries more weight than the other in a group of people gunning to be heard. Many people in these situations try to shout, use hand, or body gestures in a forceful way believing this is the best way to get their opinions a crossed. However shouting out words in loud tones does not necessary add power or influence. In many cases it turns those around you away or makes them feel less a part of the conversation. Influential people do not have to shout or demand to be heard nor do they have to dominate any one conversation as to getting their points out before anyone else.

Remember, people are motivated for their reasons, not yours. Any new business has begun to create focus groups that inspire those they do business with and their employees to speak at least to one person with whom they can openly and unashamedly discuss every little detailed happenings, desires, and fears of their life, whether it is from the past, present, or future. Knowing self awareness is the bases for influencing others as to good and positive business practices and ideas of achievement.

Great mentors, advisers and communicators don’t focus extremely on the people shouting or trying to be heard or those that have no listening skills. They have a high degree of self-awareness and are very patient knowing that in time they will get their chance to speak.

Influential people do not trap or compromise their thoughts or positions with small minded negative peoples emotions or arguments that go no where. Influential people think and know how to listen and only speak when the words they say will carry meaning not easily forgotten.

Please check out our links to the right.

Mark & Tammy Cowell