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Are You a Business Influencer?

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What does it take to be known as a business influencer? Emerge Blog recently named the top 25 business influencers that have created a brand for themselves that people follow.

Remember the television commercials for EF Hutton? “When EF Hutton talks, people listen.”

It is the same with those known for their expertise in business. In the article What Makes an Influencer, author BRENDAN COURNOYER has this to say:

To me, being an influencer means becoming a trusted source of information and authoritative figure within your market. It means not being someone who sells, but someone who helps. And it means when you share an idea, people actually listen.

Brendan offers these five techniques that top business influencers use:

  • They brand themselves
  • They stay versatile
  • They don’t just write, they author
  • They share the wealth
  • They speak – in front of people

The first technique, branding themselves, is one that I speak about often. In fact, I have created a series of 20 videos to help you create and market your personal brand. Click to sign up and receive 20 free videos on:
“How to Build Your Personal Brand to Advance Your Career”

Ann Handley of Marketing Profs has done an excellent job of branding herself as a subject matter expert in small business marketing. Emerge Blog had this to say about Ann:

Ann Handley (@MarketingProfs) She’s the most influential woman in marketing, and content head at MarketingProfs. The website is about practical problems faced by individuals and advice on the topics. Her content helps entrepreneurs and other strategists. She has 15 years of experience in content management and co-founded ClickZ.com. Follow her for her advice, experience, knowledge and guidance.

Imagine being called the most influential in your field! I will say that I have had the privilege of connecting with her via Twitter and LI and she is responsive, positive, giving and so very knowledgeable. She is consistent in her content sharing and is very approachable. All positive qualities in a business influencer.

The fifth technique that Brendan mentions is public speaking, which for some may be uncomfortable. Not long ago Carmine Gallo wrote an article for INC Magazine entitled The 1 Skill Warren Buffett Says Will Raise Your Value by 50 Percent. Guess what that skill is?

Public Speaking

Now I enjoy speaking to groups of professionals, in fact, if you are looking for a speaker for your next event…contact me and let’s talk. However, not everyone is comfortable standing in front of others and sharing a message. My best advice to you is to practice. The more you speak, the more comfortable it becomes. Especially if you are talking about a subject in which you are knowledgeable. You quickly forget about the people and become enamored with your topic. If this is a skill you wish you had but are unsure how to start – seek out a local Toastmasters chapter. I highly recommend this international organization for assisting with overcoming fears, crafting a great speech and having the chance to practice in a safe environment.

Bottom line, you want to be known as a business influencer; someone with knowledge, experience and the wherewithal to make things happen. I invite you to check out the top 25 business influencers from the Emerge article. Follow them on Twitter. See what they are talking about. Emulate their Twitter tactics. Reach out to them for advice.  Soon people will be calling you the top influencer in your field.

IMG_5268cJJ DiGeronimo, keynote speaker for women, based in Cleveland, presents keynote addresses on women in leadership, diversity in business and advancement for women.

Check out JJ’s new book Accelerate Your Impact by downloading three free chapters.accelerate your impact

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JJ DiGeronimo

JJ DiGeronimo

Speaker, Author & Thought Leader for Women in Tech & Girls in STEM.

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