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Read time: 3 mins
Ever feel like influencing is a bit...icky? Like you're trying to "trick" people? ✋
We get it.
But here's the truth:
Influencing is simply guiding someone's thinking, actions, or choices.
It's only icky if you're being dishonest.
Otherwise, influencing is about creating win-win situations, not manipulation.
In business, that's key!
Whether it's with customers, suppliers, or your team, influencing to create win-win situations is a critical skill.
So today, let's dive into 4 steps to build this powerful skill without the icky feeling:
4 STEPS TO INFLUENCE WITHOUT FEELING ICKY
1. Learn The Influencing Styles:
Different people respond to different influencing styles.
Understanding these styles gives you a HUGE head start.
Steve is Mr. Logic.
Give him facts and a well-constructed argument, and he’ll be right with you.
His mum? Her influencing style was all about love and great cooking.
Here are 7 of our favourite influencing styles to be aware of:
- Logic: Facts & figures that make a clear case.
- Values: Connecting with what someone deeply cares about.
- Stating: Confidence and a message delivered directly.
- Authority: Leveraging your expertise to build trust.
- Consulting: Including others in the decision for better buy-in.
- Exchanging: Finding a win-win by offering something of value.
- Role Modeling: Inspiring action by leading through example.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
The more styles you're aware of, the better you can adapt and influence others.
2. Clarify Your Influencing Preferences:
We all have them - those influencing styles we naturally gravitate towards.
People typically default to 1-3 styles.
Doing a self-audit is a great way to understand your personal preferences.
Once you know your go-to styles, you can strengthen them and branch out to develop new ones.
3. Understand What The Other Person Needs:
So you’re great at logical reasoning or stating your thoughts extremely clearly.
Good for you.
What happens if the person you’re talking to is best influenced through collaboration?
You need to develop tools to understand what influences the people around you.
Expert TIP: Get good at moving between styles quickly and seamlessly to always use the influencing style that works.
4. Level Up Your Skills:
Concepts are great but the real value comes through learning and doing.
Invest in learning more about influencing to achieve your business goals more quickly.
Learn from the best, and don't be afraid to seek out a coach or tap into your network for guidance.
Want to unlock your full influencing potential?
Follow the steps above, and reach out to us for help!
We offer a free 30-minute consult, where we'll create a personalised strategy to help you achieve your influencing and broader business goals.
Book your session here.
See you there!
Lynne & Steve
TLDR
- Influencing doesn't have to be icky. It's about guiding choices to create win-win situations.
- Our 7 favourite influencing styles are: Logic, Values, Stating, Authority, Consulting, Exchanging, and Role Modeling.
- Understand your influencing style and what resonates with others.
- Sharpen your influencing skills to achieve your business goals.
- Want to take it further? Schedule a free 30-minute call with us for help to achieve your business goals.
When you're ready, here's how we can support you further:
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The program includes a 90-minute '5 Steps to 50% More Profit' series, a business health check, a profit roadmap session with us, access to a business builder community, live support and Q&A with us, workbooks & exercises to follow, and more.
Learn more here .
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