IF YOU MUST EXERCISE INFLUENCE, YOU MUST FIRST BUILD CREDIBILITY

I see lots of individuals seeking to change the status quo by promoting their strategies and beliefs.

Most of them fail woefully.

It isn't because their concepts are flawed or wrong.

It is largely because they have chosen (willingly or unknowingly) to remain faceless.

This basic problem has often led to their target audience asking:

"Who is this one again?"

And finding no satisfactory answers.

It is not the fault of their audience.

Times have changed.

The internet has become a pulpit for every minister.

Your target audience is also the target of ministers of other 'gospels'.

Hence, they are often flooded with lots of preachings, solutions, and theories.

So, why must they listen to you?

Why must they trust your principles?

Why must they submit to your influence, and follow you?

They can't help but ask.

"Who is this one again?"

Lots of would-be influencers are caught unawares by this question.

And so crawl back into their shells with the speed of light.

But that should not be your case.

Your target audience only wants assurances of your credibility.

Hence, your answer to this question must be ready at all times, comprehensive, and visible for all to see.

How then, do you establish credibility?

1.) Choose Your Path

If you must exercise influence over others, they must perceive you as a focused individual.

Hence, choose your path.

And stick to it.

Besides creating this impression on the minds of your target audience, remaining committed to the path you have chosen serves as proof of how well your principles work.

If you must convince them, then they must see these principles work for you first.

2.) Join a Pack

Regardless of how unpopular your principles might be, there are people and communities that share those principles with you.

Follow these people. Join these communities.

Do not join these communities to obtain validation for your beliefs.

You should be sure of what you are doing before joining any pack.

Be an active member of these communities.

Share, engage, and connect with other members.

This way, you get to learn more about the path you have chosen, and effective ways of dealing with the common problems you may encounter.

3.) Build Your Pack

People pay more attention to leaders, not followers.

Lead.

Do not join a pack with the aim of usurping authority.

That's irresponsible.

Regardless of the wealth of experience you now have, you must allow leaders have their space.

Gradually build your own pack.

But remain an active member in the community that helped groom you.

Your influence might grow as you become an active member of any community.

This growth, however, should not distract you from your goal.

Exalted servants are still servants.

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You must know that it is possible to build your credibility without using all the techniques I have listed.

However, you stand a better chance if you use these strategies effectively.

I hope you got value.

Let me know how these strategies have helped you.

Good read