The Power of Influence : A concept that changed my life

PART 1 - Many of you know me to be a confident, optimistic, go-getter... but truth be told, I wasn't always that way. I will never forget one of my first defining moments... Visit my blog to read my defining moment and a concept that changed my life.

Whether you want to influence people to buy your products or services or have higher quality relationships, I have discovered there are four key factors of influence.

Factor #1 To build Rapport:
Rapport is the heart of influence. The word rappoarte comes from the Greek language and means "to carry back to another person an experience of themselves".

Rapport building is being willing to understand and experience another person's view of the world as if you were that person. This is the art of making someone feel comfortable and accepted. Think of this as being "in sync" with someone, establishing a harmonious relationship of mutual trust or affinity. When you get along with someone well, they instinctively listen to and trust you.

To dive in deeper and learn more about the skill of Rapport, check out the book Step-by-Step System, by Marilyn Atkinson, Owner of Erickson International and Rae Choice, Master Certified Coach. The first chapter gives a wonderful overview of some of the key points of Rapport. Email info@erickson.edu to get your copy.

Factor #2. The ability to influence oneself:
Research shows that top salespeople believe that selling is the transference of emotion. They are extremely aware of the importance of being in a powerful emotional state of mind before talking with a customer. The ability to influence ourselves is about learning to manage our own emotions. Sorry to say it wasn't your ability alone that produced a particular result, it was the emotional state you were in at that moment.

Do you feel in every cell of your body, that your prospect can get what they need from your product or service? Do you believe without a shadow of a doubt that you're worth what you charge?

Influencing yourself on these issues may be the most important factor of all in your ability to influence your prospective clients and customers. Your level of confidence, conviction and congruency must be strong before the influencing process even begins.

This month decide to play with your rapport skills, and ask yourself where are you REALLY with your level of conviction with what you are "selling". With these two factors you are well on your way to becoming a master of influence!... Read the full article. Be sure to join me next month for PART 2 for two more critical factors in becoming a master influencer.