So much of getting ahead in business is all about using the influence you’ve built up over the course of your career and knowing when exactly to use it. Some of us, however, are a little shy about using our reputation and our influence to get what we want in our career.
That’s when you have to be brave, step out of your comfort zone and use all of that influence you’ve earned! Just to help you know what situations are best for using your influence to get what you want, here are five great reasons to flex those influential muscles.
- To get a promotion. Yes, part of getting promoted relies on your merits as a worker, but some of it is also about how much influence you have with the higher ups. If you feel like you deserve a promotion (or a raise for that matter), stand up for yourself and use some of that influence and good will you’ve earned with your superiors.
- To green light a project. We all have projects that we’re passionate about at our job. It makes work more interesting and keeps us engaged. When you find a project that you’re excited about but that isn’t moving forward, it’s definitely time to flex those influence muscles and get the project fast tracked.
- To help out a deserving friend or coworker. Sometimes using your clout for others’ benefit is a great thing to do. If you know someone who really deserves recognition, it’s OK to use your influence to help them out.
- To raise money for a charity. On a similar vein, using your connections and influence to do good in the community is probably one of the best uses of your influential status possible.
- To make new business connections. If you’re a small business owner or work for one, you know how critical it is to always be making new connections. Using your existing connections to make new ones is a great way to use your influence to help grow your company.
Because women are looking for a deeper understanding of how they can become influential, I developed a 3-part mini-series where I will share the true meaning of influence, where it starts, what women do naturally, and how they can own their influence. This 3-part mini-series, “Designed For Influence”, is where women will find the 3 most powerful tools to bring forth their influence – in any situation. I am inviting you to get your seat before the room fills up - space is limited. It all begins January 2012 so start your New Year off on a serious note – make yourself a priority!
