4 Surefire Ways to Grow Your Circle of Influence

The ability to influence others through words or behavior is an incredibly valuable tool in your relationship toolbox. After all, building a business is more than creating a new product -- it’s about building relationships.

“Opportunities are tied to people and people like to work with others that share common interests that they can trust," says Olivia Gamber, a talent manager and founder of OccupationalOlivia, a website that explores innovative ways to build career success. "Being good at your job isn’t enough in today’s highly competitive environment. You also have to build relationships [and] be able to navigate complex corporate matrices.”

If you don’t think relationships or influencing power are important, ask yourself when was the last time that a salesperson forced you to buy something you didn’t intent to buy, or the last time your friends or parents coerced you into choosing X when you really wanted Y.

The answer is never. Nobody forces you to do anything. Even in the military, there are ranks and orders but, again, there is also choice. Of course, along with choice comes consequence, so if you prefer not to be incarcerated for insubordination then making the “right” choice is definitely preferable.

Think of your circle of influence as the range in which opportunity lies. You can locate the opportunity, build upon it and make connections between different ones the larger your circle expands. If you want to expand your circle of entrepreneurial influence (or any influence, for that matter), try these four strategies:

1. Do what you say.

Nothing erodes personal credibility faster than a lack of trust. Building trust is fundamental to increasing your circle of influence. If you possess the skill to execute project A and the will to do so ethically, then others' trust in you will increase. Just be consistent because once you break that trust it’s like taking a piece of paper, wrinkling it up and then trying to flatten it out again -- it never actually returns to its original state.

2. Choose your battles.

Some fights are worth fighting. Others aren’t. Choosing the ones that serve a purpose higher than yourself builds your influencing power in two ways. First, nobody likes hearing the same voice complain over and over again. Second, if you fight only when it’s your self-interest at stake, then the message people really hear is that you only care about one thing (hint: not them). So the question then becomes, why should they listen to you?

3. Be present.

There’s nothing worse than being in a conversation with somebody who is checking his or her watch or email. When you’re engaged in conversation, put away the laptop and turn off the TV. If you have an appointment and are worried about missing it, set an alarm on your phone or ask to schedule another time to talk. The takeaway is when you make time for people, they’ll make time for you. When people make time for you, it means they’re listening -- and you’re influencing.

4. Grow yourself.

Personal development is a building block for extending your influential reach. After all, you can only lead or influence others to the extent you can lead yourself.

The credibility that accompanies positive intent and demonstrable behavior is irrefutable. If you want to extend your circle of influence and get the best out of people, start by getting the best out of yourself. People follow others whom they trust, like and respect, so to the extent to which you align your intentions with communication and behavior, the more your circle will grow.

Jeff Boss

6 Surefire Ways to Prepare Your Business for Growth This Year

Recently, the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) said it expects the U.S. economy to enjoy the fastest economic growth in a decade in 2015. With predictions that the (GDP) will expand by 3.1 percent, job creation will increase and there will be an upswing in consumer spending, business owners would be wise to plan accordingly.

As we begin a new year, this is the ideal time to press pause, celebrate your achievements, and prepare for a strong business 2015.

Here’s an easy checklist to help your business enter this year on solid ground:

1. Take a look at your team and make adjustments as needed.

Success comes down to people. You need to have the best people in the right positions equipped with the necessary resources to excel in business. Get your arms around who is on your team and how they are performing. Assess strengths while also addressing weaknesses.

Related: If You Want to Succeed, Here Are 5 Things You Need to Do Differently

If you’re preparing for growth, where do you need additional talent? Who do you need to promote or manage out? Where is your team stressed? What skills are lacking and what training might benefit employees?

People are your greatest asset. Build a team empowered to deliver greatness.

2. Evaluate and enhance your infrastructure.

Whether you run a technology company or a brick-and-mortar business, your infrastructure sets the stage for everything you do. Review your infrastructure from your phones and cloud solutions to your software and physical space needs.

Are there areas you’re overspending or places you need improvement? Are you storing your data management safely? Is your technology reliable? Scalable? Are you running out of space and need to lease more? Be proactive when it comes to securing a solid infrastructure.

3. Refresh your social-media accounts and strategy.

While social media is increasingly important for business, it’s also easy to let it slip through the cracks. Revisit your social-media strategy and accounts. Are you taking full advantage of what’s available and what makes the most sense for your business? For instance, are you on Facebook but missing out on Twitter? Consider and leverage all of your options.

As importantly, are you using these applications effectively? Be sure your pages are up-to-date in terms of brand, bios and other assets. Delete posts that are no longer relevant. Also, make sure people within the company are sending unified messages that align with your brand.

4. Poll your key advisors.

Connect with your key advisors, including recruiting, legal, accounting and marketing partners. Share your growth plans and projections for next year, so they are positioned to support your goals.

Related: Skirt Roadblocks to Succession Planning

Do you project tripling your revenue? Do you intend to double the size of your team and lay off the underperformers? Give your accountants a chance to address how this will affect your tax year. Launching a new product? Give your marketers a heads up to start thinking creatively.

Get ahead of the game, so you and your allies can work together to lay the groundwork for success.

5. Funding your growth takes planning

Weigh your company’s spending and needs. Where are you planning to spend more and where can you decrease spending? Negotiate with sources you spend a lot with to secure best pricing or look at new sources to increase competition.

Planning alongside your finance and accounting team will help ensure you’re not caught off guard when you need to fund a major ad campaign or grow your team.

6. Ensure a meeting of the minds.

Getting everyone aligned with your company’s mission, brand and goals isn’t always easy, but it is crucial -- especially for your executive team. This time of year can be hectic but making time to get together can transform chaos into focus in the coming year.

While making your list and checking it twice, if you add a little business planning to the mix, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. Set some tactics in motion, envision your future and then begin 2015 with a strong start and reap the success of what you sow.

Related: Successfully Orchestrate the Expansion of a Growing Company

Monica Zent