Under the Influence of Attention

09/18/2007 | 36 Comments

http://www.strategicprofits.com/blogpics/1_ideaicon.jpgHow influential are you? 

Tough question, isn’t it? I encourage you to give it serious thought.

First, let’s define the term to avoid confusion.

Influence is the ability to become a compelling force on others. It is an ingredient of persuasion.

Influence spreads quickly and easily among an audience.

Don’t confuse this with influenza… That’s something altogether different.

Influence can bring greater attention to the influencer as ideas and emotions are spread.

Other times, influence escapes our visible attention. Instead, it is felt –  a silent emotion. It is a feeling that pushes us or pulls us in one direction or another.

What is the greatest influence in your life? Perhaps that’s where you should place your most attention.

Our parents warned us in our childhood about bad influences. They are the kinds that lurk in the alleyways and in the deep recesses of our mind.

Now we are grown and accountable for our actions. We seek good influences, the kind that will propel our business and enrich our lives.

But who or what is providing influence on you right now? Is this influence for the good or is it steering you away from your goals?

Perhaps that’s not so easy to determine, but determine it you must.

Many people think of influence as something that comes with power or money. We see it on display in politics and celebrity culture. We often give attention to those we perceive to have great influence. This is not always wise, but it is quite common.

When we ourselves have influence on others it comes bundled with responsibility. You may feel this as a mother or father. You may know this as the owner of a business or leader of a community group.

As you create and develop your online business, think about the influence you have and what you intend to do with it.

If you have the ability to influence others, how will this realization shape your online business?

Who will you reach with your messages? How will you improve their lives?

As a business owner, each day you stand at the edge of a cliff. The cliff represents opportunity. From your vantage point, you overlook the marketplace. If you could just influence this market, you will find success.

But you are on the edge of that cliff for a reason. You know rewards do not come without risks. If you take a misstep, you will fall from the cliff. Such are the perils of entrepreneurship.

So, what will influence you to take the proper steps toward success? What is the source of influence that allows you to move forward with confidence?

Imagine me as an entrepreneurial traffic cop. I’m approaching your vehicle with this question: Is your business driving under the influence (DUI)? If so, where are you driving your business?http://www.strategicprofits.com/blogpics/1_drinkicon.jpg

–  Is your goal to influence buying decisions among the marketplace?
–  Do you hope to influence others with your wisdom?
–  Are you intent on using your business influence to improve living conditions in your home and in your community?

In the Attention Age, everyone is an influencer. What makes this age special is that now all of those influencers are becoming networked.

Consider this: Just by writing a blog, I have influence. People see my name; they recognize it and give weight to my ideas and opinions, for better or worse.

By reading a blog and sharing a message with others, you have influence. By linking to this blog and encouraging others to do the same, you help spread the messages that influenced you. You are building a network of influence.

Your comments on my blog have influence, too. I read them, and so do many others. By providing us with comments, you help influence the decisions of online entrepreneurs just like you whom you may never meet.

Your words provide inspiration. Your insights deliver clarity and give others a sense of purpose.

I know they do for me.

So I’ll ask you a simple and direct question to spark some comments:

Who are the greatest influences in your life?

There may be one or there may be 100. Let me know by sharing your comments on my blog.

By becoming a source of information for others, you exhibit influence. That influence may develop into a profitable business for you. It could provide the basis of future friendships. Or, you just may be content in being a trusted conduit of attention for influential information.

Give influence your attention.

Understand its power and impact on your daily decisions.

Commit to positive influences that lead to greater rewards. Your business deserves your utmost attention.  Let the influence on your business be one that promotes growth and brings happiness.

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