Everyone wants to be the “big shot” in their career. We want to be the person in our field that everyone looks to for inspiration. In my case, I look to Karen Civil because, I fashion myself a public relations professional and I specialize in music and entertainment. I feel like Karen is definitely an ‘influencer’ in that field.
Influencer is defined as:
noun
1. a person or thing that influences:
The most powerful influencer of beliefs is direct experience.
2. a person who has the power to influence many people, as through social media or traditional media
Here are a few tips to help you reach #ProLevels in your field:
1. Maintain Your Social Profiles
It is important to make sure all of your social media profiles are up to date and represent you well. In this age of technology, people know you first by your social profiles. Make sure you present yourself in a professional manner while also showing yourself in a relatable light. Depending on what 'reputation’ you’re attempting to build for yourself, you must be cautious about what you share in your social profiles, but don’t feel trapped by the rules. Post freely.
2. Make A Name for Yourself
So do you want to be the “Hey Girl Hey” type of person or do you want to come off as “#BossBabe #Untouchable.” Regardless of what type of name you want to make for yourself, in order to become an influencer in your career, you must make a name for yourself. For example, super entrepreneur and owner of curlBOX, Myleik Teele, has found a good balance between “Hey Girl Hey” and “#BossBabe.” She presents herself as relatable but also, she’s ALWAYS about her business. The catch is, you MUST live up to the name you create for yourself. Don’t sell the people dreams. While social media has become a gateway for people to create the “dream life,” in real life, you don’t want to be exposed as a fraud.
3. Interact With Your Audience
I’m sure we’ve all sent a comment or a DM and never received a response from the person we reached out to. While I’m sure some people are too busy to answer every, single message and comment, it helps to build a relationship when you don’t seem too out of reach and you interact with your following. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or corporate america’s #ItGirl, people want to feel like they can relate to you. In some cases, it can be as simple as responding to sis when she asks about where you bought that shirt or what lipstick you’re wearing. It can all be so simple, just talk to the people. Channel your inner DJ Khaled!
4. Build A Relationship through your Email List
I subscribed to Myleik Teele’s email list through her MyTaughtYou.com site. (If you haven’t noticed, I love her lol! #JudgeYaMotha) Anyway, every Friday she sends out an email entitled 'What I’m Feeling FRIDAY.“ Basically this email is a list of things she’s into or interested in that week. She talks about everything from what her faves are on Netflix to the newest recipes she’s tried. I feel like we’re friends and I’m getting an update when I get these emails. By building this relationship with her subscribers, she opens the door for many more opportunities for support. For instance, if she was to come speak at a conference in a city near me, I would definitely buy a ticket to attend because she’s awesome lol. So once again, talk to the people!
5. Read Books and Articles Specific to your Industry
When all else fails, do some research. There are many people who have done what you’re doing wayyy before you were thought of. Some of them were kind enough to share their experiences and also share information that could make your life a lot easier. Head over to Barnes & Noble or iBooks or whatever way you choose to find literature and get a book. The 'For Dummies’ books can be quite helpful and informative. You’d also be surprised at what type of information you can find by simply using Google. Research!
Last but not least, (If you don’t take away anything else, take this with you!),CONSISTENCY, CONSISTENCY, CONSISTENCY!
Consistency is key my baby lol! No matter what, you HAVE GOT to be consistent. It always works to under-promise and OVER-DELIVER! People will take you way more serious when you simply do what you said you were going to do. If you constantly hit the people with promises and never deliver, you can’t expect people to support you. With that being said, say it and do it!
An honorable mention tip that can also assist in establishing yourself as an influencer is:
Reciprocity: a favor for a favor, A hand written Thank You card, or even a simple shout out can help set you apart
In essence, there’s some rules to this game called 'Life’ but most of the best moments are built on experience. Sometimes you have to make your own rules. These are just a few tips to help make your journey to becoming an influencer a tad easier. Take what you need, leave what you don’t. And remember, Be Great!