We have been discussing the Power of Influence here at Life and Business Integration and if you have not read the other post, you can read Part 1 and Part 2 to see what this series has been about. This post is the final installment of the series and I hope that for you it was as good to read as it was for me to write.
Today I want to cover a couple of more points about influencing like Christ.
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Communication is a Key Factor in Influencing
In part one of the series on influencing like Christ we talked about leading by example. Were you encouraged to be more like Christ when it comes to influencing other in your business?
Now comes on of my favorite strategies: Communication. What you say and how you say it is of utmost importance when influencing others.
If you’re condescending or condemning in your speech, others will see you as haughty, arrogant and egotistical. Most likely, they’ll steer away from you. However, when you’re uplifting, encouraging and genuine, others tend to listen and heed what you say.
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If you have not figured it out by now I am an avid Mary J. Blige fan. For many reason I admire Mary’s transparent transformation. I admire her unashamedly admittance to the fact that she lived a life that did not reflect the real Mary. Most of all, I love that she give God the glory for her transformation!
Mary’s song, “Just Fine”, deals with the reality of being ok with where you are in life. I want to share line from the song and talk a little about living your dreams!
When it comes to having a successful business, knowing how to influence others is great asset to attain. However, as a faith-filled Believer it is important that we understand that influence is not manipulation or deceit. Influence for the Believer should be persuasion with love and service at the forefront of our objective. As Christ was the Great Influence so we should strive to be the same.
In order to get a clear understanding about influence, it may be necessary to know what the term truly means.
Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
I am a Mary J Blige fan and I love to take her songs and tie them into my speeches, posts, and articles. Her music speaks to the person right where they are and help them see a way out when there appears to be no way. Her lyrics speak of love, belief in self, belief in self, stay true to self, and even being more proactive in life.
Over the last few months I have been developing my brand. All during this time I reflected and considered many things. What would God have me to do? How will I use it to serve others? How will I use it to glorify God? How will what God has for me fit into the brand I create?
What I have learned has been a blessing. I have discovered that branding comes down to the Three P’s: Personality, Passion, and Purpose. These are things I already use to help me walk my path anyway and I was able to see how they apply to my business as well.
Integrity is how we behave when no one is looking. It is this type of attitude that we must carry with us in all that we do. It is not a sign of integrity when we lose sense of our values. We have to ask ourselves if we are willing to cut corners or continue to live by our values. There are definitely consequences to our self image when we compromise on our beliefs.
When it comes to having an online business, there are many things to consider. The first, of course, is what that business will be. That can pose an issue for some because there are so many options available for online businesses. I for one had this problem. I did not know which way to go. However with some guidance, good coaching, a supportive mastermind group, and prayer I was able to find a path that fit me.
When you get into Social Media for the first time it can be rather overwhelming. Blogging, twitter, forums, Facebook, Linked In, Flickr, Stumbleupon, Food Buzz, Ning, Myspace, and the list goes on. It just all seems to be a bit much; especially when you are new to the Social Media game.
How does one find their place in the realm of Social Media?
