Tapping into the Center of Influence Method

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we are all in some form of marketing or sales, regardless of the situation. That being the case, I would like to suggest a powerful method that can help advance your business, your career, your life and your relationships. That method is called Center of Influence.

According to American Management Association (AMA)'s website, www.marketingpower.com, a center of influence method is defined as:

A prospecting method used by salespeople in which the salesperson
cultivates well-known, influential people who are
willing to provide sales leads.

Let's take this to the next level and use this method to cultivate relationships with well-known influencial people that are willing to provide leads that will connect us with success in any aspect of work and life.

For example, you stay in touch with one of your well-known, popular college professors. You take her to coffee or lunch to "pick her brain" about certain opportunities and ideas. You attend functions and lectures where she is featured. A rapport is being established and she is soon offering to introduce you another of her colleagues or executives that she knows would also be interested in sharing their expertise with you. She opens the door to an person or opportunity that can help you gain personally and professionally.

Here are advantages of tapping into the Center of Influence (COI) Method:

• Saves time
• Expands our network and our networth
• Gives us additional support
• Shows how to "pay it forward"

What are some other advantages that you can see from the Center of Influence (COI) Method?

Next question - Who can you identify as a potential Center of Influence (COI)?

Start making a list of potential Centers of Influence today.