Influence,
the most important network marketing tool!
BY: Anna-Lena Gustavsson
Let’s have a conversation about the word INFLUENCE,
and introduce you to the first step in having a positive long
lasting influence on your team and prospects.
To begin, I’d like you to explore how the word INFLUENCE makes
you feel? What types of emotions come up for you when you think
or hear that word? Does it make you feel good? Does it make
you feel bad? Does the word Influence empower you? Take a moment
to let this word resonate with you.
I know in the past, when I thought about the word Influence
my instinctual reaction was nothing short of negative. In looking
through my past experiences, in an effort to unfold the reasons
behind my negative feelings surrounding this word, I am called
to various memories throughout my childhood. I distinctly remember
one of my first experiences with this word was when my mom told
me that I could no longer associate with certain kids, because
they had a “bad influence” on me. This was my first experience
with this word, but certainly not the last of this kind. I began
to see clearly how and when I made the decision that Influence
was a “bad” thing, and that Influence was something to avoid.
And because of this experience as a young girl, I can look back
and see how throughout my life when confronted with the experience
of someone or something influencing me, my brain would immediately
send the signal to “Stay away,” or to “distrust what I am hearing
as it is unsafe and bad.” More importantly, in my efforts to
be a good person and do good to others, I also refused to accept
my own influence on others, and resisted doing so even if what
I had to say or share would be of benefit to that person or
situation.
As you may already know, research has found that our brain registers
emotions, and not words. Furthermore, a major function of our
brain is simply to protect and preserve. When negative emotions
are registered, through experiences such as mine, our protection
device kicks in overdrive, and reserves these emotions for future
reference and protection.
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Our mind has such control over how we think,
feel and act, and rarely provides the opportunity for choices
to be made free and clear of our past experiences, and past
decisions. So it’s easy to see how the decision, in my case
as a young child, has clouded my view of Influence, mine and
others, throughout my life. And has thus, shaped many of the
decisions I’ve made in the past, and has greatly affected the
results I’ve gotten.
So I ask you, what stories or emotions are you carrying around
regarding the word Influence? I encourage you to begin to get
clear with yourself in an effort to become smarter and more
aware how our mind plays with us, even with simple words and
phrases.
I myself am noticing a big fight between "my past beliefs"
and "my more mature knowledge” regarding this issue.
But, how I see it now is that “Influence” is just a word with
9 simple letters, and a word created with NO meaning, but the
meaning I or YOU attach to it. It is unfortunate but true, that
due to our past experiences mere words, if we let them, do have
the power to stir up emotions inside of us, and ultimately the
power to affect our choices in life and in business.
Let us look at what the word Influence really
means. Webster’s Dictionary defines Influence as “the power
to direct the thinking or behavior of others, usually indirectly.”
The Latin origin of the word is “influere” which means “to flow
in.”
What are you letting flow in? And;
How are you flowing in to others?
How are YOU using your influence when you meet
people? More importantly, how are you using it when you meet
a new representative or customer?
If powerfully influencing your team and customers is of any
interest to you, than it is vital and necessary to realize that
YOUR personal image is the first thing people see and the last
thing they remember about you.
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Your
personal image is communicated to others directly through the
way in which you carry yourself, and in the way in which you
present your products and/or services to them.
Benjamin Franklin said it best, he stated:
"First impressions are indeed lasting impressions."
Let
that quote sink in, and take it to heart. In doing so, it will
become easy to notice how much your influence has to do with
your personal image and other peoples impressions and opinions
of you.
Do
you carry yourself in a manner that demands people’s attention?
Does your demeanor inspire others to listen to you?
Do
not forget that your image and how you are perceived in this
world, is almost NEVER just what’s “in your head.” Your image
is almost ALWAYS someone’s true reality, perception and impression
of you.
In
closing, it has been proven that being a highly influential
person does greatly increase your success in MLM. If success
in MLM is what you are committed to, than, I ask you to think
about how you want to be seen. Think about the impression you
most want to leave on others. My suggestion would be to ask
the people closest to you, who know you best, what their impression
of you is. Also, ask them what suggestions they might have that
would improve your image. And, whether you are a man or a woman,
I also encourage you to ask those not in your gender, race or
economic status. Don’t be afraid to also ask those who maybe
aren’t in your “comfort zone” either. The more open to suggestions
and honest criticism you are, and the more you practice various
techniques and suggestions, the better and more effective your
image and impression will become.
Have
a spectacular life, and remember that YOU ARE IN CHARGE!
Anna-Lena Gustavsson
Vice President
MLM The Game
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