How to Market You to Influencers

In the age of information overload, it is difficult to establish your brand from the ground up. When no one has heard of you, you need supporters to help to get your name out. You need to distinguish yourself from the masses. You need to identify influencers who have influence over your potential customers, investors or partners and get them to spread the word for and about you.

Who are the Influencers?
You will know them when you see them. But here are some examples of influencers:
-Community Leaders
-Political Leaders
-Best Selling Authors
-Industry Leaders
-Financial Advisors / Analysts
-Early Adopters
-High Profile Bloggers
-Connectors (social butterflies)
-Organization Leaders

Steps to Market You to Influencers

Help Them
Put yourself in their shoes. Why would they want to help you? Stop asking “What’s in it for me?” and start thinking “What is in it for them?”

The key issue here is that influencers have no reason to pay attention to you or help you unless there is something important you can offer to help them. It is really that simple. Find out what they need help with and offer them a solution. Find out what are their most urgent projects. Find out what he or she really cares about.

Inspire Them
What makes you different from other people? What separates you from the masses? What is your dream? What is your cause? What is there about you that would make the influencers want to find out more about you? Inspire them and show them who you really are.

Make it Easy for Them
Just because you are offering help doesn’t mean they HAVE to respond to you right away. You may ask yourself “Aren’t they supposed to get back to me immediately because I am helping them?”

Well… Yes and no. Think about this. Their life was perfectly fine before you showed up. What is so important about your offer that would turn their life upside down? Make it easy for them to let you help them. Make yourself available. If it takes 10 steps to help them, ask for one thing at a time.

Imagine you are the dentist and the influencer is your patient. Slowly ask them to open their mouth so you can work on their teeth. Don’t scare them away.

Think About This
Who are the influencers in your industry? What do they really care about and how can you help?

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