Under The Influence: Six Simple Ways To Become A Powerful Influencer

Don’t you love long weekends? We recently had one celebrating the Queen’s Birthday.

I drank an English breakfast tea in the Queen’s honour, enjoyed a scone and wore a Tiara– although the Tiara wasn’t out of the ordinary. I like to wear one occasionally, practising how it would feel if I became a Princess. But since Harry got hitched (THANKS MEGHAN), the Tiara has become as useless as page 2 of Google search results. 

While sipping tea and eating my warm-buttered jam scone (OK, there was cream too), I began to think about the power of influence. 

I pondered. If the Queen is exerting this kind of influence over me, forcing me to eat scones and-all, how can I generate the same impact among colleagues? Of course, offering a high-tea style brunch might win a few people over (who says no to mini-cucumber sandwiches?), but how else?

Influence is about building rapport. The Queen achieves this through her annual Christmas video, Birthday cards she sends to people who have reached 100 and let’s not forget her cute smile. So, want to have the same influence as Queen E? Here are six ways you can. 

1.  Listen

Taking the time to listen to your peers is pivotal. Queen Elizabeth has incredible listening skills. Whenever she’s having a conversation with someone, she maintains eye-contact, provides open body language and asks the person who she’s speaking with questions. 

Whomever (trying to be formal in case Lizzy is reading this) you are having a conversation with, it is essential to make sure you are actively listening to what is being said. This simple skill never goes astray.

2.  Show Understanding

Understanding the needs and wants of someone creates a foundation for enabling the power of influence. If you can understand what’s beneath a person’s desires and motivations– you’re able to connect with that person on a deeper level. Therefore, building trust and establishing a stronger relationship.

Image: Giphy

3.  Ask Questions

Questioning is a highly regarded skill in any environment. I’m not talking about weird Tinder and Bumble ice-breakers, like, “How was your day?”. Well, obviously it’s not going well Bill since I’ve resorted to dating apps in the hope of finding love.

But by asking people questions, it shows that you’re taking interest and genuinely care, which will ultimately foster reciprocity. 

4.  Remember Names

Baaaa-deee ya say that you remember, baaaa-de ya– Sorry, I got lost in the September song. Can you imagine how many names the Queen has to remember? 93 years worth. Remembering and using someones name is SO-VERY IMPORTANT. It makes the person on the receiving end feel like a hundred bucks.

I’ve learnt my Barista’s name, and now I get a free pistachio cookie with every coffee. I’m allergic to nuts, but it’s the thought that counts *heart emoji* with a side of *ambulance emoji* 

5.  Smile

If you’ve disliked this piece because I’ve raved on about the Royals too much #sorrynotsorry, you have to agree that Lizzy has the cutest smile on earth! Isn’t she a button?! It’s a super-cliché saying, but one that I totalllyyy agree with– smile and the world smiles with you.

Of course, don’t be insincere with your smile. A smile as fake as Kate’s happiness that Meghan is now the style icon, definitely won’t win people over. 

6.  Set A Good Example

Let’s face it, if you have a resting B face, you’re always moody and you steal everyones office stationary (BUY YOUR OWN PENS AND HIGHLIGHTERS!), how will you influence the people around you? Think about the people who are role models in your life. What attributes do they uphold that allow them to inspire you? By setting an example, this will encourage people to be influenced by you and want to follow in your footsteps. 

Now go out and show the world your inner Queen! I’m not suggesting singing Bohemian Rhapsody in the street (although, that would be kinda cool), but by using at least one of these tips throughout your day, you’ll be able to influence others around you. Simples! (That meerkat is sooo convincing!)

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