I will never forget one of my first defining moments; the man that I thought I would marry, have children with, buy the house with the white picket fence, the whole shebang – dumped me – yes dumped me, just like that. I think he said something like “this is not working for me anymore” and that was it! But before we parted ways, he gave me the book Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins  and said read it you need it. Once I got past my ego, I realized he was right. I was depending on external things to make me happy. 

In the middle of the pain of being rejected, I devoured every word Anthony Robbins said about influence and the psychology behind it. Then I stumbled across Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People  Seminar and I was hooked. I knew somewhere deep inside that no matter what path I chose to walk, this information would make the difference in the level of my success and the quality of relationships in my life.

Before long I quit university, (I was living in Ottawa going to Ottawa University at time) sold my car and moved to Vancouver to work for the Anthony Robbins franchise. My parents were appalled.  “You are quitting university to work for the man we see on TV in the middle night selling this thing called personal power – for $8 an hour!?

I saw it differently – I was going to be paid to go to the Anthony Robbins University and I was creating the opportunity to be in an environment where I could master the art of influence. I was in pure bliss.

Almost twenty years later, I write this newsletter sitting on a patio over looking the ocean from the home of my dreams. I am in a relationship that nurtures my soul daily and I relish in the luxury of the lifestyle that being an entrepreneur allows and experience  daily gratitude that I get to live my dream of coaching individuals to live their dreams.

It hasn’t always been an easy journey but I sure wouldn’t have the business and life I have today if I did not master the power of influence.

A few weeks ago ForbesWoman  released The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women and one quote jumped right off the page: “Forbes’ Power Women list isn’t about celebrity or popularity; it’s about influence.”

Now that’s really saying something! Think about it. The ability to influence IS power. It enables success. It leads to wealth and opportunity and relationships. It makes things happen.

These ladies clearly know how to make things happen. Want to meet these masters of influence? Here’s a great three-minute video  about them.

Whether you want to influence people to buy your products or services or have higher quality relationships, I have discovered there are four key factors of influence.

Factor #1 To build Rapport:
Rapport is the heart of influence. The word rappoarte comes from the Greek language and means “to carry back to another person an experience of themselves”. Rapport building is being willing to understand and experience another person’s view of the world as if you were that person. This is the art of making someone feel comfortable and accepted. Think of this as being “in sync” with someone, establishing a harmonious relationship of mutual trust or affinity. When you get along with someone well, they instinctively listen to and trust you.

To dive in deeper and learn more about the skill of Rapport, check out the book Step-by-Step System, by Marilyn Atkinson, Owner of Erickson International and Rae Choice, Master Certified Coach. The first chapter gives a wonderful overview of some of the key points of Rapport. Email info@erickson.edu to get your copy.

Factor #2. The ability to influence oneself:
Research shows that top salespeople believe that selling is the transference of emotion. They are extremely aware of the importance of being in a powerful emotional state of mind before talking with a customer. The ability to influence ourselves is about learning to manage our own emotions.  Sorry to say it wasn’t your ability alone that produced a particular result, it was the emotional state you were in at that moment.

Do you feel in every cell of your body, that your prospect can get what they need from your product or service? Do you believe without a shadow of a doubt that you’re worth what you charge? Influencing yourself on these issues may be the most important factor of all in your ability to influence your prospective clients and customers. Your level of confidence, conviction and congruency must be strong before the influencing process even begins.

This month decide to play with your rapport skills, and ask yourself where are you REALLY with your level of conviction with what you are “selling”.  With these two factors you are well on your way to becoming a master of influence! Be sure to join me next month for 2 more critical factors in becoming a master influencer.

In support of your success!

Teresia LaRocque, MCC

Are you a Success Coach?  

Did you know our next Passion into Profit Program starts November 3rd?

“What an amazing year! The tools, the processes, the discussions, the support in the Passion into Profit program made the difference between me failing and succeeding! I will continue to refer all those I run into. Thank you!”
~ Teresa Groendahl

The Passion into Profit program offers an empowering environment that supports you, gives you proven strategies and tools that create results and provides a structure of accountability that keeps you in action. Participants leverage their business, enjoy the process and increase their bottom line!
 
Join us for an informational call and find out if the Passion into Profit program is the next best step for you.  Next program starts November 3rd! 
 Get your first taste of “The Passion Into Profit Program”

A Business Building Program for Coaches
 
October 21st 10:00am PST – 11:30am PST (1:00pm EST – 2:30pm EST) 

Click here to Register!

(Please note that if you have any questions or specific things you would like to address or mention, please enter that information in the registration box supplied)

Watch a video of Teresia sharing business building tips here! (In Alliance with Erickson International College)
 
During this informational packed hour, we will be sharing some of the savviest secrets to building a thriving coaching practice, an outline of the program and we’ll answer any questions you may have. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and be inspired by some participants and graduates of the current “Passion into Profit” program. Connect with people who have been where you are and are now stepping into building the coaching practice of their dreams!  

To find out more about the Passion into Profit program visit:
www.passionintoprofitforcoaches.com