How to Build your career influence in 4 Easy steps

If you want to stand out from the crowd or competition at work, then you need to be seen as an expert in your field.  Everyone has the potential to gain influence and be considered expert at what they do. But being considered as an expert has more to do with your credibility with others.  Credibility is earned.  How?

Here are four easy steps that you’ll need to follow first to build your influence and increase your credibility.

Educate Yourself

First and foremost, make sure that you’re educated on what you’re doing. When you become the go-to person on a topic, it increases your credibility.  Earning degrees, credentials, or certifications can help others view you as having mastered a subject and capable of speaking on the topic with integrity.  

• Take evening courses at a local college or online school to help further your education and keep you up to date on the latest knowledge and technology.

 

• Read more. It doesn’t matter what you do as a profession, you need to take advantage of the vast knowledge that is circulating globally.  Read news feeds; subscribe to digital magazines, and read more books that position you with the knowledge necessary to be well-versed on a topic.

 
By expanding your knowledge you’ll also build your confidence. Tell me one person that was ever seen as an expert that didn’t believe in themselves and what they were doing. Can you name one? Not likely! With knowledge comes confidence.
 
Demonstrate Your Knowledge
 
It’s one thing to talk about what you know, but it’s something else entirely to actually do it. Knowledge can be demonstrated through writing a blog, starting a YouTube channel on your subject matter expertise, or even giving talks at local venues.  
 
Experts also don’t just walk around bragging about what they can do, they take action. If you encounter a difficult problem or situation, you’ll be able to take charge and find a solution.

• Be proactive. If a problem arises, take action right away to find a solution. If you don’t know the answer yourself, search out someone who does. Demonstrating integrity means that you need to learn new things and not be afraid to admit when you don't know something.

 
Learn To Be a Great Communicator 
 
People have to understand what you can do and why you’re the best one to do it. This means that you have to understand and foresee the questions and concerns of others, then prepare and articulate the answers and solutions to them.

• Great communicators don’t just boss others around. Use your communications skills to teach and empower your coworkers.

 
Always Act With Integrity
 
Don’t take credit for things you haven’t done and don’t take shortcuts. Skipping out on doing something the right way doesn’t make you an expert, however, this doesn’t mean that you have to do everything yourself.
 
There will always be things we’re not so good at. In those circumstances, you have to learn how to delegate those responsibilities to others who have the skills required to get the job done. Part of being a good expert is seeing the strengths and weaknesses of others and how their talents can be put to good use.

• Give others credit for a job well done. Wise leaders and the most incredible of experts don’t do everything themselves. They have a talented team around them who have the skills they themselves lack.

 
By following these simple four steps, you’ll become the person with the answers. These are the people who become irreplaceable and well respected because they take action. That's the beginning of how you build influence.