How can you become a COI in your own community? Here are some pointers:

Define your community. It needs to be manageable. Often, it's a niche. It's not going to be New York City. It might be your neighborhood in Brooklyn. It might be within your college alumni association, a local nonprofit or the professional society connected to your previous profession.
Get your name out there. Study your local area. See how other people do it. Some realtors or attorneys advertise on shopping carts at the supermarket. Others have ads on benches at bus stops. Some write for local newspapers. Others have billboards. In a way, it's subliminal advertising. People see your name, firm and profession over and over.
Attend meetings and events. Perhaps your niche is the local chapter of your college alumni association. Be a regular at meetings. Over time, meet everyone. Find opportunities to speak or ask questions at meetings. You want to come across as smart.
Get into an influential role. Many organizations have plenty of people who tell others what to do. There are few worker bees getting things done. Take on a project that puts you in a central role. This might be taking on the role of membership chair in the alumni chapter. Develop a strategy to reach out to every local graduate. Make it easy for them to get involved. Everyone who does will know you. They might all have business potential either as individuals or firms.
Get credit by giving credit. You have grown the membership. Every meeting you report on progress. You lavish praise on other committee members. Those listening will know you made it happen. Word will spread you are a person who gets things done. Successful people want to know other successful people. They will seek you out.
Cultivate those successful people. Surprise! Those people who sought you out are COIs! Now you are part of the "club". They come to you for advice. They direct others to you.

Becoming a COI is a great way to give back. It's also a great way to position yourself to get business.

Instant Insights /

How to become a center of influence

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