INFLUENCE & AUTHORITY
“But select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens”
Exodus 18:21.
How do you become an authority in your “space”? How do you become an authority in your industry? What is the difference between being an expert in an area and being an authority? The definitions for these two types of individuals are very different from one another.
An expert is an individual who has knowledge and experience in an area. An authority, on the other hand, is an individual that not only has knowledge and experience, but he or she also has an audience.
This individual is someone people feel that they can trust and relate to. People feel that they can listen and follow them. In addition, a person who is an authority in their field or industry is most likely successful due to good positioning and reputation. They have earned their position. Above all, an authority is someone who has a mission.
Establishing Authority
The internet and social media has made it possible for people to become authorities in their area of expertise like never before. Not only can people near you know and see firsthand what you do, but you can also share your knowledge with the rest of the world through industry association, blogs, writing, websites, etc.
The biggest hurtle is simply letting people know that you are out there. The key in marketing your expertise is to communicate what you know – and often. Social media (such as Facebook and twitter) allow you to share helpful ideas and facts. Ultimately, utilizing such tools can help you consistently inform people of the authority and knowledge you have in your field or industry.
- What is Your Niche? – You must establish yourself by defining what your niche is. You want to create your image carefully so that people feel you are the “go-to” authority in that area; this cannot be accomplished by choosing a niche that is too broad or too narrow.
- Blogging – Writing blogs is a great way to demonstrate your authority on a subject or area. It provides a personalized experience where the reader feels that he or she can relate to you while also gleaning important, useful information. You can also use it to show that you are current in what is going on in your industry and that you are aware of the newest trends/ideas. You can take this one step and write a book. That builds real authority.
- Social Media – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter…these are all great tools to use to interact with current and potential followers. Social media allows you to turn simple comments or questions into conversation. It can also offer opportunities to share products and increase awareness.
Having Authority and a Good Reputation
RG LeTourneau is known as an earthmoving innovator and one of the greatest Christian businessmen. With more than 300 patents to his name and plants on four different continents, “RG” was one of the most inspiring businessman and entrepreneurs that the world has ever seen. At the age of 14, RG LeTourneau began working in an iron foundry. Through the years and after several tradesman jobs, he discovered his passion – machinery.
In order to obtain larger and larger contracts, RG would underbid his competitors and then quickly invent machines to cut down on cost and time. In a period when work was completed through employing numerous numbers of men, LeTourneau was one of the first to introduce machinery in road construction.
In 1919, Reverend Devol spoke with RG and gave him some advice. RG was under the impression that you had to be a pastor or missionary to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). After praying and discuss this issue together, Pastor Devol told RG that:
“God needs businessmen too”.
From that moment, RG LeTourneau devoted everything to God and changed the outlook on his business – he was now in partnership with God. Through the struggles, the debt and threats of foreclosure, RG gave his problems to God. He continued to glorify God by working hard to clear his debt while still taking a day of rest on Sunday. In addition, he honoured his pledges to the church and, in time, everything began to fall in place.
RG LeTourneau is known for making the commitment to a 90/10 split. 90% of his money went to God, while the other 10% went to him and his wife. LeTourneau was known for saying that “it’s not how much of my money I give to God, but how much of God’s money I keep for myself”.
Through his hard work as an adolescent, RG LeTourneau became an authority in his business due to his inventions and leading earth moving machinery. He is also known as a giant for God for his steadfast example as a Christian businessman.
“RG” serves as a great example of what it looks like to become an authority in your field while exemplifying what a Christian businessman should look like. Doing so can have unmatched success in fulfilling the Great Commission given by God in what people view as every day circumstances.
Reflection
What is the one part of your business that you truly love doing? If there was just one service or product your business was to be known for, what would it be?
Call to Action
Choose one key area in your business that you what to focus on. Come up with a few marketing strategies to build your authority in this niche.