Regardless of how prepared, knowledgeable, and organised you are, the ability to access the support, time, and guidance of those around you is a major advantage. Gaining the assistance of others or getting them on your team, however, is easier said than done.
One of the best ways to earn the consistent support of a team of others is by creating a strong personal following.
Creating a personal following doesn’t happen overnight. You must truly inspire others so that they’re willing to go out of their way for you at any time. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but it will prove to be well worth both the time and the effort.
Here are three steps you can take to build a strong following, while also enabling you to perform at your top potential.
Set SMART goals
Having clearly defined goals will enable you to consistently move forward and demonstrate your value to others. However, in my work coaching entrepreneurs and businesses, I have been shocked to discover how few people set goals—and how many of those who do aren’t forming them well enough to actually help them attain the goal in question. This is why I always employ the SMART criteria for setting my own goals, and why I suggest others do the same.
SMART stands for:
- Specific- you should state exactly what you want to achieve.
- Measurable- there should be a quantifiable target that you’re working toward.
- Achievable- this goal should be something you legitimately believe you can obtain.
- Realistic- obtaining your goal must also be practical.
- Timely- you must have a timeframe for goal completion.
Using the SMART criteria is invaluable when setting objectives. The simple nature of setting a clearly measurable and time-based goal signals to yourself and others that you’re committed. Additionally, simple performance tracking drives you day by day towards goal obtainment, so you reach your them more quickly.
Keep learning
When working by yourself or as part of a team, it’s essential that you have fresh, new ideas. In our world with its rapidly evolving technology, having these fresh ideas requires you to consume and absorb new information continuously. While learning can seem like an endeavor you simply lack time for, I assure you: there are countless ways to gain knowledge and improve yourself on the go.
One of the best ways to be constantly improving is by listening to podcasts. Not only are most podcasts free, but also, they enable you to absorb the most current, up-to-date information. Listening to podcasts even inspired me to create my own: The Better Business Coach Podcast.
Another great way to learn is to use Audible to listen to books when you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to read—such as during your daily commute. For a small monthly fee, you can gain great knowledge from some of the most respected authors in your field. There is even a bookmark feature that enables you to take notes.
I’m someone who likes to be able to go back and refer to pertinent quotes, and even use them in my own writing, so I’ve found Audible to be an invaluable tool in both my personal development, and in my work. By using technology to continuously learn and grow, you will show others that you are someone worth getting behind.
Be a positive force
Another consistent issue I’ve found in my work coaching businesses and business owners is that people often underestimate the power of positivity. Positivity is essential in everything, from how you interact with your staff and various stakeholders, to the manner in which you think about your personal dreams and goals. You must focus on the positive outcomes you desire, and not the outcomes you fear. For example, if you’re about to make an important presentation, you shouldn’t think to yourself, “Don’t screw it up,” or, “What if I forget an essential piece of information?” Doing so has you focusing on that negative outcome; you’re subconsciously sabotaging yourself.
Instead, focus on executing your tasks perfectly; by stressing the things that are within your control rather than all the possible negative outcomes, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible scenario. This also goes for the manner in which you interact with a team: by focusing on their potential and encouraging them to control what they can and not worry about the things they can’t, you’ll inspire them to be at their best—and, in turn, they will follow you faithfully.
If you employ these pieces of advice, not only will you fulfill your own potential, you’ll also inspire others to get behind you in your endeavors. With a supportive following in place, you’ll always have any help you need close at hand.
