Expanding Your Influence

Influence is a two-way street. We have the ability to influence others just as we can be influenced. Celebrities, preachers, authors, parents, teachers, politicians and popular people tend to have greater levels of influence because of the amount of lives that they are able to reach.


Trying to expand your influence by forcing yourself on others will backfire. If you want to make a large impact, make a difference in someone's life. Reaching people can happen in person, via social media, through writing, by speaking, through the media or in passing. Some will be influenced just by watching us without our direct efforts.


Leaders must provide information that benefits a larger population of people in order to build greater influence. I recently told my students, "Instead of trying to stand out, be outstanding!" Excellence will gain attention. Those of us who desire to make a greater impact will usually reap added benefits if we are a blessing instead of expecting one. Continue to enhance your gift and it will make room for you. How large that room is depends on how you submit to the development of what you have to contribute.

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