You’ve Decided? What about Them?

Chances are, you have already decided on decisioning (especially if you have been following this ZDT Blog). If not, this post may be a “twofer?” The reason this is timely is because of the gravity of the decisions that will need to be made within the next couple of years, and you only have one vote.

That said, like any other center-of-influence movement, it starts with you, but continues all the way out to your full constituency. That is how we leverage our position individually to others (and their vote…and their own constituency...on and on).

But, many times when folks want to get on their soapbox about anything, they do so more out of emotion and bias. If that is true, in order to help you consider a more objective and deliberate approach, here are a couple of steps you may try before you attempt to influence your audience.

One:
Create awareness of the issue with facts. Some call this the due diligence or “homework” phase. The reason this step is vital is because everyone has a device (aka SmartPhone) that allows them to fact-check most anything at anytime. So, if you are not dealing with the facts…you had your shot, and you may as well put the gun back in the closet for another day (and, you are back to one vote).

Two:
Once you decide to truly influence your audience, you will need to measure your commitment. You will meet with resistance (sometimes hostility). So, before you fold your tent and limp home, you may be better served by structuring a support group to back you up. They can also serve to keep the encouragement quotient strong while in battle. And yes, they will need the same level of commitment to the cause that you have.

Three:
Look for a model. Nothing will move your process and spread your influence faster than having a transferable model that everyone can agree to and uniformly execute on a repeatable basis. A model is also much easier to recruit to (your team). Again, using your digital devise, there are zillions of models to be searched. The key will be to find the simplest, most understandable and compatible structure that will help you communicate the message. The more effective this model is, the wider the capacity to build and influence your audience.

Four:
Don’t wait. If the next election of 2012 is one of your targets, it will be here before you can imagine. But conversely, know that those who will be in the hunt are already highly active, with detailed plans, targeted audiences, money, influence, market information…in other words…not haphazard in their preparation. They are ready for the battle. Question is; (if you have seriously made your decision) are you?

All of the above could have cost considerable time just a couple of years ago. But, thanks to social networking sites, countless digital apps, and the blog community, most anyone can be connected and influential with just a few clicks. How hard is that?

Hopefully, this post has motivated or encouraged you to some degree. Could be that you may forward this, as a challenge, to someone you would consider to be in your group. See what happens…just may be the spark.

As always…you decide.

Discovery   Commitment   Solution   Action