This month’s ebook, Win Over Your Industry’s Social Media Influencers, will help you build a strategy for connecting with those who are influential in your industry. It will also guide you to becoming influential yourself! Here’s a snippet from the ebook.

How to Win Over Your Influencers

Reciprocation – If you give first, it’s easier to take. Giving can come in many forms. Offer freebies, insider information or exposure in exchange for a mention, feedback, participation, etc. Blog, link to or tweet about an influencer before you solicit their involvement in your endeavor. Tweet

Commitment and Consistency – Try to find a quote the influencer has already published indicating their love for your brand or support for your cause. Since they’ve publicly stated their opinion, their conscience will encourage them to remain consistent with their words, increasing the likelihood of following through with your request. Tweet

Social Proof – We learn the norm from the actions of others around us. If any of your influencers’ connections or other industry players have participated in your effort, call it out. Another way to provide social proof is with numbers; for example: “18 others are participating. We need 7 more and were hoping you’d be one.” Tweet

Liking – People do business with those they know, like and trust. Make communications personal. Be enthusiastic. The closer you can draw a personal connection to your target, the more willing they might be to take part. Tweet

Authority – In order to recruit authoritative supporters, you have to be authoritative yourself. Establish credibility as an organization or individual by using proper spelling and grammar, professional language, linking to success stories, etc. Tweet

Scarcity – The thought of missing out incites action. Offer a limited-time sneak preview, limited-edition product or service, or limited quantity. Tweet

This list is inspired by the six weapons of influence discussed in Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, authored by renowned professor, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini.

Do you have an influencer strategy? How do you engage with influencers? Would you consider yourself influential? Check out the ebook.

Tags: Brand, influencer strategy, Marketing, PR