Become a Key Person of Influence – an invaluable micro business tool

As Editor at the Micro Business Hub I’m on a mission to find resources, ideas and books that inspire micro business owners to succeed.

I recently stumbled upon Daniel Priestley’s “Become a Key Person of Influence”. I loved it. Here’s why…

What do you want to achieve in your micro business? 

The world of micro business is insanely diverse. And everyone has their own unique reasons for choosing self-employment. If one of your goals is to gain recognition in your niche, this book is for you.

Inside, Daniel Priestley (@DanielPriestley) outlines a powerful strategy. A “Five-Step Sequence to becoming one of the most highly valued and highly paid people in your industry”.

But make no mistake, he doesn’t promise an easy ride. But he does show with focus, commitment and direction, you can own a niche in just 12-months. If that premise appeals read on…

Here’s a business book that makes sense

I picked up this book up the business show. I started thumbing through it on the homeward train. Before I knew it, I was hooked… The ideas just resonated.  I found myself taking notes, underlining key points and frantically brainstorming and capturing ideas the book dislodged.

5 Steps to become a key person of influence…

“Bite off more than you can chew and then figure it out as you go along…” p.156

Inside his book, Priestley explains in detail how to achieve his five steps. The book is bite sized chunks, easy to read and packed with questions and activities designed to focus your motivation and push you on. It’s not just theory. It’s also a practical application of Priestley’s ideas.

Here’s a flavour of the five steps…

Step 1: Pitch:

It all starts with your pitch. You’ve absolutely got to nail it and be convincing. What’s more you need to get specific, passionate and use your pitch to attract opportunities. Your pitch should capture your “Big Game”.  And it must be so contagious others will bite your hand off to get involved.

Step 2: Publish:

Give your pitch credibility and build your reputation by writing a book (or valuable articles). And before that scares you off, you can self-publish and you don’t have to write a best seller! The key is to become a published author because it immediately raises your profile.

Step 3: Product:

Next share your ideas. Make them accessible to a wider market through valuable downloads, CD products, eCourses etc. Aim to create something of value that helps you reach a wider market – and makes money whilst you sleep.

Step 4: Profile:

Get “web famous” and build your personal brand. Make it clear you know your stuff when your name is Googled. In addition embrace social media to engage in conversations, interact and spread your message to a new audience.

Step 5: Partnerships:

Priestley argues this is the critical key to achieving KPI status. You need to find people to work with who complement your ideas. You benefit because you gain access to a wider audience much quicker than you could alone.

I agree these five steps sound pretty stretching. But the book was inspiring and uplifting and made the goals seem achievable. In addition, Priestley is able to convince these ambitions are worthwhile:

When you are a KPI, you will find great opportunities come your way”. p.160.

Finding your niche

Perhaps the idea of becoming a KPI is appealing but you’re unsure where your niche lies. Daniel’s advice to is step back and appreciate what’s there already.

“You are already standing on a mountain of value”. (p.65)

Your micro niche doesn’t have to be something entirely new. Instead re-visit what you’ve done in your past and get clear on how your experiences have brought you to the present day. Next embrace the niche knowledge you already possess, and set out to package it so it becomes valuable to others.

Approached this way, even past jobs or interests that on the surface have little relevance to your current business suddenly have something to offer.

The world has changed… it’s time for micro businesses to shine

The concept of a “micro business” really excites me. And in my opinion, the time is right for niche companies to make an impact – even on a global scene.

Social media conversations, online shopping and the ability to market to a niche has made it very feasible for a micro business to achieve skyrocketing success. You just need to equip yourself with the tools, ideas and determination to make it happen.

And for me Daniel Priestley nails the difference. A following is not enough. If you want to be a thought leader in your niche, you also need to develop influence.

So if your aim is to become a KPI in your field, see if this book resonates with you too.

And if you want to hang out and get inspired by other micro business owners, come and join me in the NEW Micro Business Hub.

Who and what inspires you in your micro business? Please leave a comment and let me know.