5 Spheres of Influence - Who can help you get to your next step?
You’ve probably heard the adage dozens of times by now, “Success isn’t just about what you know, it’s who you know.” It’s also about how you nurture and leverage the relationships with those you know.
Your network is one of your greatest assets in both career and personal growth. Great networkers go beyond simply making connections and meeting new people, they also understand the interconnected relationships and roles people play in their journey and they seek out ways to engage with them intentionally.
In a previous blog, we talked about the importance of networking and how to approach it strategically. In this blog, we’re going to dive into the Spheres of Influence which helps you identify the key groups of people who can help you reach your next goal. I’ll offer you some tips on cultivating these relationships based on who you’re trying to meet and what you’re hoping to accomplish.
The Five Spheres of Influence
The concept of "spheres of influence" has been explored in various contexts ranging from geopolitics to leadership to personal development. The idea is that your network isn’t just one type of individual, it’s not just one big random web, it’s made up of different types of people, each who can play a specific role in your success.
Advocates
These are your cheerleaders and supporters! Those who actively support and promote your work. They sing your praises and talk about you positively, even in rooms you’re not in. When a need for what you offer comes up, these are the first people to chime in and send a referral your way. They genuinely want to see you succeed!
Advocates come in the form of: mentors, clients, colleagues, and even friends who believe in you and what you do.
To maintain strong relationships with the Advocates in your life:
Keep them updated on your latest projects and wins
Show them appreciation and acknowledge their support
Reciprocate whenever possible
Make sure you’re giving them quality time and connecting with them regularly
2. Stakeholders
Stakeholders are your investors - literally or figuratively, they have a vested interest in your success and achievements. Their success is interconnected with yours and it behooves them when you do well.
They come in the form of employers, business partners, investors, donors, and even family members impacted by your career decisions.
To engage with stakeholders:
Keep communication clear and transparent
Align your goals with mutual benefits to maintain strong relationships
Be professional at all times
Connect them to others who can help their success as well
Include them in collaboration and conversations when appropriate
3. Gatekeepers
These are the first point of contact and preliminary decision-makers in either your organization or the places you’re trying to get into. They’re your “foot in the door” and control access to opportunities, information, resources, and even upper-level individuals.
They might be hiring managers, event organizers, industry leaders, even front desk staff that are able to connect you to where you want to go.
They likely aren’t directly advocating for you but their approval or influence can unlock important doors and take you where you want to go.
When networking and relationship-building with Gatekeepers:
Demonstrate value before asking for something
Be professional, prepared, and patient in connecting with them
The relationship is key! Don’t just go in with a hard sell prior to establishing rapport
4 . Influencers
Influencers have reach, they have the power to amplify your message and connect you to more exposure and visibility in an organization or company. They might be thought leaders, natural connectors with large professional networks, or even actual influencers. They’re often people with “sway” and they’re a great connection to have.
Influencers tend to be able to sniff out inauthenticity rather quickly, so make sure you’re leading with integrity and honesty when connecting with them:
Engage with content on LinkedIn or other platforms and comment, share, and contribute thoughtfully
Lead with value, offering collaboration that’s win-win, insights, assistance, or something else that’s beneficial to them prior to asking for help or a favor
5. Partners
These are collaborators who are working alongside you for shared success. Don’t underestimate your collaborators and their ability to connect you to someone or something that will help you get to your next step.
Partners come in the form of: actual business partners, joint venture collaborators, accountability partners, and colleagues or team members.
The key to building strong relationships with your partners is consistency:
Always approach requests in a way that both parties benefit
Maintain clear communication and set expectations
Help them as much as they help you
Set goals and achievement milestones together and brainstorm people who can help you reach those
Intentionality in Every Interaction
Cultivating relationships within each of your spheres of influence is about consistent, mindful steps. I find it can be helpful to actually identify and list out individuals who fit into each of these categories. Then, you can identify where you’re already strong and where you need to begin strengthening and nurturing relationships through check-ins or conversations.
Treat these people like the gold they are! When networking within your spheres of influence, adopt a win-win mindset and prioritize giving over receiving. As you help others succeed, they’ll often naturally help you in return.
Leveraging Spheres of Influence for Growth
Whether personal or professional, once you know who exists in your spheres of influence, you can identify which actions you need to take to build credibility and trust. People often need to trust you to be reliable, consistent and authentic in order to help you achieve your goals.
Don’t simply be another connection on their LinkedIn, be someone people want to connect with by bringing a spirit of collaboration, shared opportunity, innovation, and curiosity.
Your network isn’t simply a collection of contacts, it’s an ecosystem of individuals to focus on building deeper connections with in order to support your mutual long-term success.
Who’s who in your spheres of influence? How will you engage with them this week?
Need more guidance or 1:1 support? Want to book time to network with ME?
I’d love to hear from you! I understand the professional journey can be complicated and overwhelming and I’m here to help! Together, we’ll build the confidence and skill needed to find the path forward for you!
