Book Review - Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley
The 5 Step Method to Become One of the Most Highly Valued People in your Industry!
In 2009, I had read more than 100 books. Typically one per week since then!
But, recently, I have a hard time recalling even one useful idea from each book, except those favorites. The lessons weren't sticking and were quickly being forgotten. That moment became a turning point in my life.
I realized that for ideas and lessons from books to stick, I needed to start writing some summaries and blog posts about each book. I need to review them, organize them, make them actionable. To turn them into something my clients and I could actually use in life.
And so in 2023, I am starting to create book summaries based on my highlights. Plus a to do list of actionable steps for others to use these summaries and if they read the book or not, put the theories into practice!
Hope you Enjoy this Weeks Book: Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley
The Community Connect Event is this Thursday October 26 4 pm EST
Unlocking Success as an Entrepreneur: Insights from Daniel Priestley's "Key Person of Influence"
In the constantly shifting landscape of business and entrepreneurship, there are certain universal principles that help individuals stand out and thrive. One such foundational principle is presented by Daniel Priestley in his seminal book, "Key Person of Influence" (KPI). For any budding entrepreneur or seasoned business professional, the book offers a structured framework to evolve into an influential figure in one’s industry.
The Five-Step Method to Becoming a KPI
Priestley elaborates on a five-step method, which is the blueprint to becoming a KPI in any field. Let's dive deep into these steps, tailored for the modern entrepreneur. *My key takeaways are in the quote below each of the 5! I love a good takeaway don’t you? Tell me yours in the comments!
Pitch: Every entrepreneur knows the power of a compelling pitch. It's your introduction to the world. As Priestley notes, "Your pitch is the most crucial asset in your toolbox." The first step in your entrepreneurial journey is to articulate a concise, genuine, and memorable pitch. Think about brands like Apple, whose pitch isn't just about technology, but about "thinking differently." Your pitch shouldn’t merely state what you do but encapsulate the essence of your vision.
A great pitch is a blend of clarity and passion. First, identify your audience's pain points and tailor your solution to address them. Speak with confidence and practice, practice, practice!
Publish: In our digital age, publishing has become accessible to everyone. However, there's a difference between merely publishing and publishing with authority. Priestley wisely suggests, "Don't wait to be picked. Pick yourself." By sharing your knowledge, insights, and experiences, you not only position yourself as an expert but also provide immense value to your audience. Successful entrepreneurs like Seth Godin or Tim Ferriss have utilized this principle effectively, leveraging publishing to extend their reach and solidify their authority.
Publishing positions you as an expert. Start by jotting down areas of your expertise. Write consistently, even if it's just a few hundred words daily. And remember, the perfect piece is refined over time.
Product: Your expertise is not just to be shared; it's to be packaged. As an entrepreneur, the creation and marketing of a unique product or service is central to your endeavor. Priestley asserts, "Your assets, especially intangible assets, are the key to unlocking opportunities." Whether it’s a digital tool, a workshop, or a new gadget, it should encapsulate your expertise, address a clear need, and provide value. Think about Spanx founder Sara Blakely, who transformed her expertise and understanding of women's clothing needs into a billion-dollar product.
Your expertise is a goldmine for product ideas. From e-courses to ebooks or workshops, opportunities abound. Identify key takeaways you want users to gain, and structure them progressively.
Profile: In today's world, your online profile is as crucial as your real-world reputation. As Priestley aptly puts it, "You don't own your brand; it lives in the minds of others." A dynamic online presence that tells your story, showcases your achievements, and highlights your expertise is essential. Elon Musk, for instance, has a distinct online profile that's a blend of his ventures, his vision, and his personality. It's not just about listing achievements; it's about creating a narrative that resonates.
A LinkedIn profile isn't just a CV; it's a reflection of your professional identity. Optimize by using relevant keywords, showcasing your skills, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Partnership: Success is rarely a solo endeavor. Forming strategic partnerships can amplify your reach and impact. According to Priestley, "Collaborations can open doors faster than any other method." By joining forces with individuals or organizations with aligned values, entrepreneurs can access new markets, share resources, and grow exponentially. Consider the collaboration between tech giants Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Their complementary skills led to the creation of Apple, a company that changed the world.
Great partnerships amplify strengths and address gaps. Start by assessing your business needs, then identify potential partners who fill those gaps. Transparency, shared goals, and regular communication are key.
Applying KPI Principles: Real-World Impact
One might ponder, how transformative can these principles be? Let's look at the story of Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, co-founders of Airbnb. They began with a pitch: turning their apartment into a bed and breakfast for a design conference. They then published blogs and stories about their unique offering and the experiences of their guests. Their product was the platform that allowed others to do the same, revolutionizing the concept of travel accommodations. Their profile was built on the narrative of community, trust, and local experiences. Finally, through partnerships with hosts globally and collaborations with local experience providers, they expanded their reach and impact. In essence, Airbnb's massive success story beautifully embodies Priestley's KPI principles.
Daniel Priestley's "Key Person of Influence" is not just a book; it's a manual for any entrepreneur aiming to make a mark. By mastering the art of the pitch, leveraging the power of publishing, creating impactful products, building an influential profile, and fostering strategic partnerships, any entrepreneur can navigate the challenges of the business world and emerge as a key player.
Remember the words of Priestley, "Being a Key Person of Influence isn't about being famous. It's about being one of the most highly valued and highly paid people in your industry." In a world full of noise, it's time to let your unique voice be heard, valued, and sought after.
Now for the action items and to-do list for your business! The masterclass is below, based on the notes from this book, these action steps are your takeaway!
Not part of the “paid” Membership yet? Get a post like this once a week for $10 per month, receive actual business coaching in the Growth Intentions Membership NOW only $1500 for the year! Questions: Book a time with me Here!
Masterclass: The Key Person of Influence Action Plan
Welcome, valued client! As you've taken the step to invest in this masterclass, you're about to embark on a transformative journey for your business. Key Person of Influence is a roadmap for becoming the highly valued and highly paid person in your industry, this is the exact action plan I give my 1:1 clients!
Action Plan
Pitch
Summary: Develop a clear, concise, and compelling message about who you are, what you offer, and why it matters.
To-Do List:
-Identify your unique value proposition.
-Practice an elevator pitch that encapsulates your message in 1-2 minutes.
-Refine your pitch based on feedback.
-Use storytelling techniques to make your pitch more engaging.
-Ensure consistency in how you present yourself and your message across different platforms.
Publish
Summary: Establish authority by creating content that showcases your expertise and knowledge.
To-Do List:
-Identify topics in your industry or niche that you're passionate about.
-Write articles, blog posts, or whitepapers on these subjects.
-Consider writing a book or an e-book.
-Publish content on platforms relevant to your audience (e.g., -Medium, LinkedIn, industry publications).
-Engage with readers, respond to comments, and adapt based on feedback.
Product
Summary: Package your expertise into scalable products or services that can serve many without significantly increasing your workload.
To-Do List:
-Identify core knowledge or skills that can be packaged (e.g., online courses, workshops, templates).
-Develop an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to test the market.
-Launch your product to a small audience and gather feedback.
-Refine and scale your product based on feedback.
-Look for complementary products or services to expand your offering.
Profile
Summary: Build and manage your personal and professional brand both online and offline.
To-Do List:
-Optimize your social media profiles, ensuring they reflect your brand and message.
-Regularly update your LinkedIn profile with accomplishments and endorsements.
-Engage with industry forums or groups.
-Attend conferences, webinars, or workshops to network and boost your visibility.
-Consider public speaking or podcast appearances to further elevate your profile.
Partnership
Summary: Form strategic alliances and partnerships to expand your reach and create win-win scenarios.
To-Do List:
-Identify businesses or individuals who have a complementary audience or product.
-Reach out with collaboration proposals that offer mutual benefits.
-Build and nurture relationships with influencers in your industry.
-Attend industry events to meet potential partners.
-Regularly evaluate and refine partnerships based on outcomes.
I would love to have your insights & feedback below and in The Chat! Suzanne
When you are ready to work with a coach and have a mentor in this entrerpeneurial journey, I would love to invite you to a conversation!
Our Next Book is Keep Going by Austin Kleon