Initial Steps To Take To Define and Market To Your Sphere of Influence

Before you can market yourself effectively, you need to be clear on who you're actually marketing to and the most appropriate methods to use. That starts with identifying your spheres of influence, the different groups of people in your life who already know, like, and trust you, or could potentially refer you business.

Identify your spheres

  • Write down the different groups of people you’re connected to.

  • These groups may include people you’ve met through hobbies, volunteer work, school, past and existing clients, referral partners, parallel industry connections, and your friends and family.

  • Categorize the groups based on your relationship with them. Consider who might respond well to indirect, general outreach vs. direct outreach (this is key - not everyone should be targeted through general outreach alone).

Take a thoughtful approach about the best way to market yourself with each group

  • Which platform(s) would be most appropriate for each group?

  • What type of content performs best within that platform?

  • The goal is to be intentional with your outreach, think quality over quantity.

Create a consistent marketing and business development plan for each group that you can realistically fit into your life

  • How much time can you devote to consistent marketing initiatives? Are you able to do them alone, or will you hire help? 

  • Determine the appropriate budget and realistic time allocation.

  • Re-confirm whether you are able to consistently market on each platform you’ve identified, and if you aren’t sure, focus on just the work you’re confident you can handle to start.

  • Commit to this plan for a 3-6 month period and make sure to track your results. Have any of your methods of outreach or marketing resulted in a lead?

  • Over the next 6-12 months, track your conversions and resources to continue to use time efficiently and productively. Adjust your resource allocations and consider opportunities to expand your network to new groups. 

This quick guide was designed to give you an overview of the way ST³ Consulting approaches this type of work with agents. Reach out to learn more about how to apply these skills to your business and for help putting these tools and more into action: Toby@ST3Consult.com.