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Key Person of Influence (Revised Edition): The Five-Step Method to become one of the most highly valued and highly paid people in your industry
Every industry revolves around Key People of Influence. Their names come up in conversation. They attract opportunity. They earn more money. Many people think it takes decades of hard work, academic qualifications and a generous measure of good luck to become a Key Person of Influence. This book shows that there is a strategy for fast-tracking your way to the inner circle of the industry you love. Your ability to succeed depends on your ability to influence. Start now by reading this book. This book is your invitation to the inner circle of your industry.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2010
710 people are currently reading
3199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 4, 2018
Influence
What drives people to be entrepreneurs – fame, fortune or controlling own destiny. Whatever the goal, you need to be well known, you need to be a thought leader, and in today’s world, that means being highly proficient on the internet and social media.
Daniel presents 5 steps to becoming a Key Person of Influence by defining your purpose, having something to say, generate material, get web famous and collaborate. What I really like about Daniel is that he removes the BS and tells it like it is. His clarity of thought in how you start with a single purpose and build on that to generate the greatest impact is superb. He doesn't claim it will be easy and it isn't, but if you want it badly enough the effort will be rewarded.
His writing style is easy, the book is visually very good, and throughout the book, there are real gems of advice and action lists.
What drives people to be entrepreneurs – fame, fortune or controlling own destiny. Whatever the goal, you need to be well known, you need to be a thought leader, and in today’s world, that means being highly proficient on the internet and social media.
Daniel presents 5 steps to becoming a Key Person of Influence by defining your purpose, having something to say, generate material, get web famous and collaborate. What I really like about Daniel is that he removes the BS and tells it like it is. His clarity of thought in how you start with a single purpose and build on that to generate the greatest impact is superb. He doesn't claim it will be easy and it isn't, but if you want it badly enough the effort will be rewarded.
His writing style is easy, the book is visually very good, and throughout the book, there are real gems of advice and action lists.
June 28, 2016
This was a pretty good book. Short, sharp and powerful.
I recommend this book for:
- People wanting to get ahead in their career.
- People wanting to break into an industry.
- People wanting to achieve success in their work, who define success as being highly respected and connected, well-paid and having lots of opportunities. People wanting to see their name in shining lights in their industry.
- People wanting to improve their business and not sure how to best make the use of the opportunities available to them in this day and age (e.g. social media, networking, global economy, self-publishing and other opportunities).
- People who have a business/product idea.
- People wanting motivation and inspiration.
- People interested in professional development.
- Business owners and managers (bonus: it's a short book, so easy for anyone to get through it).
It's professional development with a punch - skip the slogging it out with the crowd, and focus your efforts where they'll go a long way.
I liked the book and have plenty of sticky notes poking out on pages throughout, highlighting memorable points and quotes. There are some good action steps to follow and this book not only got me thinking, but gave me some ideas for actually following through on those thoughts.
The only thing I would say is, not everyone wants to be a 'key person of influence', and that is fine too! There is still plenty of value in this book even if you aren't interested in being one of those big names in your industry.
I recommend this book for:
- People wanting to get ahead in their career.
- People wanting to break into an industry.
- People wanting to achieve success in their work, who define success as being highly respected and connected, well-paid and having lots of opportunities. People wanting to see their name in shining lights in their industry.
- People wanting to improve their business and not sure how to best make the use of the opportunities available to them in this day and age (e.g. social media, networking, global economy, self-publishing and other opportunities).
- People who have a business/product idea.
- People wanting motivation and inspiration.
- People interested in professional development.
- Business owners and managers (bonus: it's a short book, so easy for anyone to get through it).
It's professional development with a punch - skip the slogging it out with the crowd, and focus your efforts where they'll go a long way.
I liked the book and have plenty of sticky notes poking out on pages throughout, highlighting memorable points and quotes. There are some good action steps to follow and this book not only got me thinking, but gave me some ideas for actually following through on those thoughts.
The only thing I would say is, not everyone wants to be a 'key person of influence', and that is fine too! There is still plenty of value in this book even if you aren't interested in being one of those big names in your industry.
February 2, 2018
It was GR bait that led me to this one. And I was surprised how much I learned from it. Nothing startlingly new between these covers, but the material is brought together with an undeniable logic and told with an at times entertaining level-headedness. I'm going to rely on this book as a compass to steer my own consultancy business away from increasingly shark-infested waters.
September 5, 2015
I am selective about the business books I read so was thrilled to find that this one exceeded my expectations. I found this book very liberating for one reason - the suggestion that you don't build your business by employing staff but by outsourcing work to subcontractors. I believed (from prior business coaching) that I needed to employ people to make my business grow and this has caused me no end of stress and expense over the last eight years. Now I know I can do it differently and still have a good chance of being successful at it.
Daniel Priestley is a good writer - clear, succint, and human. His ideas, the five step process he outlines in this book, are logical, sensible and targeted at 21st century work practices and social attitudes.
The concepts here won't appeal to all business owners, but I certainly heard the sound of many lightbulbs flicking on as I read!
Daniel Priestley is a good writer - clear, succint, and human. His ideas, the five step process he outlines in this book, are logical, sensible and targeted at 21st century work practices and social attitudes.
The concepts here won't appeal to all business owners, but I certainly heard the sound of many lightbulbs flicking on as I read!
November 1, 2023
I first came across the author, Daniel Priestly, on a podcast that was recommended to my by a friend. The conversation was illuminatinrhg, and made me think about how I was approaching business and day-to-day work from a new perspective. If anything, I recommend listening to that: https://open.spotify.com/episode/63Rv...
Now about the book. I had high hopes, and as I dove into the first chapeter, felt disappointment weigh on my heart. Another bla bla book on how the internet has changed the world, we have to things differently, new opportunities, etc.
But it got so. much. better.
Priestly outlined a 5-step process to becoming a leader in your industry. While a lot of it seemed like common sense, it did start making some cogs turn, and I found myself scrambling for a pen to write down the ideas that were floating up as a result of Daniel’s commentary.
If you’re looking to change up your status quo, and are in busienss in any way, I recommend giving this a read.
Now about the book. I had high hopes, and as I dove into the first chapeter, felt disappointment weigh on my heart. Another bla bla book on how the internet has changed the world, we have to things differently, new opportunities, etc.
But it got so. much. better.
Priestly outlined a 5-step process to becoming a leader in your industry. While a lot of it seemed like common sense, it did start making some cogs turn, and I found myself scrambling for a pen to write down the ideas that were floating up as a result of Daniel’s commentary.
If you’re looking to change up your status quo, and are in busienss in any way, I recommend giving this a read.
September 18, 2013
Become a Key Person of influence
is an inspirational and easy read which outlines essential steps to establishing yourself as a vital player within your industry, opening up new opportunities, connections and meaning within your current industry.
One of the key points of the KPI book which most people don't touch on in their reviews is that it emphasises finding the existing expertise and value you have already established, rather than suggesting you rush out and start an online shop, or create a mobile app, or invest in exotic assets.
I think this is a critical point as while Daniel is very pro-entrepreneur, in real life the vast majority of start-ups flail or flounder, whereas people who are already experts who take the extra steps to position themselves as the recognised leader in their industry really do unlock opportunities that were just invisible or inaccessible to them before.
I'd agree with what others have pointed out - that a lot of this material isn't "original" - it has been covered by others in part or in whole. I've read a lot of books in this genre and I do think though that Daniel created a very accessible, contemporary take on the idea, including plenty of original examples and a very neat and credible system for developing your own influence. Overall this is a fun, inspirational yet grounded summary of the KPI approach.
I've encountered a couple of comparable systems which are basically the same and I think that the KPI approach is simpler, comprehensive, and very positive in it's approach and values.
In many ways, this is part of Daniel's own KPI strategy, and it's part of an ascending sales model (You've read the book, now join the training course!) - so it's a bit easy to be cynical that this is just marketing/publicity hype.
In fact, there is plenty of substance to this book and it does lay out a practical framework for achieving the premise of the title.
This might be a bit "basic" for people who've already written their own book or have been building a personal or business brand for years, but for most budding entrepreneurs it will be a fresh and eye-opening read.
One of the key points of the KPI book which most people don't touch on in their reviews is that it emphasises finding the existing expertise and value you have already established, rather than suggesting you rush out and start an online shop, or create a mobile app, or invest in exotic assets.
I think this is a critical point as while Daniel is very pro-entrepreneur, in real life the vast majority of start-ups flail or flounder, whereas people who are already experts who take the extra steps to position themselves as the recognised leader in their industry really do unlock opportunities that were just invisible or inaccessible to them before.
I'd agree with what others have pointed out - that a lot of this material isn't "original" - it has been covered by others in part or in whole. I've read a lot of books in this genre and I do think though that Daniel created a very accessible, contemporary take on the idea, including plenty of original examples and a very neat and credible system for developing your own influence. Overall this is a fun, inspirational yet grounded summary of the KPI approach.
I've encountered a couple of comparable systems which are basically the same and I think that the KPI approach is simpler, comprehensive, and very positive in it's approach and values.
In many ways, this is part of Daniel's own KPI strategy, and it's part of an ascending sales model (You've read the book, now join the training course!) - so it's a bit easy to be cynical that this is just marketing/publicity hype.
In fact, there is plenty of substance to this book and it does lay out a practical framework for achieving the premise of the title.
This might be a bit "basic" for people who've already written their own book or have been building a personal or business brand for years, but for most budding entrepreneurs it will be a fresh and eye-opening read.
January 6, 2019
This is a great example of a book that works brilliantly for the business behind it. Priestley sets out clearly and concisely his core methodology - the 5-step process is Pitch, Publish, Productise, Profile and Partnership (and the order is important). It's valuable in its own right, but its key aim is clearly to draw people into the full 40-week KPI programme.
It's well written and structured, and although there's less detail in some sections that I'd have liked (there's not much detail on productising, for example) it is supplemented by online resources, which will neatly draw readers from the offline book into an online relationship. Lots for business book writers to learn from here. One thing that irritated me however was his mysterious insistence that the book has a 'hidden theme', which he keeps coming back to: 'Have you worked it out yet? Eh?' (that's not a direct quote). I assume this is a device designed to activate your brain to pay closer attention and to connect the lessons in the book with your own situation. Clever, but still, as I say, irritating.
For me the 'Aha!' moment came in the Partnership section, where this sentence leapt of the page:
'One of the key differences between Key Persons of Influence and everyone else is that KPIs don't go out looking for clients, they go looking for partnerships.'
I can't imagine there are many entrepreneurs who WOULDN'T benefit from reading this: it's one of those books that will speak to you wherever you're at, and is valuable for entrepreneurs and experts at every level because of its progressive approach. Nothing here is startling original, but it's short and to the point and will almost certainly help you focus in quickly on the next step you need to take in your own business's development.
It's well written and structured, and although there's less detail in some sections that I'd have liked (there's not much detail on productising, for example) it is supplemented by online resources, which will neatly draw readers from the offline book into an online relationship. Lots for business book writers to learn from here. One thing that irritated me however was his mysterious insistence that the book has a 'hidden theme', which he keeps coming back to: 'Have you worked it out yet? Eh?' (that's not a direct quote). I assume this is a device designed to activate your brain to pay closer attention and to connect the lessons in the book with your own situation. Clever, but still, as I say, irritating.
For me the 'Aha!' moment came in the Partnership section, where this sentence leapt of the page:
'One of the key differences between Key Persons of Influence and everyone else is that KPIs don't go out looking for clients, they go looking for partnerships.'
I can't imagine there are many entrepreneurs who WOULDN'T benefit from reading this: it's one of those books that will speak to you wherever you're at, and is valuable for entrepreneurs and experts at every level because of its progressive approach. Nothing here is startling original, but it's short and to the point and will almost certainly help you focus in quickly on the next step you need to take in your own business's development.
October 5, 2013
This book is one of those that I consider to be a personal book of change. A fundamental shift in terms of how I look at things. In 2001 I read the E-Myth, I then left my job and went out and started a multinational franchise based business that became one of the Fastest Growing Businesses in Canada.
I picked up Daniel's book in 2012, almost by chance. I have since completely restructured my business and have started the foundation for some really big changes to come.
I have followed the step-by-step framework in the book, and have made some dramatic shifts in how I conduct business. I've completely restructured my business, and discovered some amazing insights about my business and what I need to do. As a result of the book, I am also releasing my first book on digital strategy and online marketing later this year - entitled The Digital Delusion. http://www.digitaldelusion.info
I've followed the process and am making some progress that I have not seen before.
If you are looking for a how to on creating a process that works, then this is the book. If you are ok with mediocrity in your business, then just click to the next book on your list.
Doyle Buehler
I picked up Daniel's book in 2012, almost by chance. I have since completely restructured my business and have started the foundation for some really big changes to come.
I have followed the step-by-step framework in the book, and have made some dramatic shifts in how I conduct business. I've completely restructured my business, and discovered some amazing insights about my business and what I need to do. As a result of the book, I am also releasing my first book on digital strategy and online marketing later this year - entitled The Digital Delusion. http://www.digitaldelusion.info
I've followed the process and am making some progress that I have not seen before.
If you are looking for a how to on creating a process that works, then this is the book. If you are ok with mediocrity in your business, then just click to the next book on your list.
Doyle Buehler
January 22, 2019
I will stop buying Priestley's books. The problem is that there are so little known that there are no free copies online. As with 24 assets the only worthwhile ideas were on the first 10 pages. After you see the 5 step process you can imagine the rest. His sales pitches spread over the pages are annoying. The books shows serious signs of fake coaching: everything will be easy, you do not have to learn hard stuff, you will be full of joy, (unscientific) success cases, my (more expensive) program makes it even easier.
He describes himself as a marketing person – and maybe there is fundamental difference (think motorcycle maintenance) between people who are interested in content and people who sell. His KPI framework never talks of the depth of your knowledge “you always had it in you”. That is what also makes my friends uncomfortable about my marketing activities.
He describes himself as a marketing person – and maybe there is fundamental difference (think motorcycle maintenance) between people who are interested in content and people who sell. His KPI framework never talks of the depth of your knowledge “you always had it in you”. That is what also makes my friends uncomfortable about my marketing activities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2025
Right now your most valuable asset is the number of people who know you, like you and trust you. In the future you will be defined by your unique take on things, your story and your ability to innovate.
To get the negatives out of the way first: the book itself is part of an upselling scheme, given away for free and with the main advice that you need to sign up to the supporting course; having been written in 2010 and revised in 2014, it could do with a refresh for the LLM era, particularly given it's emphasis on creating content; and there is a rather annoying repeated reference to a 'hidden theme' which will become clear perhaps on re-reading, which is really just a way of saying you need to apply the book to your own situation (and perhaps go on the paid-for course).
That said this is a well-written book, free of too much padding (an advantage of the book largely being available free, it that it doesn't need to be 300 pages to justify the cover price) and with a method to follow that is not at all simple - it requires real time and dedication - but which I can see would be successful. And I liked the way the advice about finding a place where your Passion & Purpose intersect, became more about finding the intersection between Passion; Problem; Payment.
From the author's linkedin:
To find your entrepreneurial sweet spot, you want to find a compromise between these three things:
- Passion - The thing you are passionate about
- Problem - The problem you can solve
- Payment - The payment you can collect
It’s the balance of all three of these that makes for a successful business.
If you're passionate and you're getting paid, but you're not solving a problem, that's unethical.
If you are passionate and you're solving a problem, but you're not getting paid, that's unrewarding.
If you're solving a problem and getting paid, but you've got no passion for it, it's unfulfilling.
To get the negatives out of the way first: the book itself is part of an upselling scheme, given away for free and with the main advice that you need to sign up to the supporting course; having been written in 2010 and revised in 2014, it could do with a refresh for the LLM era, particularly given it's emphasis on creating content; and there is a rather annoying repeated reference to a 'hidden theme' which will become clear perhaps on re-reading, which is really just a way of saying you need to apply the book to your own situation (and perhaps go on the paid-for course).
That said this is a well-written book, free of too much padding (an advantage of the book largely being available free, it that it doesn't need to be 300 pages to justify the cover price) and with a method to follow that is not at all simple - it requires real time and dedication - but which I can see would be successful. And I liked the way the advice about finding a place where your Passion & Purpose intersect, became more about finding the intersection between Passion; Problem; Payment.
From the author's linkedin:
To find your entrepreneurial sweet spot, you want to find a compromise between these three things:
- Passion - The thing you are passionate about
- Problem - The problem you can solve
- Payment - The payment you can collect
It’s the balance of all three of these that makes for a successful business.
If you're passionate and you're getting paid, but you're not solving a problem, that's unethical.
If you are passionate and you're solving a problem, but you're not getting paid, that's unrewarding.
If you're solving a problem and getting paid, but you've got no passion for it, it's unfulfilling.
May 5, 2024
Could have been a post-it.
October 29, 2023
Some good points by Daniel but overall it is very thin on content and can be slightly repetitive.
The focus on the book appears to be more on entrepreneurs or individuals working for smaller businesses. It doesn’t really talk about how to become a key person of influence within a larger organisation (such as government) which was what I was expecting at least some of from the book.
The focus on the book appears to be more on entrepreneurs or individuals working for smaller businesses. It doesn’t really talk about how to become a key person of influence within a larger organisation (such as government) which was what I was expecting at least some of from the book.
December 21, 2017
The “secret”
The “secret” (If there is something like that) to be successful. Forget about education (it helps) or money (it also helps). The key is to become an influencer in your mist loved, expert area.
The “secret” (If there is something like that) to be successful. Forget about education (it helps) or money (it also helps). The key is to become an influencer in your mist loved, expert area.
August 8, 2017
I didn't care for the book at all. His point was simple and easily understood. I didn't find the value in the read.
January 8, 2021
Some interesting ideas until it turned into a business card for the author in the second half.
March 24, 2022
reading this is torture, too shallow, sounds like a youtube guru scammer book
December 29, 2024
I have given this book three stars mainly because I realised too late that it is a business book and has pretty much nothing for those looking to become KPIs in their careers. This is actually a worthwhile read, particularly for those who are -- or wish to become -- entrepreneurs.
Also, some ideas are dated. Writing a book was all the rage when the advent of KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) took self-publishing to new heights. There's still good reason to write a nonfiction book if you have something to say, but I don't think the results from doing so would be the same today as they were when Priestley first wrote this book.
Also, some ideas are dated. Writing a book was all the rage when the advent of KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) took self-publishing to new heights. There's still good reason to write a nonfiction book if you have something to say, but I don't think the results from doing so would be the same today as they were when Priestley first wrote this book.
March 4, 2024
In the modern economy, you need to develop a personal brand. You need to see yourself as an enterprise that other people need to know about. The most valuable asset right now is the number of people who “know you, like you and trust you”.
Success isn’t about engaging in a struggle; it’s about getting into your flow. The minute you begin to feel yourself working hard - as opposed to playing a challenging game- it’s time to take a break or get around some new people.
KPI are the ones who lead these small, powerful movements. These strange groups have thousands of members, who previously couldn’t find each other, but now they can.
You have to pick something that you’re going to become known for and you need to start promoting it. Unless you have been interested in something for several years, forget trying to be a success story in that field anytime soon. You simply can’t beat the people who genuinely love an industry.
A KPI speaks clearly, with authority and relevance. KPIs can articulate and communicate clearly what they do in two minutes.
There are five things you need to have in place to demonstrate that you are a key person of influence:
1. Pitch: communicate your value and uniqueness .
2. Publish: to show you are an authority in your field.
3. Develop a Product to offer in the marketplace.
4. Profile: create a powerful online presence.
5. Develop the right Partnerships.
1. Pitch
Your pitch is your foundation, it’s the most basic asset. Your pitch is a statement about what you are up to in the world. It must have a clear structure. When you pitch, you don’t want a polite response. A positive or negative strong reaction is much better than a polite, benign response. You can’t please everyone; you need to know exactly who you’re trying to serve or the problem you’re out to solve. Your micro-niche should consist of people who you would enjoy connecting with and people who would equally enjoy connecting with you.
SOCIAL PITCH. What do you do? This social pitch gets used daily. When writing your social pitch focus on the value for the person listening versus the facts about the person speaking.
Your pitch should revolve around solving a problem: people don’t buy anything unless it solves a problem. The pitch must articulate the payoff. Your presentation pitch must articulate the benefits you bring to the person listening. Even if you have a great product people won’t buy from you if they can’t figure out what it means to their life. You want to finish with a story, an idea or revision for the future that gets people excited. People don’t often remember everything you said, but they surely remember the way you left them feeling. Be sure to deliberately leave people feeling something positive. Public speaking and media appearances are one of the fastest and most powerful ways to become a key person of influence. Speak to groups, either at live events or through the media. As a speaker or media personality you are instantly transformed into an authority on your topic. One essential thing all KPI must do is get comfortable giving their pitch to a group. This will only happen if you’ve practised your pitch one-on-one with hundreds of people. No one is born with speaking skills.
2. Publish
Quality content says a lot about you. Published content online allows people to read your ideas and get to know your story. A book is a powerful document to create. In the process of writing all those words you will clarify your thinking, refine your ideas and generate intellectual property. You need to be able to imagine yourself getting the things you want out of life as a result of your published book. A great book must answer at least one significant question that the reader is trying to answer. If you use your book correctly, it won’t need to sell millions. The fact that you are an author, and that people can see you on Amazon gives you more kudos and opportunities. Being an author helps you to become known as a KPI. When you meet people, you can give them a copy of your book. A book is the best business card there is the purpose of your book is to promote you not the other way round. Once you have the content written, you can re-purpose it in many ways, you can chop up your 30,000 word book into a series of articles, handouts and blocks. An article published in the right place can be incredibly powerful for building your brand.
3. Product
Everyone should have a free product. The person who will dominate their industry will be the one who is able to give more away for free than anyone else. The best thing you can give away for free is an information product that educate people as to why they should do business with you.
Audio: it’s remarkably easy to record and upload an audio podcast. As soon as you do, you’ll have a free product that’s available all over the world. . When people listen to it they’re thinking “this person really knows their stuff”, “this person is super connected”,
Webinar: If you are able to secure an interview with some of the top people in your industry, you’ll have hundreds of people interested in being on your webinar, be sure to record it, and produce a set of interviews as part of your podcast, too , you’ll become a KPI by association with your interview if you interview enough of the top experts in the industry.
Here’s the big secret: don’t keep secrets and share your best ideas with everyone. The real money comes from offering an implementation solution. "Share the secrets, sell the implementation"
4. Profile
Social media allows you to talk directly to your market. Social media allows you to have a conversation with people who care about you have to say for almost no cost whatsoever. Develop a deeper connection with the people who took the time to find you, it will yield powerful results. It is important to remember, however, that your success online can only be as good as your perfect pitch. If your message isn’t strong, you’ll be wasting your time or worse. You might even be damaging your brand. When it comes to content that you are putting online be sure that it represents you well, because you never know who’s looking. Social media is like a microphone that amplifies you out to every corner of the world.
After building a profile, the real trick for key people of influence is to connect in meaningful ways. KPIs need to connect with the right people and do two deals that raise the value of everyone involved.
5. Partnerships
Rather than running expensive advertising campaigns, you may focus on engaging with KPIs and creating when partnerships. To get started with partnerships, making three calls can yield you some amazing results. You’ll be surprised what happens when you jump on the phone and call three people who could really ramp things up, especially as a KPI.
KPI only go networking to find leverage. They are looking for people who have a big database of clients, a channel of distribution, a great brand or an awesome product. Your job is to discover people who have a list of potential clients, people interested in producing something, people with products that could be attractive to your contact list, people who would make a valuable addition to your team. When meeting a potential partner, set the scene. Meet in nice locations, bring a gift something they might be interested in, make friends first. Don’t try to do it yourself: people who are high achievers ensure they are surrounded by experts who can help them to implement division. Use the coaches, lawyers, accountant, and advisors. Surround yourself with people who help you build your business. Give yourself the gift of leveraging the success of others. Get some support and guidance from people with the results you’re looking for. It’s possible to make more money, but you can’t make more time. Better answers come from better when you ask a better question.
People who are successful are the ones who commit to things that take them forward, even when they aren’t sure exactly how it will all come together.
When you wait for the perfect moment, it never comes. Bite more than you can chew and then figure it out as you go. If you suddenly realise that the most important thing you could be doing for your success is to write a book, then don’t put it off. If it’s starting a business, you should begin it now rather than waiting for all the circumstances to be perfect. There’s never enough time, there’s never enough money, there’s never a perfect plan, that’s life. Commit to a big goal: literally sign yourself up to some sort of deadline or external commitment and then start filling in the blanks as you go. When you finally commit to an outcome, you free up gallons of energy to become more resourceful and able to follow through. Resourcefulness shows up after you make a commitment, not before.
Success isn’t about engaging in a struggle; it’s about getting into your flow. The minute you begin to feel yourself working hard - as opposed to playing a challenging game- it’s time to take a break or get around some new people.
KPI are the ones who lead these small, powerful movements. These strange groups have thousands of members, who previously couldn’t find each other, but now they can.
You have to pick something that you’re going to become known for and you need to start promoting it. Unless you have been interested in something for several years, forget trying to be a success story in that field anytime soon. You simply can’t beat the people who genuinely love an industry.
A KPI speaks clearly, with authority and relevance. KPIs can articulate and communicate clearly what they do in two minutes.
There are five things you need to have in place to demonstrate that you are a key person of influence:
1. Pitch: communicate your value and uniqueness .
2. Publish: to show you are an authority in your field.
3. Develop a Product to offer in the marketplace.
4. Profile: create a powerful online presence.
5. Develop the right Partnerships.
1. Pitch
Your pitch is your foundation, it’s the most basic asset. Your pitch is a statement about what you are up to in the world. It must have a clear structure. When you pitch, you don’t want a polite response. A positive or negative strong reaction is much better than a polite, benign response. You can’t please everyone; you need to know exactly who you’re trying to serve or the problem you’re out to solve. Your micro-niche should consist of people who you would enjoy connecting with and people who would equally enjoy connecting with you.
SOCIAL PITCH. What do you do? This social pitch gets used daily. When writing your social pitch focus on the value for the person listening versus the facts about the person speaking.
Your pitch should revolve around solving a problem: people don’t buy anything unless it solves a problem. The pitch must articulate the payoff. Your presentation pitch must articulate the benefits you bring to the person listening. Even if you have a great product people won’t buy from you if they can’t figure out what it means to their life. You want to finish with a story, an idea or revision for the future that gets people excited. People don’t often remember everything you said, but they surely remember the way you left them feeling. Be sure to deliberately leave people feeling something positive. Public speaking and media appearances are one of the fastest and most powerful ways to become a key person of influence. Speak to groups, either at live events or through the media. As a speaker or media personality you are instantly transformed into an authority on your topic. One essential thing all KPI must do is get comfortable giving their pitch to a group. This will only happen if you’ve practised your pitch one-on-one with hundreds of people. No one is born with speaking skills.
2. Publish
Quality content says a lot about you. Published content online allows people to read your ideas and get to know your story. A book is a powerful document to create. In the process of writing all those words you will clarify your thinking, refine your ideas and generate intellectual property. You need to be able to imagine yourself getting the things you want out of life as a result of your published book. A great book must answer at least one significant question that the reader is trying to answer. If you use your book correctly, it won’t need to sell millions. The fact that you are an author, and that people can see you on Amazon gives you more kudos and opportunities. Being an author helps you to become known as a KPI. When you meet people, you can give them a copy of your book. A book is the best business card there is the purpose of your book is to promote you not the other way round. Once you have the content written, you can re-purpose it in many ways, you can chop up your 30,000 word book into a series of articles, handouts and blocks. An article published in the right place can be incredibly powerful for building your brand.
3. Product
Everyone should have a free product. The person who will dominate their industry will be the one who is able to give more away for free than anyone else. The best thing you can give away for free is an information product that educate people as to why they should do business with you.
Audio: it’s remarkably easy to record and upload an audio podcast. As soon as you do, you’ll have a free product that’s available all over the world. . When people listen to it they’re thinking “this person really knows their stuff”, “this person is super connected”,
Webinar: If you are able to secure an interview with some of the top people in your industry, you’ll have hundreds of people interested in being on your webinar, be sure to record it, and produce a set of interviews as part of your podcast, too , you’ll become a KPI by association with your interview if you interview enough of the top experts in the industry.
Here’s the big secret: don’t keep secrets and share your best ideas with everyone. The real money comes from offering an implementation solution. "Share the secrets, sell the implementation"
4. Profile
Social media allows you to talk directly to your market. Social media allows you to have a conversation with people who care about you have to say for almost no cost whatsoever. Develop a deeper connection with the people who took the time to find you, it will yield powerful results. It is important to remember, however, that your success online can only be as good as your perfect pitch. If your message isn’t strong, you’ll be wasting your time or worse. You might even be damaging your brand. When it comes to content that you are putting online be sure that it represents you well, because you never know who’s looking. Social media is like a microphone that amplifies you out to every corner of the world.
After building a profile, the real trick for key people of influence is to connect in meaningful ways. KPIs need to connect with the right people and do two deals that raise the value of everyone involved.
5. Partnerships
Rather than running expensive advertising campaigns, you may focus on engaging with KPIs and creating when partnerships. To get started with partnerships, making three calls can yield you some amazing results. You’ll be surprised what happens when you jump on the phone and call three people who could really ramp things up, especially as a KPI.
KPI only go networking to find leverage. They are looking for people who have a big database of clients, a channel of distribution, a great brand or an awesome product. Your job is to discover people who have a list of potential clients, people interested in producing something, people with products that could be attractive to your contact list, people who would make a valuable addition to your team. When meeting a potential partner, set the scene. Meet in nice locations, bring a gift something they might be interested in, make friends first. Don’t try to do it yourself: people who are high achievers ensure they are surrounded by experts who can help them to implement division. Use the coaches, lawyers, accountant, and advisors. Surround yourself with people who help you build your business. Give yourself the gift of leveraging the success of others. Get some support and guidance from people with the results you’re looking for. It’s possible to make more money, but you can’t make more time. Better answers come from better when you ask a better question.
People who are successful are the ones who commit to things that take them forward, even when they aren’t sure exactly how it will all come together.
When you wait for the perfect moment, it never comes. Bite more than you can chew and then figure it out as you go. If you suddenly realise that the most important thing you could be doing for your success is to write a book, then don’t put it off. If it’s starting a business, you should begin it now rather than waiting for all the circumstances to be perfect. There’s never enough time, there’s never enough money, there’s never a perfect plan, that’s life. Commit to a big goal: literally sign yourself up to some sort of deadline or external commitment and then start filling in the blanks as you go. When you finally commit to an outcome, you free up gallons of energy to become more resourceful and able to follow through. Resourcefulness shows up after you make a commitment, not before.
October 26, 2013
Marketing toss directed at the sort of person who loves to say the word "entrepreneur". It has some useful ideas of course, but ultimately, if you're a self-promoting windbag you're doing this stuff already, and if you have a proper job you'll feel mildly embarrassed reading it. Try a better book, like "Self Made Me" which is at least written by someone with actual knowledge, self awareness and humour.
October 31, 2022
The 5 steps are useful as a mental model, but the particular implementations listed are questionable as a blanket approach. This book was written in 2010 and it shows its age in 2022, so keep that in mind. The writing style is a little salesman-y which is obnoxious and it gets repetitive. His overall point can be summed up as "do better marketing". Honestly anything after the first 20-25 pages of the book can be skimmed since it just repeats itself and other books that go over the same topic.
July 24, 2018
A reasonably good book for anyone looking to achieve success in their endeavours. Largely focussed on building yourself into known expert in your industry, whatever that is, with the goal of achieving commercial success in your endeavours.
Certainly not for everyone, but worth the read even if you're only looking to improve your marketability as an employee.
Certainly not for everyone, but worth the read even if you're only looking to improve your marketability as an employee.
December 28, 2020
For me, the worst part of this book was the idea that in order to be successful in business you should just write a book. It felt a bit self-fulfilling - I was clearly just reading the book that was written as part of the ‘programme’ and it was utter rubbish.
March 18, 2024
I really appreciated the 5-steps to becoming a Key Person of Influence (a KPI I can get behind!). This is not the best of Priestley's written work, but he still makes his points effectively. The real proof is in the implementation of his ideas!
May 27, 2011
I still don't know what the secondary 'hidden theme' is though!
December 6, 2023
Probably the most useful book on personal brand I've read.
December 21, 2020
In5 step method to become one of the most highly valued and highly paid people in an industry:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
At the centre of every industry you will find an inner circle of people who are the most well known and highly valued people. They are the key people of influence (KPI). They:
- attract a lot of opportunities
- earn more money than most and it isn't a struggle
- can make a project successful if they are involved and people know it
- enjoy a special status in their chosen field because they are well known, well connected, well regarded and highly valued
- get invited to be parts of the best teams and projects and can often write their own terms
- also have more fun. Get invited on trips away. People buy them drinks and dinner. They get treated with respect and people listen when they speak.
- are in demand. They don’t chase opportunities. They curate them.
- can get into phone calls with other heavy hitters in field quite readily.
Time invested, qualifications and family money and connections are helpful but aren't what make a KPI.
Clearly communicating your value and packaging it in a way the market finds desirable enables a person to become a KPI. Can become a KPI in 12 months (not decades on corporate ladder etc) by following 5 steps in their order and implementing them to a high standard.
Being a KPI can mean you never fear not having money or influence again.
Many people feel that they're needing to compete on and struggle to keep up with technical developments, constantly playing catch up. Now compete with software, other people etc. Feels like life is passing you by too quickly, begin to question your career choices. You don't need to turn your life upside down or do more study or pursue get rich quick schemes that lead you off course. You'll feel more sure of yourself. As KPI you do less of the functional work that wears you out and more of the dynamic, creative, strategic work that energises you. You'll become known for something unique. As a result of your reputation in your niche you'll spend less time chasing and more time fielding inbound enquiries. Rather than trading your own time for money, you'll make money from products and services you choose to represent. You'll have more people supporting you and highly effective partnerships that help make your ideas a reality. Some new concepts you need to embrace and some old ideas you need to let go of - we are living in a different world.
Economy, environment, technology and global mindset has shifted rapidly in even just 5 years. Have to shift your business model etc. Your best thinking 5 years ago is your baggage today.
Parts of business you love, parts that drain your energy and parts you hate. Can look for clues in your hobbies. Position yourself as KPI - attract opportunities, connections and resources. Can do what you love and get paid what you are worth. People who are doing what they love are the ones who are thriving.
If it feels like hard work you will always get trumped by those who have passion. Your passion and vitality are assets in this World. What comes easy to you that is hard for others? What lights you up?
Vitality is more valuable than functionality. KPIs are vital people not functional people. Functional person can be replaced - does the job.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
At the centre of every industry you will find an inner circle of people who are the most well known and highly valued people. They are the key people of influence (KPI). They:
- attract a lot of opportunities
- earn more money than most and it isn't a struggle
- can make a project successful if they are involved and people know it
- enjoy a special status in their chosen field because they are well known, well connected, well regarded and highly valued
- get invited to be parts of the best teams and projects and can often write their own terms
- also have more fun. Get invited on trips away. People buy them drinks and dinner. They get treated with respect and people listen when they speak.
- are in demand. They don’t chase opportunities. They curate them.
- can get into phone calls with other heavy hitters in field quite readily.
Time invested, qualifications and family money and connections are helpful but aren't what make a KPI.
Clearly communicating your value and packaging it in a way the market finds desirable enables a person to become a KPI. Can become a KPI in 12 months (not decades on corporate ladder etc) by following 5 steps in their order and implementing them to a high standard.
Being a KPI can mean you never fear not having money or influence again.
Many people feel that they're needing to compete on and struggle to keep up with technical developments, constantly playing catch up. Now compete with software, other people etc. Feels like life is passing you by too quickly, begin to question your career choices. You don't need to turn your life upside down or do more study or pursue get rich quick schemes that lead you off course. You'll feel more sure of yourself. As KPI you do less of the functional work that wears you out and more of the dynamic, creative, strategic work that energises you. You'll become known for something unique. As a result of your reputation in your niche you'll spend less time chasing and more time fielding inbound enquiries. Rather than trading your own time for money, you'll make money from products and services you choose to represent. You'll have more people supporting you and highly effective partnerships that help make your ideas a reality. Some new concepts you need to embrace and some old ideas you need to let go of - we are living in a different world.
Economy, environment, technology and global mindset has shifted rapidly in even just 5 years. Have to shift your business model etc. Your best thinking 5 years ago is your baggage today.
Parts of business you love, parts that drain your energy and parts you hate. Can look for clues in your hobbies. Position yourself as KPI - attract opportunities, connections and resources. Can do what you love and get paid what you are worth. People who are doing what they love are the ones who are thriving.
If it feels like hard work you will always get trumped by those who have passion. Your passion and vitality are assets in this World. What comes easy to you that is hard for others? What lights you up?
Vitality is more valuable than functionality. KPIs are vital people not functional people. Functional person can be replaced - does the job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2018
"The difference between the successful people on the planet is not functionality, it’s vitality. Functionality is about performing a task well, whereas vitality requires you to be energised and joyful."
Synopsis:
Every industry revolves around Key People of Influence. Their names come up in conversation. They attract opportunities. They earn more money. Many people think it takes decades of hard work, academic qualifications and a generous measure of good luck to become a Key Person of Influence. This book shows you that there is a five-step strategy for fast-tracking your way to the inner circle of the industry you love. Your ability to succeed depends on your ability to influence. Start now by reading this book.
The Five KPI Steps:
1. Pitching
2. Publishing
3. Products
4. Profile
5. Partnerships
My Take:
I was not overly sold at first but I had this book at a discount (Daily Deal). Not only I was surprised by the usefulness of the content but I was also impressed with the Audible narration once I have bought that version as well to listen to the book during my long car drives. The narrator is excellent and his enthusiasm and passion match the message of the book. I felt as though I was at a motivational seminar. The book wanted me to be energised, motivated, believe in myself and take action.
The book is aimed at people wanting to get ahead in their career, those or wanting to break into and dominate their industry and people who strive for success in their chosen profession and want to become entrepreneurs.
If you see yourself working hard, take a break and read this book. It will give you a different frame of mind and a different way of doing things.
The formula is referred to as the Five Steps. The author goes into each step in detail to ensure you understand how to execute each.
I like the questions and exercises at the end of each chapter. They force you to stop, think and reflect instead of sailing through chapters reading but not asking yourself questions to explore your beliefs.
The book does promise to improve your career, your brand and entrepreneurship in 12 months. I believe it is achievable if you are serious about it and commit.
I recommend taking the test on the author's website (and you can even get an ebook version FREE) to gauge your progress as KPI.
http://keypersonofinfluence.com/au/th...
Quotes:
"An hour of inspiration is worth more than a week of drudging on. A day of creativity will do more for your career or business than a month of hard work."
"Success isn’t about engaging in a struggle; it is about getting into your flow."
"You owe it to yourself to stop working so hard and to start living your life in a way that lights up yourself and others."
April 19, 2021
There are always a few nuggets in anything you read. This book follows the common format of spending about a third of the book selling the book and then work to systematize the secrets of success in a five step formula. Though there are good fundamentals for those early in their career or taking the initial plunge into independent consulting or solopreneurship, I found much of the book to be very basic and to be centered on the quest to build a digital business leveraging many of the now-common tech and platform channels. Perhaps that is simply a reflection of the book's age as it was published in 2016.
For me, the most compelling parts of the book centered on the author's Ch. 1 discussion around functionality versus vitality as well as his approach around building a compelling pitch. His chapters on Product and Partnership wander a bit and may be too narrow for many to apply to their areas of focus. The section on building your Profile is pretty good but seems redundant to some of his earlier points. As a published author, I agree that a book can be a great project to undertake but I also know that it will be very difficult for many to actualize as it requires a real point of view to be meaningful and will almost never be a revenue generator by itself.
I give this book 3 stars because it revisits ground that has been churned many times and offers little in the way of new ideas. There are some good nuggets within and it is worth the read, or at least the dive-in on a few key subjects. Like most books, it will meet you where you are and you will have to seek the things that have meaning in the context of your own stage of life.
For me, the most compelling parts of the book centered on the author's Ch. 1 discussion around functionality versus vitality as well as his approach around building a compelling pitch. His chapters on Product and Partnership wander a bit and may be too narrow for many to apply to their areas of focus. The section on building your Profile is pretty good but seems redundant to some of his earlier points. As a published author, I agree that a book can be a great project to undertake but I also know that it will be very difficult for many to actualize as it requires a real point of view to be meaningful and will almost never be a revenue generator by itself.
I give this book 3 stars because it revisits ground that has been churned many times and offers little in the way of new ideas. There are some good nuggets within and it is worth the read, or at least the dive-in on a few key subjects. Like most books, it will meet you where you are and you will have to seek the things that have meaning in the context of your own stage of life.
March 6, 2023
Key People of Influence are vital people, not functional people.
A company can downsize functional people. A client can replace a functional supplier. An investor can put their money into something else that’s just as functional. Functional does the job, but functional is still interchangeable.
A functional person wants to get more; a vital person • wants to produce more.
A functional person wants to study more; a vital person • wants to share more.
A functional person wants to be shown a path; a vital • person wants to create one.
A functional person is worn out by their functionality; a • vital person is re-energised by their vitality.
The money doesn’t go to people who know how a microphone works, it goes to the people who know how to sing. Digital World is today microphone.
It’s not that hard to become a Key Person of Influence and it certainly doesn’t take years to achieve. There are just five things that you need to have in place to demonstrate that you are a Key Person of Influence:
*****
1. Pitch – your ability to communicate your value and uniqueness through your spoken word.
*****
2. Publish – Your ability to gain credibility through authoring content.
*****
3. Product – Your ability to scale your value through an elegant product and services ecosystem.
4. Profile – Your ability to become known, liked and trusted in your industry.
*****
5. Partnership – The ability to structure and maintain strategic relationships that benefit everyone involved.
*****
A company can downsize functional people. A client can replace a functional supplier. An investor can put their money into something else that’s just as functional. Functional does the job, but functional is still interchangeable.
A functional person wants to get more; a vital person • wants to produce more.
A functional person wants to study more; a vital person • wants to share more.
A functional person wants to be shown a path; a vital • person wants to create one.
A functional person is worn out by their functionality; a • vital person is re-energised by their vitality.
The money doesn’t go to people who know how a microphone works, it goes to the people who know how to sing. Digital World is today microphone.
It’s not that hard to become a Key Person of Influence and it certainly doesn’t take years to achieve. There are just five things that you need to have in place to demonstrate that you are a Key Person of Influence:
*****
1. Pitch – your ability to communicate your value and uniqueness through your spoken word.
*****
2. Publish – Your ability to gain credibility through authoring content.
*****
3. Product – Your ability to scale your value through an elegant product and services ecosystem.
4. Profile – Your ability to become known, liked and trusted in your industry.
*****
5. Partnership – The ability to structure and maintain strategic relationships that benefit everyone involved.
*****
December 24, 2018
This book was recommended to me from a attendee at a training seminar. He said that he and his employer and colleagues swear by it. So I read it.
Starts out strong but then fizzes put. I got some value at the beginning but then book ends being very general. I felt that the book was just trying to con me to use his services.
The books notes that you should not be manlipulative but then tells you that you will not follow his advice at the very near end. I think that comment is meant to provoke an emotional response to contact the author and join up for his program.
Regardless of the above I recommend reading for the pitch and publish sections, as there is a lot of value there.
Your product and profile will have a follow effect once you get the first 2 right for you.
In regards to Partnerships, I recommend joining a local BNI group to experience that firsthand.
The ends picks back up with the success stories and they are must read as they are filled with inspiration.
Starts out strong but then fizzes put. I got some value at the beginning but then book ends being very general. I felt that the book was just trying to con me to use his services.
The books notes that you should not be manlipulative but then tells you that you will not follow his advice at the very near end. I think that comment is meant to provoke an emotional response to contact the author and join up for his program.
Regardless of the above I recommend reading for the pitch and publish sections, as there is a lot of value there.
Your product and profile will have a follow effect once you get the first 2 right for you.
In regards to Partnerships, I recommend joining a local BNI group to experience that firsthand.
The ends picks back up with the success stories and they are must read as they are filled with inspiration.
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