Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing from edX

Influence plays an important role in nurturing human thoughts, ideas, and concepts. As children, we are influenced by our parents, teachers, and friends. As we grow up, peer influence and other external influences play an important role in our decision making.

While influencing or being influenced is a natural phenomenon, scientific analysis and methodical application can help in shaping human behaviour. Influence is not just about the gift of the gab or talking to people, it is about taking charge and making people see, understand, and agree with one’s perspective. Influence is also about understanding the way various aspects must come together to appeal to the other person’s views & emotions. Interestingly, unlike our attempt to control, our attempt to influence may not require our conscious intent, as we influence easily by being who we are, saying what we say, and doing what we do and leading by example.

This course delineates the concept, significance, and approach to influence along with the methods, techniques, and skills of influencing for sustainable organizational success. It provides an understanding of the difference between “Power” and “Influence” and discusses various facets of influence, types of influence, consumer psychology, and how to understand and apply influence and persuasion to manage organisations and affect customer behaviour.

Thus, create a mindset that the “ability to influence” is so much more important and satisfying than the “ability to control”.

Topics Covered

* Meaning, concept, and significance of Influence

* Types and stages of Influence

* Techniques and skills associated with the process of Influence

* Customer decision-making process

* Impact of influence on the customer decision-making process

* Influencer Marketing, Concept and Types

* Role of Influencer Marketing in business

What's inside

Learning objectives

Benefits and future of influencer marketing
* the meaning and significance of influence
* difference between power and influence
* difference between influence and persuasion
* skills for effective influence - communication and reasoning, assertiveness, interpersonal and interactive skills.
* influencers and their characteristics

* elements of leadership and people management
* influencing for effective leadership and people management
* impact of influence in marketing
* adapting to influencing techniques – rational, social and emotional approach to influencing
* the realm of influencer marketing

Benefits and future of influencer marketing
* the meaning and significance of influence
* difference between power and influence
* difference between influence and persuasion
* skills for effective influence - communication and reasoning, assertiveness, interpersonal and interactive skills.
* influencers and their characteristics
* elements of leadership and people management
* influencing for effective leadership and people management
* impact of influence in marketing
* adapting to influencing techniques – rational, social and emotional approach to influencing
* the realm of influencer marketing

Syllabus

Week 1 : The Realm of Influence - Meaning, Concept and Significance

Week 2 : Techniques & Skills for Effective Influence – Learning and adapting to key Influencing Techniques & Skills

Week 3 : Leveraging Influence for Leadership and People Management

Week 4 : Influencing Customer Decisions – Applicability of Influence for Marketing of products and services

Week 5 : Influencer Marketing – Identifying and empowering influencers for brand building.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines influence and the techniques and skills associated with the process of influencing for sustainable organizational success

Explores the difference between influence and persuasion for effective influence

Taught by instructors recognized in their field

Teaches essential skills for effective influence, such as communication, reasoning, assertiveness, interpersonal and interactive skills

Provides a strong foundation for understanding the concepts, significance, and approach to influence

Uses a multi-modal approach with videos, readings, and discussions

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing with these activities:

Organize and review course materials

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Organizing and reviewing your course materials will help you synthesize the information and improve your retention.

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Gather all course materials, including lecture notes, readings, and assignments
Create a system for organizing and filing the materials
Regularly review the materials to reinforce your understanding

Review the meaning of influence

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Having a good understanding of the meaning and concept of influence will help you better grasp the complexities of the topic as covered in this course.

Browse courses on Influence

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Read the course syllabus and introduction materials
Complete the pre-course quiz to assess your current knowledge

Watch video tutorials on persuasion and influence

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Watching video tutorials will provide you with additional insights and perspectives on persuasion and influence, complementing the course materials.

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Search for video tutorials on YouTube or other platforms
Watch and take notes on the key concepts presented

Four other activities

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Read 'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of influence and will help you understand the principles and techniques used to influence others.

View Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of... on Amazon

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Read one chapter per week
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Complete the chapter quizzes to test your understanding

Join a study group and discuss influence concepts

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Engaging in discussions with peers will help you clarify your understanding of influence concepts and exchange different perspectives.

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Find a study group or form one with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and concepts

Develop an influence plan for a specific situation

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Creating an influence plan will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills to a practical scenario, enhancing your ability to influence effectively.

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Identify a specific situation where you need to influence others
Research the target audience and their motivations
Develop a plan outlining the influence techniques you will use
Implement your plan and track your progress

Participate in an influence-related contest or competition

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Participating in a contest or competition will challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge in a competitive environment, fostering your growth and development.

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Research and identify relevant contests or competitions
Prepare and submit your entry according to the contest guidelines
Get feedback on your entry and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marketing Manager

The Marketing Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of marketing for a company or organization. This can include developing and executing marketing campaigns, managing marketing budgets, and conducting market research. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Marketing Managers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for success in this role. The course also provides an understanding of customer decision-making processes and how to use influence to impact those decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

The Sales Manager is responsible for leading and managing a team of sales professionals. This can include developing sales strategies, setting sales goals, and providing training and support to sales staff. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Sales Managers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for motivating and leading a sales team. The course also provides an understanding of customer decision-making processes and how to use influence to impact those decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Public relations manager

The Public Relations Manager is responsible for managing the public image of a company or organization. This can include developing and executing public relations campaigns, managing media relations, and responding to media inquiries. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Public Relations Managers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building and maintaining relationships with the media and the public. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to shape public opinion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Advertising Manager

The Advertising Manager is responsible for developing and executing advertising campaigns for a company or organization. This can include creating advertising copy, designing advertising layouts, and placing advertising in various media outlets. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Advertising Managers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for creating effective advertising campaigns. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to reach and persuade target audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Advertising Manager

Brand Manager

The Brand Manager is responsible for developing and managing a brand for a company or organization. This can include developing brand identity, creating brand messaging, and managing brand reputation. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Brand Managers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building and maintaining a strong brand. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to create a positive brand perception among target audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Manager

Social Media Manager

The Social Media Manager is responsible for developing and executing social media campaigns for a company or organization. This can include creating social media content, managing social media accounts, and engaging with customers on social media. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Social Media Managers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for creating effective social media campaigns. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to reach and persuade target audiences on social media.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

The Digital Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing digital marketing campaigns for a company or organization. This can include creating digital marketing content, managing digital marketing channels, and tracking digital marketing results. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Digital Marketing Managers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for creating effective digital marketing campaigns. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to reach and persuade target audiences online.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager

Event Planner

The Event Planner is responsible for planning and executing events for a company or organization. This can include corporate events, conferences, and trade shows. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Event Planners improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building relationships with clients and vendors, and for ensuring that events run smoothly. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to create a positive experience for event attendees.

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Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is responsible for raising funds for a nonprofit organization or other charitable cause. This can include developing fundraising strategies, writing grant proposals, and organizing fundraising events. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Fundraisers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building relationships with donors and for securing funding. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to create a compelling case for support.

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Teacher

The Teacher is responsible for educating and inspiring students in a classroom setting. This can include developing lesson plans, delivering instruction, and assessing student learning. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Teachers improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for motivating students and for creating a positive learning environment. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to shape student behavior and to promote academic achievement.

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Counselor

The Counselor provides guidance and support to individuals and families. This can include helping clients to identify and achieve their goals, cope with difficult life events, and improve their relationships. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Counselors improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building rapport with clients and for helping them to make positive changes in their lives. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to create a safe and supportive environment for clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Therapist

The Therapist provides mental health services to individuals and families. This can include diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, providing psychotherapy, and offering support and guidance. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Therapists improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building rapport with clients and for helping them to make positive changes in their lives. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to create a safe and supportive environment for clients.

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Coach

The Coach provides guidance and support to individuals and teams to help them achieve their goals. This can include providing motivation, setting goals, and offering advice and feedback. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Coaches improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building rapport with clients and for helping them to make positive changes in their lives. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to create a safe and supportive environment for clients.

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Consultant

The Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. This can include business strategy, marketing, and operations. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Consultants improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building relationships with clients and for providing effective advice. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to create a positive impression and to build trust with clients.

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Entrepreneur

The Entrepreneur starts and runs their own business. This can include developing a business plan, raising capital, and managing day-to-day operations. The Influence Essentials for Leadership and Marketing course can help Entrepreneurs improve their skills in influence and persuasion, which are essential for building relationships with investors, customers, and employees. The course also provides an understanding of how to use influence to create a strong brand and to promote a business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur