7 Tips for Building Influence Outside Your Industry was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Most people build careers by working hard and earning respect in their own field. While that’s important, there’s another level of growth that often gets overlooked.
Gaining influence outside your industry can open doors that your current role never could. It helps you discover new opportunities and shape how people see you.
You may wonder how to build influence outside your industry without being a top executive. Read on for seven practical tips.
1️⃣ Focus on What You Know and Translate It for Others
You might assume that your skills only matter within your own industry. However, the truth is that some of them, like problem-solving and leadership, are applicable in almost every field.
The key is knowing how to translate your knowledge so people in other industries understand and see its value. If you speak in heavy jargon that only insiders get, you won’t be able to connect with people outside your industry. However, you’ll stand out if you explain complex concepts in simple, clear language.
Think of yourself as a translator when interacting with people outside your field. Your influence will grow when you take what you know and show how it helps solve problems elsewhere.
2️⃣ Build Genuine Relationships Outside Your Bubble
Networking gets a bad reputation because too many people approach it incorrectly. Some professionals only issue business cards or treat connections like transactions. Influence outside your industry will come from building authentic business relationships.
Start small by attending events where you’re the outsider. If you work in finance, attend a design conference. If you’re in healthcare, try a technology meetup.
When you get to the event, listen more than you talk. Ask questions that show genuine curiosity because people remember those who make them feel heard.
The goal of networking outside your bubble is to cultivate trust. Once people outside your field notice you’re respectful and willing to learn, they’ll welcome you into their circles.
3️⃣ Share Your Ideas Publicly
If you want influence to extend beyond your industry, you need to publicize your ideas. One of the most effective ways to do this is by sharing content on social media.
Write short posts on LinkedIn about what you’re learning. Record a simple podcast where you interview people from other industries. You could also publish an article explaining how to apply the lessons you learn in your work in different areas.
For example, if you’re a sports coach, write about how game-day strategies apply to startup teamwork. Many people will love your ideas and perspective if they’re applicable in many ways.
Sharing insightful content will help more people outside your circle value your opinion. It also ensures they recognize your executive presence. After a while, they’ll know you for your expertise and knowledge, not just your current role.
4️⃣ Offer Help Before You Ask for Anything
Your influence will grow quickly when people see you as someone who cares about others. In every interaction outside your industry, look for ways to be helpful.
You could share an article that speaks to a challenge someone mentioned. You may also connect two people who might benefit from knowing each other. Another option to try is volunteering on a project or board outside your field. Other ways to offer help include:
- Share resources you created
- Offer feedback on a project or idea
- Coach someone who’s starting their career
- Amplify someone else’s work
Helping consistently makes you unforgettable and ensures people value you being part of their network. Besides, helping others can benefit you later in ways you don’t expect.
For example, if you volunteer on a nonprofit board, you might meet city leaders who later open doors for your career. Making a connection with your peers could also lead to a lucrative job recommendation.
5️⃣ Embrace Being a Beginner Again
When you step outside your industry, you won’t know everything, which might be humbling. The willingness to be a beginner will set you apart from other professionals. Instead of clinging to your title or years of experience, be open-minded.
People outside your industry don’t expect you to know everything, so don’t be nervous. Just be respectful when interacting with them and admit when you don’t understand something.
Being open will build trust and make others more willing to share their insights. Over time, you’ll gain enough understanding of another field to spot connections or opportunities they miss. When you share those fresh insights, people in that space will take notice.
6️⃣ Show Up Consistently
Building influence outside your field takes time and effort. Commit by joining professional associations even if they don’t directly relate to your expertise. You can also try the following:
- Attend conferences regularly
- Participate in community groups
- Join online forums outside your industry
If you show up in these spaces frequently, people will notice and interact with you more. They could also start associating you with thoughtful input and steady engagement.
Being consistent will prove you’re not just chasing quick wins. It reflects your commitment to learning, contributing, and being part of a larger conversation. The steady commitment will cement your influence across industries.
7️⃣ Work on Personal Branding
Your influence outside your industry ultimately depends on how people see you as a person. If you have a clear personal brand, it will follow you anywhere. People across all industries will know who you are and what you stand for.
Build your personal brand by identifying your unique strengths. Then, ensure they show up in how you communicate and relate with others.
Share your perspective in a way that feels authentic. Keep your tone and values the same whether you’re writing a post or having a one-on-one conversation. Over time, people will associate your name with qualities they can count on.
Build a Reputation That Travels Across Industries
Building influence outside your industry requires ensuring your voice carries weight, no matter the setting. Translate your expertise to others around you and build real relationships.
Broaden your network by sharing your knowledge and helping others. You should also be willing to learn and build a brand that people remember anywhere. If you use these strategies, other professionals will seek your perspective and value your input.
