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You can’t demand influence – you earn it
Authority may come with a title, but influence is the result of trust. People follow those who are consistent, transparent, and values-driven.
Think of someone you deeply trust—what do they consistently do?Now reflect: how are you cultivating that same consistency in your leadership?
#Blogboost #AdvantaStrategies #LeadershipInAction #EarnTrust #ModernInfluence #ActThePart #HowToSucceedInAFailingWorld
How Humor Can Lighten the Room
A smile can make your design pitch twice as memorable. Humor, when done right, isn’t about being a comedian it’s about being human. A little laughter reminds everyone that design is supposed to bring joy, not stress. So the next time you walk into a presentation, bring your sense of humor along with your fabric swatches. You’ll leave behind not only a beautiful concept but also a positive impression.
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
Sound as Good as You Look
Trade shows can showcase your talent and brand but shouldn’t cost you your voice.
The Designer’s Elevator Pitch:
If you can’t explain your vision in a minute, you’ll lose the moment. In the world of design, opportunities often appear unexpectedly,a quick chat at a showroom, a brief meeting at a networking event, or a chance encounter with a potential...
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Advanta Strategies, LLC
814-360-1950
linda@advantastrategies.com





Yes, Influence is a result of Trust. I know the expression “People do business with those they Know, Like and Trust”… and this is significant in gaining influence. Excellent topic!
Linda, was there more to this post than a couple of quotes? I couldn’t find the continuation. With what I saw, you are on some of my favorite subjects, such as consistent professionalism. I argue with a colleague, who likes to look different every day, that she is forgoing the advantages of trade dress, the way your business consistently looks. What if a Coke bottle were a different shape each time you saw one? I have worked for many years to earn trust through consistency and listening.
Kebba:
No there was not more to the post – a late at night attempt at maintaining my commitment to this 30 day post. In response to your Coke bottle. My sister is in charge of props for a play. Its a dated play and the director insisted on using coke bottles. Not cans of Coke. The only place to find it was at Costco. As she discovered, the recipe is different between the can and the bottle. Just a little tickle of non information for your Sunday. An interesting Podcast by “Articles of Interest” referencing Dapper Dan. The history and legality of fashion amazing. Linda