Joshua Tiong

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Centres of Influence

Digitizing a thought I had written in a journal back in 2010 around the idea of a Centre of Influence (COI). I had defined COIs as those people we have relationships with who possess a level of influence over our decision-making. The influence is exerted by virtue of their primary relationship dynamic with their network. These are people trusted & networked as an influencer, and their advice is often taken with little further thought.

It's apparent that my then knowledge of personal/professional relationship dynamics was much more limited than it is today, but interesting nonetheless. 

Here's the list I'd come up with back then:

  • Five Star COIs
    • Immigration consultant
    • Power parent
    • Religious leader (e.g. Pastor, Rabbi)
    • Family doctor/physician
  • Four Star COIs
    • Accountant
    • Lawyer
    • Community leader (e.g. Strata)
    • Martial Arts Sifu/Master
    • Real estate agent
  • Three Star COIs
    • Hairdresser
    • Nutritionist
    • Nursing home staff
    • Teacher/Instructor
    • Government official
    • Personal trainer
    • Colleague
  • Two Star COIs
    • In-home caretaker
    • Social worker
    • Tutor (in-home)
    • Sports/talent coach

Also, had made note of the characteristics that make for strong influencers:

  • Highly trusted
  • Important aspect of one's life
  • Respected
  • Knows the financial situation or other private personal information about others

How has this changed now that we're in 2018? Will be a ponderable when there's downtime :)