Ravi Rajani's Linkedin Analytics

The most influential people I know all do this one thing. They make others feel deeply SEEN in their presence. See, when we chase: - More Automation (without intention) - More Growth (without introspection) - More Conversations (without intention) We engage in reactive behaviour grounded in instant gratification. When we focus on: - Being truly present - Asking meaningful questions without a hidden agenda - Deeply listening without bias We delay gratification and build meaningful relationships that last. The real power move? Making someone feel significant in your presence. Remember, influence is a by-product of genuine connection. When you really connect, you start to build trust. And that sticks long after the words are forgotten.

As leaders, we want to be influential. But here’s the thing. If people leave conversations with you feeling smaller, more confused, or invisible, there's a problem. Real influence doesn’t steal the spotlight. It holds up a mirror. It’s not about impressing people. It’s about seeing them. It’s not about sounding smarter. It’s about asking better questions. It’s not about being louder. It’s about listening deeper. Want to build real influence? Make other people feel like the hero of their own story without needing to remind them of yours. It’s quieter work. But it lasts longer. -- My keynote, "The Influential Leader" helps you and your people do exactly this. Learn more by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/eb7YJVGj

You don’t build trust by talking more. You build it by asking better questions. (and deeply listening) The right question doesn’t just start a conversation. It sparks connection. Instead of “Do you like running a business?” Ask, “When did you first get the itch to start your own company?” Instead of “Would you like to switch suppliers?” Ask, “Can you tell me about the moment you first realized you needed a change?" A question grounded in intentionality isn’t just about getting an answer. It’s about stopping somebody in their tracks. Or opening the door to a story. This is where authentic relationships begin.

“Hello, would you like a cookie sample?” Picture this, You’re pacing through a shopping mall. You have 6 mins until your favourite clothing store shuts. And all of a sudden, you’re stopped in your tracks... “Hello, would you like a cookie sample?” says Jeremy from Cookie Express. You tell Jeremy you don’t have the time… But the smell of a fresh, warm, and succulent cookie, gets and keeps your attention. Hesitantly, you take a bite. And all of a sudden, Jeremy has you in a trance. The goodness of that cookie means you forget about grabbing that linen shirt for your holiday and before you know it… You have a feature-rich pamphlet in your hand telling you about the baking process, specific ingredients and more. The result? You walk away with a box of 8 choco-chip cookies. Here's why I'm telling you this... When selling, here's how I see it: Your customer success story is a "cookie sample". Your case study is the "feature-rich pamphlet". The punchline: Evoke an emotion with a short story, spark a meaningful conversation, and earn the opportunity to share your technical case study, (vs leading with it). Be more like Jeremy.

Most people think this. "How can I be more interesting?" I see why. But let's not put the cart before the horse. If you want to build real influence, I invite you to flip the script. As Dale Carnegie once said: Be interested. Not interesting. Interested in someone’s story. Their struggles. Their dreams they’re too scared to say out loud. When people feel seen, they openly share their truth. When they open up, you earn the first building block of trust. I'm talking about connection. And when you spark true connection. That's when everything shifts. And this is the golden nugget right here. You can have the sharpest skills, the loudest voice, the biggest resume... But if people don’t feel that you're invested in them, it doesn’t matter. Real connection isn’t loud. It’s quiet. Intentional. Rare. In a world obsessed with being noticed... Be the one who notices. That’s the quiet flex nobody’s talking about. When’s the last time you made someone feel deeply seen and understood? Without trying to fix them, teach them, or one-up them? That’s the thing I want to leave you with. Once you change this, so will the outcomes of your conversations.

Want to become an influential storyteller? If so, remember this: “No one cares about your story. They care about their story. And if they can see themselves in your story, then they will care about your story”. ~ Erwin McManus Are you with me? Here's a quick acid test for you: "Does my story make me look significant or does it make my audience feel significant?" Whether it's a 1:1 conversation. A presentation. Or a pitch. Your answer will make or break your ability to build meaningful business relationships.

You think they want you to have all the answers. Yet, they want somebody they can trust. Who are “they” you ask? - Your team - Your partners - Your customers When they ask you a question you don’t know. Unknowingly, you’ve just received a gift that’ll support you in increasing your credibility stock. Yet, it’s easy to feel the: - Fear of looking incompetent - Fear of not being perceived as a leader - Fear of handing over “control” - Fear of losing the room or the deal - Fear of not looking like you have it all together However, as you and I know. Fear is an illusion. When we lean into the resistance and communicate for trust. Beautiful things unfold.   Can't answer a question?  Own it.     For example, you can say:    "That’s a great question that I don’t have an answer for. After our chat, I’ll do some digging to find you the answer, and if that fails, I’ll introduce you to the right person who can.”    Own your truth.  Stay within your area of expertise.  Become the expert in finding the expert.    This is how you communicate that you’re a person of integrity. Without having to tell someone you’re a person of integrity.

So, you know how people tell you to behave like a trusted guide? Here’s one simple question I like to ask myself: “If I were overflowing with abundance in every area of my life, how would I behave in this situation?” Whether you’re speaking to a prospect. A customer. A team member or partner. The answer to this question will help you tap into your higher self. And ensure you operate with integrity. Yes, for the sake of your conversation partner. But more importantly, you.

People claim they care about building trusted relationships. Yet, their actions may tell you otherwise. A leader who tells you they are “people-centric”. Yet their 1:1 conversations with you lack presence, intention and depth. A salesperson who tells you they are “service-orientated”. Yet, they fail to ask you conscious questions and listen deeply. An entrepreneur who tells you they are “mission-driven”. Yet, their decisions are driven by ego and self-preservation. Short-term behaviour kills long-term reputation. Period. When you see a lack of congruency between one’s words and actions... Listen to it. When your body is screaming that something feels off… Listen to it. When people keep showing you who they truly are… Listen to it. Alignment over everything. Your future self will thank you for it.

Want true charisma? Well, let me tell you this. It has nothing to do with how much you talk, being the smartest in the room or receiving meaningless accolades. That's all about YOU. I'm talking about making others significant in your presence. One way to do exactly that is by giving genuine compliments. The kind that leaves someone feeling seen, heard, and understood. Not the throwaway ‘great job’ kind. I mean the real, thoughtful ones. Let me give you an example: Scenario 1: "Great presentation" Scenario 2: "Jamie, that was one of the most impactful presentations I've heard you deliver. Your story about experiencing crippling imposter syndrome as a newly promoted leader was so eye-opening. It truly inspired me to be more vulnerable with my team. Thank you". See the difference? When you acknowledge someone authentically, specifically, and with impact, you accelerate trust. And trust? That’s what helps you earn relationship currency. Acknowledging somebody for their genius is rare. But don’t do it liberally. Do it honestly. Do it contextually. And do it with integrity. And watch as it transforms not just how people see you, but how they see themselves. Now, that’s how you communicate for charisma my friend.

There was a cat in a bag, and I just let it out. I can't wait to speak at Atomicon later in June! And it’s because of these two: Andrew Pickering & Pete Gartland. There’s something different about these gentlemen. Their energy. Their swagger. And their approach to business. It's refreshing in a sea of sameness. Shout-out to Grace Andrews and Ryan Deiss, who have just been added to the awesome lineup! If you're coming, I can't wait to meet you in the flesh. Let’s get it!

Here’s how I tell personal stories: (and it has nothing to do with stroking my ego) The unwanted truth: Your personal stories aren’t designed to receive significance, They’re designed to GIVE significance to your "audience". To tell impactful personal stories that spark change. here's how I think about it: (Pre-work) Step 0: Understand your audience & their problem ➡️ Audience: Your team ➡️ Problem: Perfectionism (When sharing your story) Step 1: Evoke an emotion ➡️ Current feeling: Frustration ➡️ New feeling: Excitement Step 2: Shift a perspective ➡️ Old perspective: Clarity comes from thought ➡️ New perspective: Clarity comes from action Step 3: Show relevancy ➡️ Say these words: "Here's why I'm telling you this..." ➡️ Then do this: Tie the moral of your story back to their BIG problem Step 4: Inspire action ➡️ Call people to action to anchor their new perspective Yourself. Your vision. Your ideas. Your mission. Your products or services. ...whatever you are selling with your story... Remember this: “No one cares about your story. They care about their story. And if they can see themselves in your story, then they will care about your story” ~ Erwin McManus

We’ve all seen them lurking in our LinkedIn comments. “Interesting. But you’re wrong. You have no idea what you’re talking about” Comments like this come in the guise of ‘feedback’. But the condescending tone is obvious. However, this isn’t a LinkedIn issue. It's a human issue. When we’re triggered, engaging in reactive behaviour is easily done. We do it to soothe our internal chaos. But your words tell people a story about you and your inner state. The question is: Is it a good story? So, how do WE handle such moments when they appear? Well for a start, if you feel triggered, that's awesome. See this trigger as a mirror and an opportunity for internal growth. Then engage in conscious communication. A while back on my YT channel, I broke down how Steve Jobs handled a similar situation back in the day. He was presented with a question in the audience by someone quite clearly out to humiliate him. Jobs could have snapped and retaliated. Instead, he paused and took his time. He then used that imperfect moment as a chance for connection. What happened next was dope. He acknowledged part of the criticism, neutralised the tension, and turned it into a teaching moment about vision and resilience. Fight. Flight or Freeze aren't the only options available. It’s possible to calm the nervous system and communicate with intention. So, next time you face a passive-aggressive comment during any presentation, meeting or conversation, remember this. It's a gift. Receive it, lean into the discomfort and own your truth without tearing others down. Do this right, and growth will find you. P.S. Link to my full video breakdown of Steve Jobs' communication masterclass in the comments (ungated).