Bruce Mehlman on Sharing Insights Freely - Chief Influencer - Episode # 008
Bruce Mehlman is the Founding Partner of Mehlman Consulting and a renowned lobbyist. Bruce shares quarterly infographic analyses for free which are packed with high-level insights that aren’t found anywhere else. Bruce explains why you should share your discoveries publicly, the importance of using brevity in your content, and why elevating others around you is so important!
Takeaways:
- When you discover a new insight, it’s better to share it freely with others rather than hide it behind a paywall. As you become a source of knowledge, your influence in your niche will expand. Even if your competitors draw from your research, it only shows the value of your work. For example, when discussing the use of his research by a competitor, Bruce shared that recipients of that information will want to work with him more because he is the source of the insights they received.
- Brevity goes a long way. Making a message longer does not make it easier to understand. If three paragraphs get the message across, don’t write five pages.
- Use visuals to illustrate the ideas that are difficult to verbalize. Imagery can make your overall message more impactful
- Positivity and Feedback Drive Results. While negativity may have a short-term impact, a positive approach is more effective for long-term influence. Providing constructive feedback and celebrating the achievements of your team members cultivate a culture of growth and motivation, resulting in greater overall success.
- Create content that you would want to read and avoid perpetuating harmful narratives. When posting on social media, Bruce suggests trying to “un-spin” the conversation as much as possible and get to the root of the story or issue.
- Elevate those around you that enable your success. Recognizing the members of your team for the work they do provides validation for them, a short-term dopamine boost for you, and strengthens the long-term relationship between you and your team.
Quote of the Show:
- “Sharing the work more widely makes it more valuable” - Bruce Mehlman
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-mehlman-51239136/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bpmehlman
Shout Outs:
- John Chambers - Founder of JC2 Ventures and former CEO of Cisco
- Jim Collins - Business researcher and Author of Good to Great
Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Guest
Bruce Mehlman
Bruce Mehlman is the Founding Partner of Mehlman Consulting and a renowned lobbyist. The quarterly infographic analyses that Bruce shares for free are packed with high-level insights that aren’t found anywhere else.
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.