The Accidental Influencer

If you’d asked me a while ago if I saw myself as influential, I probably would’ve laughed. It’s just not how I think about myself. But lately, I’ve realised that influence isn’t always about being the loudest in the room, it can come from simply doing what you do well and letting people notice.

I’ve never been one for the spotlight. I’m an introvert, and self-promotion has never come naturally to me. The idea of constantly talking myself up? No, thanks. But when I started my virtual assistant business, I knew I had to put myself out there somehow. Sitting back and hoping clients would magically find me wasn’t a strategy. At the same time, the marketing methods I was seeing all around me - bold claims, hard sells - just weren’t my style.

So, I took a different approach. Instead of telling people what I’m good at, I decided to show them.

By consistently sharing my skills, insights, and experiences, I let my work speak for itself. No gimmicks, no being pushy, just value. Over time, something interesting happened. People started noticing. They saw how I worked, how I stayed organised, how I streamlined processes, and they wanted to know more. They began asking for advice, picking my brain on everything from time management to business systems.

And just like that, I became an “accidental influencer.”

Being Influential (Without Trying Too Hard)

At first, it was subtle. A colleague would ask about a tool I use, or a client would adopt one of my workflows. But then, it grew. More and more people started reaching out, curious about how I do things. To me, these were just everyday habits like keeping my workspace tidy, managing my priorities, and time blocking my calendar. But to others, they were strategies worth learning.

I wasn’t shouting from the rooftops or showing off. I was just being me. And yet, that quiet consistency built trust, credibility, and, without me noticing it, a growing sphere of influence.

Now, as my business expands, so does my network. More opportunities arise to share what I know and help others along the way. It’s proof that you don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to be heard. Influence isn’t about flashy marketing or self-promotion, it’s about showing up, sharing value, and being sincere.

So, if you’re like me—more of a quiet achiever than a natural-born self-promoter, take heart. There’s plenty of space in business for those who lead by example. Influence doesn’t always have to be intentional. Sometimes, it’s just a by-product of a job well done..