Stop sending emails and start using video to build your influence

In an increasingly digital world, words alone are no longer enough. If you’re looking to increase your influence within your network, video is your most powerful tool. With its ability to drive engagement, convey authenticity, and deliver messages quickly, video communication is becoming the key to creating lasting impressions and expanding your reach.

Why Video Stands Out in a Cluttered Space

Text messages and emails have their place, but in today’s saturated digital landscape, video offers a way to stand out. It’s personal, direct, and dynamic—all of which instantly capture attention. When people see your face, hear your voice, and feel your energy, your message becomes more memorable. You’re not just a name on a screen—you’re a presence.

Video is increasingly becoming the go-to medium across platforms, from LinkedIn to YouTube to Instagram. According to recent trends identified in a report published by LinkedIn, video uploads are increasing significantly year over year, and the growth in video engagement is occurring among both individual users and business leaders. For example, CEO posts that contain video consistently outperform other content, generating higher impressions and engagement. This reflects a broader trend: video is reshaping the way professionals communicate and expand their reach.

Additionally, video taps into human psychology. We’re wired to respond to facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. These nonverbal cues help build trust and connection much faster than words on a page. Whether you’re sharing ideas, giving advice, or simply connecting with someone in your network, video allows you to communicate with a level of authenticity that’s hard to achieve through text alone.

Building Authentic Connections Through Video

One of the biggest benefits of video is the ability to create authentic connections. When people see you on video, they feel closer to you because they get a sense of who you are beyond the words you say. This is essential for building long-term relationships within your network.

Instead of sending a long email to introduce yourself or to check in with someone, consider sending a short, personalized video. In just a few seconds, you can convey more emotion and personality than a paragraph of text could. Video messages can be tailored to specific people, making them feel valued and heard. These personal touches help create deeper, more meaningful connections.

When creating video content, authenticity is key. Don’t aim for perfection, aim for reality. Show your personality, your quirks, and even your mistakes. People relate to those who are authentic, not those who present a polished, rehearsed version of themselves. Being vulnerable on camera may be uncomfortable at first, but it’s what makes people feel closer to you and more likely to trust your message.

Expand your reach and visibility

Video isn’t just about building one-on-one connections. It’s also a tool to spread your ideas to a wider audience, increase your visibility, and position yourself as a thought leader in your field. Platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram have made it easier than ever to share video content with your entire network—and beyond.

Video is especially effective for professionals looking to grow their influence and share their expertise. By regularly posting short, relevant videos on these platforms, you keep your network engaged while reaching new potential contacts. Video allows you to showcase your expertise in a personal and accessible way. Whether you’re sharing industry insights, giving advice, or discussing trends, your content will stand out in a way that text-based posts often don’t.

The key is consistency. Gaining influence through video isn’t about creating a single viral post, it’s about consistently delivering quality content. Over time, your network will come to expect your insights and see you as a go-to source of knowledge and insight in your field. This type of consistent engagement helps solidify your position as a leader in your field.

Create value-added content

If you want to expand your influence, your videos need to focus on creating value for your audience. It’s not enough to just appear on camera—you need to offer something that resonates with your network. What challenges are they facing? What insights would help them succeed?

Start by identifying the topics that interest your audience the most. Once you know what interests them, create videos that provide actionable information, advice, or solutions. Think about how your knowledge and expertise can benefit them and position yourself as someone who provides value, not someone who is simply looking for attention.

The key to creating effective video content is to keep it short and to the point. People have limited attention spans, so it’s important to convey your message clearly and concisely. Aim for videos that are no longer than two to three minutes, unless you’re tackling a particularly complex topic. The goal is to quickly capture interest, provide value, and leave your audience wanting more.

Leveraging Video for Long-Term Influence

While video can help you make an immediate impact, it’s also a powerful tool for creating long-term influence. The more you use video to engage your network, the more familiar they become with your face, voice, and ideas. Over time, this familiarity builds trust and positions you as a consistent, reliable presence in your industry.

But to truly leverage video for long-term influence, it’s important to engage with your audience, not just push content to them. Respond to comments, encourage questions, and create opportunities for dialogue. When people feel heard and included, they’re more likely to stay engaged with your content and share it with others in their network.

Another important aspect of leveraging video for long-term influence is to diversify the types of video content you produce. Mix it up with live videos, recorded updates, Q&A sessions, and tutorials. This variety keeps your audience engaged and ensures your content stays fresh and engaging over time.

By being consistently present, providing value, and fostering genuine relationships, you will not only expand your influence, but you will also build a loyal network of supporters who trust your ideas and look to you for advice.