What makes someone a thought leader in their business niche? And how do you become a thought leader? For Nicky Billou, President and CEO of eCircle Academy, it comes down to just a couple of simple things.

On the Creating Your Encore Career podcast, Nicky shares with Lynn some strategies he developed to transform entrepreneurs into influential thought leaders. His tips are simple to implement. But behind the success, a genuine desire to help is at its core.

Why does a desire to help others increase business and contribute to your position as a thought leader in your space?

No one wants to feel like they’re always being sold to.

• Your customers want to feel like you genuinely care about their outcome.

• Coaching and mentorship will keep you afloat during recessionary times.

• If you help your customers win, they’ll refer you to others and send you more business.

How does charging more for your services create a sense of value?

It’s the strategy of preeminence at work.

• Pricing can position you as the best at what you do.

• Increased prices can create a sense of scarcity, causing more customers to flock to you.

• Don’t overcharge, but don’t undercharge. Find the sweet spot that increases your income and your level of prestige.

The bottom line: A genuine desire to help others while creating a sense that you are the best at what you do will not only bring you more--and better--business, but it will set you apart as an influential thought leader in your niche.