Digitizing a thought I had written in a journal back in 2010 around the idea of a Centre of Influence (COI). I had defined COIs as those people we have relationships with who possess a level of influence over our decision-making. The influence is exerted by virtue of their primary relationship dynamic with their network. These are people trusted & networked as an influencer, and their advice is often taken with little further thought.

It's apparent that my then knowledge of personal/professional relationship dynamics was much more limited than it is today, but interesting nonetheless. 

Here's the list I'd come up with back then:

• Five Star COIs
  • Immigration consultant
  • Power parent
  • Religious leader (e.g. Pastor, Rabbi)
  • Family doctor/physician
• Four Star COIs
  • Accountant
  • Lawyer
  • Community leader (e.g. Strata)
  • Martial Arts Sifu/Master
  • Real estate agent
• Three Star COIs
  • Hairdresser
  • Nutritionist
  • Nursing home staff
  • Teacher/Instructor
  • Government official
  • Personal trainer
  • Colleague
• Two Star COIs
  • In-home caretaker
  • Social worker
  • Tutor (in-home)
  • Sports/talent coach

Also, had made note of the characteristics that make for strong influencers:

• Highly trusted
• Important aspect of one's life
• Respected
• Knows the financial situation or other private personal information about others

How has this changed now that we're in 2018? Will be a ponderable when there's downtime :)