Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me)

True to the quality of the writing in their other books, this book had the same easy reading style with memorable and valuable content. The chapters followed through with guidance for developing your writing, seeking an audience, and reaching your potential as an author while honoring God as the platform for your work. With chapters focused on words such as Tension, Fear, Calling, Strategy, Pride, Compare, Serve, Network and others, you will be coached through the many aspects of the writing life. Because 'Platform' is necessary and many writers struggle with the significance of building one, this book offers a section for "Around-the-circle" discussion questions for your writers group, or just to direct your own concentration on what you're learning. This book lives up to its intent: Building a platform that elevates Jesus Not Me.

This book was amazing! As I was reading it, all I could think about was Jesus with the towel over His arm ready to wash the feet of His disciples. This book explains in detail the importance of lifting up and promoting others, while not promoting yourself. I received SO MANY great revelations from this book and had no idea there was so much scripture backing up this very topic. By page 8, I felt like Kate and Shannon were my own personal cheerleaders and encouragers. This book also has many hands-on activities that will help you gain clarity of your own motives. My favorite chapter was chapter 9 entitled Serve. I recommend this book to anyone who has a message to get out OR feels like they have an addiction to their “platform” that’s already been created. Who says you can’t make small tweaks to recalibrate? It’s never too late to start today! Thank you Shannon and Kate. I loved it!

I was referred to this gem through a podcast that I listen to frequently. As I listened to Shannon speak about the book, I knew I had to read it. I have heard versions of the content but never any that spoke to me on such a personal level and never as actionable as this. If you are weary of how the world says we should serve others in the online market, then you must read this! And you must read this soon!

I absolutely needed this book to push me in the right direction as a Christian wife, mother, and writer. We need mentoring in this concepts of platform-building in a world that can be too self-focused for its own good. These ladies teamed up to communicate this necessary message and I am so grateful! Every writer, speaker, blogger needs to read this and keep it on the shelf as reference whenever they feel discouraged or too big for their britches.

Wow!! This book was great and truly eye-opening. One of my favorite parts was on the comparison trap, chapter 7. Satan loves us to compare ourselves with others because it puts us in bondage. How true. This book is a great resource for a Christian writers, speakers and business owners and anyone who wants to put God first in their lives and not themselves. This book was enjoyable, challenging and encouraged me to use my talents and gifts to elevate Jesus, not self. As a brand new author myself, “Influence” was enlightening to me. I would highly recommend it. Thank you Shannon & Kate.

This book is a breath of fresh air, of biblical truth for Christian writers, speakers, and leaders who want to share God’s message but don’t feel comfortable in the fast-paced marketing platform. It encourages writers to follow Christ first. What I love best about this book is the heart of the authors, who are both successful writers. They give hope to the aspiring writer and speaker who wants to walk in their calling.

I first heard about this book after hearing one of the authors (Shannon Popkin) speak at a Writer's Conference. As a ministry leader, writer and speaker I've often struggled with the idea of "promoting myself" and building a "platform" so this book was SO HELPFUL at helping me understand and navigate that world in a way that honors God's calling for my life-- not my perceived calling following my own plans and goals. Both authors share their experiences at doing so with stories and advice-- excellent. I saw a few reviews expressing disappointment that there weren't clear steps to building a platform, I respectfully disagree with those posts because God has a different path and calling for each of us in our journeys, it isn't one size fits all-- just as Kate & Shannon's journeys were different, ours will be too. This book will help you navigate your own Calling & journey. I'll be reading it again soon, slowly and with a high lighter and I'm sure I'll be keeping this one within arms reach to reference whenever I'm doing ministry planning. Thank you Shannon and Kate for writing this.

The book, Influence gave me insight and encouragement for using my influence for God's purposes and never for my own. I purchased the book at last year's Speak Up Conference for Christian speakers and writers after speaking to the author Shannon Popkin. She kindly discussed the purpose of the book with me and her and co-author Kate Motaung's intent for writing that Jesus always be the one that is elevated. I plan to use this book to refer back to in regularity so that I can remember my purpose in ministry is to influence others for Jesus. It is never about me. If we are ever elevated in our ministry, it is only so that the Christian speaker or writer can see the needs. The analogy of a lifeguard at the beach was used to demonstrate the need for a lifeguard to sit in an elevated chair to see the swimmers in the water and intervene and give guidance and help to those that are "spotted". I actually read this book within 2 days of buying it, underlining and marking numerous passages throughout. I want to continually remember my proper place in ministry and Jesus' place and not confuse it at any time. This book will help me to point people to Jesus and never to myself. I immediately bought this book for another friend in ministry and feel it would be a great gift for any Christian leader to constantly remember the reason for our influence and the proper way to view any platform we might have.

“Influence: Building a Platform That Elevates Jesus (Not Me)” by Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin is nothing like I expected. I was ready to dive into a plan to expand my platform as an author. However, it was an excellent book on how whatever we are doing for the Lord it must elevate Him and not ourselves. This is hard to do but it reminds me of why I do what I do for the Lord. No matter how many social media posts, blogs written, advertisement paid for, speeches made, interviews done or whatever is used to market what He has me to write, it all depends on Him not me. In His timing and in His way the work I do for Him will reach those who need it. Any Christian in business or ministry must read this book. Anyone who is walking with the Lord must read this book. Everything we do in this world must be all for God’s glory as we live His schedule and pray Big! Let us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

This book was like drinking 10 Red Bull's for me. The jolt of energy it gave me was exactly what I needed to push forward in my platform building. I love to write. I have a book and want a book deal, but hate, let me repeat - HATE! - platform building! I just can't get past the feelings of self-promotion and egocentricism so I stop after the writing process and secretly hope some publishing fairy or computer hacker will stumble upon my private works of art and publish them FOR me!!!. That is, until I read "Influence." I suddenly realized I had it all wrong. Through memorable and applicable analogies, both Kate and Shannon posit very convincingly that it is actually God's desire for Christian writer's to put forth their best effort in platform building in order to best serve our readers. I have devoured so many books on HOW to build a platform, that I had completely missed the WHY. This book is an absolute necessity for every Christian writer who wants to maintain humility in an indurstry that insists on building bigger and better platforms. It changed my views on the matter entirely. I am SO glad I read this when I did! Thank you Kate and Shannon!

True to the quality of the writing in their other books, this book had the same easy reading style with memorable and valuable content. The chapters followed through with guidance for developing your writing, seeking an audience, and reaching your potential as an author while honoring God as the platform for your work. With chapters focused on words such as Tension, Fear, Calling, Strategy, Pride, Compare, Serve, Network and others, you will be coached through the many aspects of the writing life. Because 'Platform' is necessary and many writers struggle with the significance of building one, this book offers a section for "Around-the-circle" discussion questions for your writers group, or just to direct your own concentration on what you're learning. This book lives up to its intent: Building a platform that elevates Jesus Not Me.

This book was amazing! As I was reading it, all I could think about was Jesus with the towel over His arm ready to wash the feet of His disciples. This book explains in detail the importance of lifting up and promoting others, while not promoting yourself. I received SO MANY great revelations from this book and had no idea there was so much scripture backing up this very topic. By page 8, I felt like Kate and Shannon were my own personal cheerleaders and encouragers. This book also has many hands-on activities that will help you gain clarity of your own motives. My favorite chapter was chapter 9 entitled Serve. I recommend this book to anyone who has a message to get out OR feels like they have an addiction to their “platform” that’s already been created. Who says you can’t make small tweaks to recalibrate? It’s never too late to start today! Thank you Shannon and Kate. I loved it!

I was referred to this gem through a podcast that I listen to frequently. As I listened to Shannon speak about the book, I knew I had to read it. I have heard versions of the content but never any that spoke to me on such a personal level and never as actionable as this. If you are weary of how the world says we should serve others in the online market, then you must read this! And you must read this soon!

I absolutely needed this book to push me in the right direction as a Christian wife, mother, and writer. We need mentoring in this concepts of platform-building in a world that can be too self-focused for its own good. These ladies teamed up to communicate this necessary message and I am so grateful! Every writer, speaker, blogger needs to read this and keep it on the shelf as reference whenever they feel discouraged or too big for their britches.

Wow!! This book was great and truly eye-opening. One of my favorite parts was on the comparison trap, chapter 7. Satan loves us to compare ourselves with others because it puts us in bondage. How true. This book is a great resource for a Christian writers, speakers and business owners and anyone who wants to put God first in their lives and not themselves. This book was enjoyable, challenging and encouraged me to use my talents and gifts to elevate Jesus, not self. As a brand new author myself, “Influence” was enlightening to me. I would highly recommend it. Thank you Shannon & Kate.

This book is a breath of fresh air, of biblical truth for Christian writers, speakers, and leaders who want to share God’s message but don’t feel comfortable in the fast-paced marketing platform. It encourages writers to follow Christ first. What I love best about this book is the heart of the authors, who are both successful writers. They give hope to the aspiring writer and speaker who wants to walk in their calling.

I first heard about this book after hearing one of the authors (Shannon Popkin) speak at a Writer's Conference. As a ministry leader, writer and speaker I've often struggled with the idea of "promoting myself" and building a "platform" so this book was SO HELPFUL at helping me understand and navigate that world in a way that honors God's calling for my life-- not my perceived calling following my own plans and goals. Both authors share their experiences at doing so with stories and advice-- excellent. I saw a few reviews expressing disappointment that there weren't clear steps to building a platform, I respectfully disagree with those posts because God has a different path and calling for each of us in our journeys, it isn't one size fits all-- just as Kate & Shannon's journeys were different, ours will be too. This book will help you navigate your own Calling & journey. I'll be reading it again soon, slowly and with a high lighter and I'm sure I'll be keeping this one within arms reach to reference whenever I'm doing ministry planning. Thank you Shannon and Kate for writing this.

The book, Influence gave me insight and encouragement for using my influence for God's purposes and never for my own. I purchased the book at last year's Speak Up Conference for Christian speakers and writers after speaking to the author Shannon Popkin. She kindly discussed the purpose of the book with me and her and co-author Kate Motaung's intent for writing that Jesus always be the one that is elevated. I plan to use this book to refer back to in regularity so that I can remember my purpose in ministry is to influence others for Jesus. It is never about me. If we are ever elevated in our ministry, it is only so that the Christian speaker or writer can see the needs. The analogy of a lifeguard at the beach was used to demonstrate the need for a lifeguard to sit in an elevated chair to see the swimmers in the water and intervene and give guidance and help to those that are "spotted". I actually read this book within 2 days of buying it, underlining and marking numerous passages throughout. I want to continually remember my proper place in ministry and Jesus' place and not confuse it at any time. This book will help me to point people to Jesus and never to myself. I immediately bought this book for another friend in ministry and feel it would be a great gift for any Christian leader to constantly remember the reason for our influence and the proper way to view any platform we might have.

“Influence: Building a Platform That Elevates Jesus (Not Me)” by Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin is nothing like I expected. I was ready to dive into a plan to expand my platform as an author. However, it was an excellent book on how whatever we are doing for the Lord it must elevate Him and not ourselves. This is hard to do but it reminds me of why I do what I do for the Lord. No matter how many social media posts, blogs written, advertisement paid for, speeches made, interviews done or whatever is used to market what He has me to write, it all depends on Him not me. In His timing and in His way the work I do for Him will reach those who need it. Any Christian in business or ministry must read this book. Anyone who is walking with the Lord must read this book. Everything we do in this world must be all for God’s glory as we live His schedule and pray Big! Let us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

This book was like drinking 10 Red Bull's for me. The jolt of energy it gave me was exactly what I needed to push forward in my platform building. I love to write. I have a book and want a book deal, but hate, let me repeat - HATE! - platform building! I just can't get past the feelings of self-promotion and egocentricism so I stop after the writing process and secretly hope some publishing fairy or computer hacker will stumble upon my private works of art and publish them FOR me!!!. That is, until I read "Influence." I suddenly realized I had it all wrong. Through memorable and applicable analogies, both Kate and Shannon posit very convincingly that it is actually God's desire for Christian writer's to put forth their best effort in platform building in order to best serve our readers. I have devoured so many books on HOW to build a platform, that I had completely missed the WHY. This book is an absolute necessity for every Christian writer who wants to maintain humility in an indurstry that insists on building bigger and better platforms. It changed my views on the matter entirely. I am SO glad I read this when I did! Thank you Kate and Shannon!

Kate and Shannon’s book is gospel-centered and deals with the tension between a biblical and world view of promotion. This book draws out the internal struggle and untangles the knots of confusion. The authors do well with correctly pointing the reader to use and deliver their gifts in a manner that honors Christ, not self. Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me) is an absolute must for any Christian author (or anyone for that matter).

What a wonderful book for Christian writers and speakers. In today's age of social media, most of us die a little on the inside when thinking of promoting, networking, and the like. Kate and Shannon were incredibly helpful as they guided their readers to the understanding of elevating Jesus above yourself. They also provided practical tools to help pinpoint pride/anxiety issues when it comes to writing/speaking. I know this is a resource I will revisit over and over!

What a blessing and encouragement this book was. I have been struggling with self promotion and platform building. I want to do it God's way but what is that? This book answered a lot of questions for me and confirmed what I feel the Spirit has been telling me. I'm sure I'll be referring back to it when I do future heart checks.

This book came along at just the right time for me. I am in the process of publishing a book with a traditional publisher, and I was struggling with the whole platform issue. This book gave me a fresh perspective and how I could still make Jesus Christ the focus during the marketing process. I have marked so many godly nuggets throughout the book that spoke specifically to me! Thank you, Shannon and Kate, for writing this book and giving us a godly perspective as we navigate the publishing journey!

Just finished up Influence. It came right when I was experiencing anxiety over platform building. I should have known that the Bible would have the answers I needed. You two went straight to scripture to show me and others what Jesus would expect from us as authors that are building a platform. I have had so many takeaways from the book. Mostly I’ve had a shift in thinking. When I consider the platform that God has already created specifically for me and think of building onto what he’s already started in me for His good and glory, I can trust Him to finish this thing He started in me. Thank you for shining light on the path!

This book really helped me to get my thoughts on track before publishing my first book. It is full of wisdom and helpful, practical things to think about. Platform building is a difficult area for Christians who are trying to be humble at the same time as effective, and this book will help anyone struggling with it to find a way forward while maintaining integrity. Highly recommended!

As a writer looking for a publisher for her debut book, I found this to be a wonderful resource that reminds the reader who it's all about (hint: It's not ourselves!). Lots of practical examples are included. This is an inspiring read.

As an author and speaker, building a platform continues to be one of the most challenging aspects of the journey for me. I attempt to balance between how to glorify God while marketing my work. But having this book in my hands has made this journey, not only easier, but it makes more sense. It is filled with practical advice, while also pointing the reader right back to Jesus, every single time. I’m thankful to find that it is possible to glorify Jesus while marketing my work. And when I need that reminder or refresh myself with some tools, I’m heading right back into this book.

Control Girl changed me and my family dynamics in wonderful ways and now Shannon and Kate have aligned my writing with promotion. I’m not promoting me or my platform. I’m promoting Jesus with the piece of His platform He’s given me. Just always point to Jesus. That’s it. What a wonderful, fun, easy read! Thank you Shannon and Kate!

This book is from God! It is exactly what I needed to read for encouragement that it is ok to be an author and a missionary at the same time. The style of writing hits heart issues which is refreshing. Thank you ladies keep up the good work. God is using you to speak life into us authors. xoxo

This book helped me understand how I can use my influence to promote Jesus. It's all about HIM. I'm simply the vessel He is using.

Writers. Speakers. Leaders. Navigating marketing and media in ministry can be tricky. If you want to discover the balance of promoting the message God has placed on your heart and remaining humble, This book is for you! "Influence" truly delivers what the subtitle states, "Building a platform that elevates Jesus (not me)"

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Shannon and Kate authentically pave the way for those needing biblical encouragement to move forward confidently, not in their strength but His. Influence is a must read for all who have struggled with the word “platform”.

This book was just the refreshment my soul needed. It helped me 1) own my role as an influencer for Jesus 2) prioritize the right things as I seek to share my message 3) find joy in serving others. Thank you, Kate and Shannon, for sharing your hearts! What an encouragement!

Kate and Shannon are encouraging, insightful and real. I enjoyed this rare glimpse into myself. And without a doubt, I relate to their honesty and tenacity.

One of my favorite sections of the book that spoke the loudest to me, is the section from the chapter titled “Calling” that focuses on the Biblical story of Esther and how God used her voice for such a time as this. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) This book is a great resource for not only Christian writers/authors, but also any Christian business owner using social media as their platform. My goal in my business is to promote Christ, not me. So where is that balance, and when do we cross that line? That is exactly what this book by Kate and Shannon strives to answer for us while using actual scripture verses and many examples from their own personal lives. Their real-life stories helped me see more clearly how God uses all of us in many ways to promote Christ, while also promoting our God-given gifts and talents within our businesses. Hopefully this book will motivate you as well to push forward to use your own gifts for such a time as this, as the world needs to “hear” and “see” our faith-based gifts and stories.

One of my favorite sections of the book that spoke the loudest to me, is the section from the chapter titled “Calling” that focuses on the Biblical story of Esther and how God used her voice for such a time as this. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) This book is a great resource for not only Christian writers/authors, but also any Christian business owner using social media as their platform. My goal in my business is to promote Christ, not me. So where is that balance, and when do we cross that line? That is exactly what this book by Kate and Shannon strives to answer for us while using actual scripture verses and many examples from their own personal lives. Their real-life stories helped me see more clearly how God uses all of us in many ways to promote Christ, while also promoting our God-given gifts and talents within our businesses. Hopefully, this book will motivate you as well to push forward to use your own gifts for such a time as this, as the world needs to “hear” and “see” our faith-based gifts and stories.

This is a helpful book examining the tension that Christian writers and speakers often feel between the call to humility and the command to let our light shine. If God has given us a message to share we want that to reach as many people as possible, but how can we do that with integrity, keeping our focus on him? This book is not so much a "how to" guide as a "why to" guide, helping the reader consider their motivations and dealing with some common challenges such as rejection and comparison. Both authors share parts of their personal stories as well as biblical insights. There is also a discussion guide with questions to help the reader explore the topic further. I found it thought-provoking and encouraging and would recommend it to anyone who wants to influence others for God but to do it with integrity.

I once had a publisher laugh at the number of people following my blog (I laughed too!). A part of me felt I needed to do something to get more followers but a bigger part of me struggled with self promotion so I didn’t do anything and almost quit. This book reminded me that we don’t have to be self-promoting, its all in His timing. Thank You, Jesus! God has greatly used this book to renew my often fearful and yet sometimes prideful heart to be at peace with where He has me. It has helped me rest in His plan for my calling and encouraged me to serve others where He has me today. Influence, Building a Platform that Elevated Jesus (not me) takes the Christian communicator through the tension and fear that can be wrapped up in their calling. It helps one examine heart motives (loved the heart sifter application!) and guides us to a secure trust and focus on Him and His people — not ourselves. It turns the tide of self promotion to a place of serving others with the gifts we have been given. Kate and Shannon never stop pointing the reader to Christ and His Word and ultimately to trusting in God and His timing. In sharing their own honest journeys, they inspire us to be humble, seek His approval, serve others, boast in His work and lift up others. They use many biblical examples and verses, my favorite being Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” This book lays out all the emotional and mental angst an influencer often battles and lands at the conclusion that because “God is ultimately in control of the results, we shouldn’t be wringing our hands, worried about what other people think, or obsessing over statistics and where it’s all headed. Instead, our role is simple. We get to be lamps...strategically shining and leaving the results up to God.” I highly recommend this book!

If you communicate to the world through social media, writing books or speaking engagements this is a book you may enjoy reading. The authors address a common difficulty – getting a publisher to take notice if you don't already have a platform online. As the authors explain, we have unique challenges in this digital age. You are sometimes judged by how many followers you have. Some of the questions the authors answer include: Is it biblical to have a platform? Why should you find yourself a place in the digital realm? What is putting yourself out there leads to rejection, criticism and misunderstandings? Is it OK to want positive attention? How can we be famous and also be humble? Can we be happy for other people's success? “Influence” is one of those books that is difficult to stop reading. Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin have so much enthusiasm for their message. I was 25% into the book and it felt like I”d only been reading for five minutes! There is so much truth and good advice in this book. I also enjoyed a few humorous moments and felt this book had a lot of wisdom learned from experience. By the authors being completely honest and vulnerable we can see into the heart of the matter. Kate in particular makes a good point about how success can result from helping other people instead of focusing on self promotion. I thought her “heart check” list of questions were excellent. Many will really relate to her struggles as an author. I heard Shannon talking about one of her books on the radio and her message resonated with me. She has great discernment. I look forward to reading other books by both authors as I can see the value in their spiritual leadership! ~The Rebecca Review

One of the main things I got from this book was that it's good to struggle over the tension between "getting yourself out there" and lifting up Christ. That it's not a once-and-done solution. Instead, there is an ongoing struggle in which we are refined. Authors Kate and Shannon speak directly to whatever fears are keeping you back from fulfilling your purpose for Christ. I've personally avoided diving into platform building more seriously because I'm afraid I'll get a puffed up head. This quote from p.135 is my favorite: "Don't worry. In His grace and mercy, God will provide every thorn, difficulty, and setback necessary to empty you of yourself, that you might be filled with Him." The authors' message was both comforting and sobering. Whether I fall prey to under or over-confidence, if God wants me to be on a platform, it's ok to be there. He'll help me remember it's a platform from which to serve.

I'll be honest. I took this book just because I liked the other 2 Shannon Popkin's titles (Control girl and Comparison girl). But oh what a delightful surprise I have. I felt they where digging my mind and heart. I feel so much peace after reading this. I truly enjoy this team effort to write. I recommend every person in ministry to read it (with social media or not, a public position or not, everything listed in this book is helpful). I'm so thankful about their honesty talking about their doubts, struggles and temptations. I'm thankful older and wiser ladies already spoke about this. I'm sure it's going to be a very powerful tool in the years to come. I can't wait to quote it and share about it with others.

Once a writer/blogger/author steps into the enticing world of putting thoughts to paper the next question is, “But, I just want to write…. Why do I need to even think about a platform?” I’ve often come back to this point time and time again as a blogger. The struggle is real, especially when the motivation behind your writing is to glorify God. It’s those HOW and WHY questions about platform building that Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin answer honestly and winsomely in Influence – Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus. Shannon and Kate lend their experience and wisdom as they that help the reader understand that building a platform in our writing isn’t for taking selfies, it’s for using our God-given gifts to lift high the Gift giver. Kate and Shannon also include several exercises that help to clarify the foreword of your own writing story, understanding the subtle temptation of pride, and avoiding the destructiveness of comparison. This book will be my go to when I begin to flounder in my writing. When I lose perspective regarding the why and why of getting my words out, Influence-Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus is the book I need to raise my eyes to the One who started me on this adventure in the first place!

The highest praise I can give a nonfiction book is when I feel the need to make notes, underlines, exclamation points, smiley faces, hearts, and various doodles on the pages. My copy of Influence: Building a Platform That Elevates Jesus (Not Me) by Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin has these scribblings all over the pages. Good advice and practical information all rolled into one easy to read book that would be great for anyone working on their social media platform - but especially those of us who are Christian writers and speakers.

As a blogger, self-published author, and soon-to-be traditionally published author, I am constantly looking for sound advice from authors further down the road from me. I found a treasure trove in these pages! I enjoy both Kate and Shannon being so honest with their highs and lows. Not many authors are willing to share so much from behind the scenes. I learned a great deal from their personal stories. They also helped me see valuable truths from familiar scriptures that until now, I did not know applied to my platform-building efforts. I made many highlights and will reread this book to build a writing plan for the new year.

Love Shannon and Kate’s book! Just finished it and glanced over the study questions! Thanks for putting so much effort into helping another with thoughts we all have, in many different avenues of life. Very applicable to life beyond authors speakers and writers as well. I wonder if a group of friends could gather around it and gain some confidence in Christ!

Although I was looking for more practical advice in how to navigate and build my platform to honor the Lord, this book helps us logically and simply understand how to put Christ’s rather than the world’s stamp of approval on who we are as writers. With plenty of practical examples by both authors, fleshing out what it means to elevate Jesus and not ourselves, the reader comes away with the confidence of knowing He will use our writing for His glory and in His timing!

For all those that experience the tension of platform building and faith, this is a must-read. Backed by real-life examples, as well as Scripture readers are encouraged to pursue their calling while being a follower of Christ. Readers learn how to elevate Jesus and others while still sharing their own work. There are great discussion group questions for each chapter as well. A beautiful encouragement to all who seek to live into their work with integrity.

With godly wisdom and keen insight, Kate and Shannon encourage their readers to view writing, speaking, and ministry as a calling from God. Because of this, they challenge readers to build a platform based on scripture and godly values. This book caused me to look at my own motives when engaging on social media and gave me a lot to think about going forward. I'm so glad I read this!

Big thanks to the authors for being obedient to God and writing Influence. I finished it in just a few days and was so blessed by their encouraging and challenging words. God definitely reminded me that any platform I have must be managed entirely by Him. While I feel that my heart is rightly aligned with Godly motives, it is still hard though to know what to spend my time on and how much with regards to social media, but Kate and Shannon's encouragement to approach it as a way to serve is definitely a huge help. Our God is the best networker, not me, and this adventure in social media is another way He is teaching me to literally rely on Him for everything regarding my ministry outreach.

What a fantastic volume for those who are writers/speakers and struggling with this whole concept of "platform." This isn't a how-to guidebook, but instead looks at the heart issues, motivations, possible pitfalls and opportunities that come along with building platform. I so appreciate this biblical perspective, and the authenticity of the authors who poured themselves into this book.

As an author seeking to build my platform, this book by Shannon and Kate came at the perfect time for me. Both women share stories of their own failures and successes at having the right attitude about their platform. I'm going to remember that the most important thing is to elevate Jesus - not me. So thankful for their wise words and encouragement for platform-builders.

I absolutely loved this book. It's hard to find resources on the subject that don't end up prescribing an approach that puts me at the center. Even in Christian writing. If you are a Christian writer or speaker, or feel called to a ministry of words, this book is for you. Please get it, read it, and let it sit deeply with you. It's thought provoking, practical, and so biblically sound. It's light in tone, feels like a conversation with a friend over coffee. A very wise friend ;)

A friend purchased this book for me at a writers' conference. I have independently published six Inspiration Fiction books. I have had poetry published and have a blog site. Although my books do well locally, I'm not able to get out to a larger market. I know I need to develop a platform, a website, be more tech savvy... but somehow the not-knowing the "how's" of any of this have stagnated the whole process. You're book was timely... I appreciate you both for sharing your own journeys and offering advice that is Godly and oh-so-helpful. Thank you. Kathleen Stauffer, kathystauffer@blogspot.com, author of SUMMONED, the latest, and five others.

This book was an "easy" read that was so timely for me in my writing journey. I struggle with feeling uneasy about sharing my own writing and then promoting it in our advertisement-saturated world. I did not want to feel like I was self-promoting when my message is Jesus, not my self! This book helped me change the way I view promoting the message that I want to share for the good of my readers and the glory of God. I recommend this to any writer who finds themselves wrestling with this dilemma!

It's hard to understand how to balance a platform with God's call to humility, but Shannon & Kate nail it. From facing fears to using the "Heart Sifter" tool, we move from small and useless to bold and courageous for Christ. Bravo!

The simple, profound advice found in 'Influence' has stayed with me in the days and weeks since I've read it. I'm not sure what I was expecting, perhaps a 'how-to' of sorts, but 'Influence' was much more. It reminds me to always remember my 'why', to listen well to the One who has entrusted me with His message, do my very best in building on His shoulders, and leave the fruit to Him. I'll refer to it often as I continue the oft 'uncomfortable to me' ministry of building a platform to His glory.

I just finished reading the book Influence. I loved it. Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin did a marvelous job helping me to grasp the reality of the challenges that I as a christian writer have. If you are building a platform or if you already have one, I invite you to read this book. It will help you to focus on the most important task you have as a christian writer, you will be guided, encouraged, challenged, but most important of all you will have the opportunity to examine the hidden motives of your heart behind the desire to write for your sisters or brothers in Christ.

I choose this book from recommendations in my writing group. I am glad I read this book to help gain perspective on how to get your message to an audience and still remain faithful to God's purpose. The writers share their experiences and it let's you know that they understand you. It was enjoyable and informative read.

Many writers are reluctant to promote their own writing. This book helps you work thought that thinking, and shares a "strategic way to be a blessing to others, to meet new friends, to help and encourage people, to spread hope, and ultimately to glorify God with the gifts I've been given." Relationships, even online ones, are so important.

Influence; Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me) brings balance to the tension of humilty verses self-promotion. Through personal stories the authors share their experience and knowledge to help others learn to properly market themselves as a Christian speaker and author. It is a great help for all pursuing this kind of ministry.

This book is less about the practical “how to” and more about the mindset. We cannot hear this message often enough. Less me, more Jesus.

This book is an easy read and packed with great insight on how to keep your eyes focused on God while using your gifts to honor Him. The co-authors give great examples from their own lives that are relatable and based in Scripture. This is a must read from anyone who is wanting to share on any platform, no matter if it's for a large audience or an Audience of One! Thanks, Kate and Shannon for this gift! From a grateful member of the Five Minute Friday writing community.

I enjoyed "Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me)" very much! With so much attention on how to build our own platforms, it was refreshing to hear how Kate and Shannon keep their hearts and motives set on the Kingdom while wholeheartedly embracing their calling as writers. Thank you for sharing your personal stories with us and for giving such practical steps to live out of our own places of influence.