You earn influence by giving value and attention to other people. BE USEFUL!
Have courage. It clears the way for things that need to be.
Effective results come from knowing what's in it for them. What's your community there for and how you can nurture it?
Ask what you can do for influencers, not what influencers can do for you - develop relationships!
Influence is providing attention and value to others.
Want more Twitter followers? Take care of the ones you have FIRST!