Path OF Value • Stage 7 of 8
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The Advocate Stage

"I Tell Others"

Inspiring Natural Sharing

What's Really Happening

The Advocate stage represents the natural evolution from personal value realization to authentic sharing within genuine spheres of influence. People are thinking, "This has been so valuable that I feel compelled to share it with others who trust my judgment."

Critically, this sharing begins internally—advocating within their own organization before extending to external networks. This internal-first pattern creates the foundation for organic expansion and sustainable adoption.

Key Insight
Advocates need sharing enablement and peer connection opportunities, not marketing exploitation—they're naturally motivated to help others but need support to share effectively within their authentic influence circles.

Quick Recognition: What You'll Notice

What They Think

"Other people should know about this approach because it has genuinely transformed our results"

"I want to help others avoid the struggles we had before implementing this"

What They Feel

Genuine enthusiasm for sharing success balanced with desire to help others authentically

Pride in being associated with innovative approaches that deliver real value

What They Do

Voluntarily share success stories with peers and internal networks before external sharing

Participate in mentoring and knowledge sharing within their organizations

Experience by Organizational Level

Individual Contributors

Focus on peer influence and team sharing within their immediate work environment. Create practical resources to help others implement similar approaches.

"My teammates should know about this transformation"

Managers

Focus on department advocacy and cross-team influence within their broader organizational networks. Share implementation insights with peer managers.

"Other departments could benefit from similar transformation"

Executives

Focus on industry leadership and strategic influence within their broader professional networks. Share strategic insights with peer executives.

"Industry leaders should know about this strategic approach"

Natural Progression Patterns

People typically enter the Advocate stage when value realization creates natural enthusiasm for sharing success with others. This transition occurs when personal satisfaction transforms into social motivation—they move from appreciating their own transformation to wanting to help others achieve similar results.

Natural movement toward the Champion stage occurs when internal sharing success creates broader industry influence opportunities.

Progression Trigger
The shift from "I want to help others achieve similar results" to "This approach should be standard in our industry, and we can help advance the methodology for everyone's benefit."

What Works and What Doesn't

🚩 Red Flags (Creates Friction)

  • Marketing Exploitation: Pressuring advocates to participate in promotional activities or external testimonials
  • External-First Requests: Asking for public testimonials before supporting internal sharing development
  • Artificial Incentives: Referral programs or rewards that compromise authentic sharing motivation
  • Generic Sharing Tools: Templated content instead of personalized sharing enablement

✅ Green Flags (Enables Flow)

  • Internal Sharing Support: Resources and tools enabling effective sharing within organizations
  • Peer Connection Opportunities: Forums and platforms where advocates can connect and share
  • Personalized Enablement: Helping articulate experience in ways that resonate with specific audiences
  • Authentic Story Development: Supporting documentation of genuine transformation stories

The Value Path Approach

  • Create Conditions for Internal Sharing Success: Provide comprehensive sharing enablement resources including presentation templates, story frameworks, and communication tools for sharing within organizations.
  • Develop Peer Connection Platforms: Help Advocates connect with others who have similar experiences while sharing insights and best practices.
  • Enable Authentic Story Development: Help articulate transformation in ways that resonate with their specific audiences and organizational contexts.
  • Recognize Authentic Champion Readiness: Watch for industry influence development, methodology advancement interest, and professional leadership emergence.

Success Indicators

For the Individual

  • Demonstrating increasing confidence and effectiveness in sharing success stories
  • Developing compelling narratives that engage colleagues successfully
  • Feeling empowered with personalized resources and peer support
  • Naturally exploring broader industry influence opportunities

For the Organization

  • Internal sharing patterns showing expanding influence and adoption
  • Cross-organizational learning activities emerging
  • Peer network development and industry knowledge sharing activity
  • Natural champion signals appearing through demonstrated effectiveness
Pro Tip
The most successful Advocate support feels like professional development partnership rather than marketing relationship management—focus on helping them become effective sharers within their authentic influence circles.
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Why Internal Sharing Matters Most

Supporting the Advocate stage effectively requires sharing enablement, peer connection opportunities, and authentic story development that honors natural sharing motivation. When organizations help successful advocates share effectively within their authentic influence circles rather than exploiting them for external promotion, they create genuine organizational multiplication and sustainable competitive advantage.

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