JKLTip Find ways you are comfortable with building your influence and start using them to get your ideas out there
Positive influence is what I hope everyone strives for. I think we get confused between influence and power. This stems from our view of hierarchies and management structures. Being at the top on paper does create power. It would be hard to argue that Donald Trump hasn’t held power while in office. However, it is easier to argue that he could have done a better job of building a positive influence.
I started to appreciate the cringe-worthy concept of building a personal brand once I realized it is the path to influence, not power. If I could have it my way we would all strive to build more and more opportunities to bring our great ideas to the world. That is, to have more influence.
I want to have a positive influence on as many people to follow their dreams as possible. In order to create this influence, I need to have a reputation. In order to have a reputation, I need to make an impact. I need to help others create success stories and awareness. This is the path to being an influential person.
An Influencer
The term “influencer” often gets a bad rap. I see people cringe when the word is used to describe them. I think that is just a fear response. As an influencer, you have been provided a platform to help or hurt. It should be an opportunity, a privilege and a responsibility to do great things for others.
Power in and of itself fades, but the legacy you build with influence lasts forever. Think of the influence of Mother Theresa, OPRAH, Tony Robbins, or Ellen. If you offered me their platform to create positive changes, I would take it in a heartbeat. I hope you would too.
Impact over others is the key to people striving for their dreams at scale. When big crazy dreams are accomplished right now, it’s because outliers take it upon themselves to disrupt the status quo.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could make chasing your dreams the status quo?
This is why becoming a New York Times Best Seller should be the goal. Why finding millions of followers, being a guest on the Joe Rogan Podcast, or becoming a world-class public speaker should be the goals. Not for money. Not for power. But for influence and the ability to build a reputation as someone here to make this world a better place.
*Come Write A Guest Post: 8 Billion People
** Read Why Just Keep Learning: JKL Post