What happened to the phrase ‘opinion leaders’?
That term is slipping out of vogue these days. It has the ring of being old school and not relatable. I have put my finger on the crux of the situation in that last sentence. ‘Relatable’ has risen in the vocabulary ranks and is now a watchword of younger generations. Speaking about ‘opinion leaders’ is not so relatable.
Does it mean that opinion leaders are a thing of the past? No!
Today, social platforms dominate as mainstream media. They are teaming with ‘Influencers’! Influencers are individuals who have such strong social status that their followers and fans elect them as true experts.
Influencers have the power to change, encourage and make a difference.
What has changed is how quickly anyone can rise to the status of being an Influencer. What the internet creates, it can also destroy in even less time.
I’d like to point out that a spark of fame or the right kind of networking on social media can turn anyone into an Influencer. It’s worth your while to invest in your social media presence. Maybe you don’t have a social media presence yet or maybe it’s just a faint footprint or maybe it’s time for a makeover. Whatever! Changing your digital persona is easy!
Before you begin pushing buttons, adding and deleting stuff, take a step back… have a Zen moment or two… consider your values, your abilities and just what you would like to influence.
If you think I am suggesting that you take an active role as your own PR Manager, I am! Don’t leave it to someone else to post or tweet their version of who you are. Get in front of that by being the author of your own PR.
Be genuine and honest. Forward you own ideas, in your own words and make your good works well known. Sooner, rather than later, you will discover that you are having an effect.
Once you find your voice, use Pathways you help you craft your message, hone your emotional intelligence and enhance your abilities to persuade, motivate and inspire others.
I’ll let you in on a secret. Once I found my voice… once I knew I wanted to create a Toastmasters club dedicated to serving the visually impaired… I turned to Pathways to help me create VIP Online Toastmasters.
Pathways won’t reveal your passions to you, but it will help you reveal your passions to others!
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