1. What Makes an
Influencer?
We recently had this discussion internally. A poll of sorts without the predefined
multiple choices. We wanted to see, across the organization, how the term
“influencer” might be influenced.
We saw some very interesting explanations;
• Someone who “pushes” me in any direction off center
• A person or organization who I follow that can cause me to take or not take
action by what they say or write
• A person who can, either through timing or experience, yield previously un-
held insight;
• Ability to change the perceptions, behavior and decision making of a target.
I’m just thinking out loud here, but I find a couple of things interesting. Of the four
that I shared, 3 of them required a person to be involved to be an influencer. Now I
realize that all data on the net comes from a person or persons, but not all
information is associated with a specific identity or person. For instance, Black
Dog Coffee House could certainly influence me to come get a free bag of coffee
with my Latte without a person being associated with their advert. At that, this is
just one vector that needs to be reconsidered. Also noted is of the 4 responses, 3
definitions required action to denote influence. This is also interesting and doesn’t
account for influence that is simply potential energy instead of kinetic. Couldn’t
someone convince me of something without it requiring some outwardly
measurable activity? Sure. Theology is a great example of this. What do you think?
Could you consider possibilities where your mind is completely changed about
something, but you don’t necessarily act differently?
2. Perhaps the definition needs to consider in a more abstract way what influence is,
given the rapidly changing social aspects of interaction and the solidly understand
facets of human nature? Perhaps the problem becomes trying to stuff too much
information into the term influencer? Perhaps we must define influence, then by
extension, anyone who adequately demonstrates influence is an influencer. Now to
me, that seems trite to try to sub-divide the ideas, but if we’re going to solve the
equation all the variables must be defined and not equal to any other. Please tell me
if you think I missed something. I really think this needs to be defined well enough
that even casual observers can contribute without having to have specialized
knowledge.
So, influence is?
The motivation to consider any new information or known information with new
insight or consideration, to the chief end that a different conclusion might be
found, but not guaranteed.
I know it’s high-brow. I know. Stick with me.
So then an influencer is;
Any entity that can channel new information, first, most often, or most accurately,
with authority, threats and/or promises, with logic, and/or appeal to a higher,
mutually recognized authority.
The key here is “channel” “new information” relate able to the subject of
influence.
So, my question is, do you see this accurately reflecting influence as it truly is
through the lens of reality and social media, then, who do you see as
real influencer’s?
