No longer do we live in a time when our influence is only propagated to a few individuals. In times past most may have had an influence over five, ten – maybe even one hundred people in the course of a day.
Those times have changed.
We now, through the internet, are able to commune with people across the globe. Living, breathing humans.
To me our connections are much the same independent of type.
Whether we’re speaking face to face to a friend or neighbor – or chatting with our best friend who lives three thousand miles away – we still touch lives. In different cultures. Parts of the globe. And through differences of race and color.
If you care about them, even if distance is a separator – you touch their life just as much as the person you speak to face to face.
With this influence, with a potential to reach the minds and hearts of millions – as is always stated – there comes a great responsibility. No person has control over what you will do with that influence. Unless of course, you’re owned by a company or large conglomerate. In that case – you’re chaff in the wind.
If, however, you own your own influence, there will come a responsibility. The choice is yours.
You have the ability and power to influence for good or bad. Right or wrong.
Make that choice: and make it well.
Do you let others control and manipulate the influence you’ve been given through an online venue by their actions, choices and thoughts? Does it occur to you that your influence online is also felt in the physical world? How often do you take your influence for granted? (or internet connection!) Share with me. I’d like to learn.
Shadow photo by Grzegorz Lobinski
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
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{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
People take note of your words as you speck, so you must be ready to tackle the world we live and be your own motivator.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 20, 2011 at 7:28 am
Be your own motivator. I like that a lot Coleman!
Twitter: luckyoliver70
July 20, 2011 at 6:23 am
Hi Christian,
interesting take on influence. I like it to view influence as the ability to touch lives. With that defintion, borders are what they’re supposed to be: They’re there to be crossed.
Your questions:
1. Do you let others control and manipulate the influence you’ve been given through an online venue by their actions, choices and thoughts?
I would lie if I said that I am completey free from influence and manipulation by others. The more I own my mind (and/or myself), the less it will occur.
2. Does it often occur to you that your influence transcends both physical and otherwise?
It does happen, yes. Hard to tell if it’s often or not. The answer doesn’t make me really happy yet. Will have to think about it.
3. How often do you take your influence for granted?
Very often, lol. That means too often. The problem is that we are trying to influence things we can’t influence and neglect our influence on things we can influence.
I am looking forward to a vivid discussion !
Take care
Oliver
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July 20, 2011 at 7:35 am
Aren’t we all controlled and manipulated in simple ways by those around us? Do you really believe there’s anyone out there who is completely free from manipulation? I’d say even a business or owner, when thanked and moved by a client or customer – is being influenced/manipulated. But maybe there’s a difference. Being manipulated in good or bad ways. The word “manipulation” seems to have a negative connotation about it. Even “influence” is thought of by some as something negative.
Interesting to hear your response in regards to physical/non-physical influence. I think it’s so very wide ranged in how it works. I mean, people certainly can have an influence and impact on people’s lives through an online venue – but we also have incredible influence on people face to face. It seems maybe both parties need to be open to the idea of an online interaction being influential – and that’s when real change comes?
You make a very great point at the end here, Oliver. Forgetting what we can influence due to the “stars in our eyes” and focusing on the things we have less power to influence. I’ll need to think about this a little more.
Twitter: luckyoliver70
July 20, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Hi Christian,
thanks for pointing out the distinction between “good” manipulation and “bad” manipulation. I haven’t thought of that in the moment of writing the comment.. Makes perfect sense…
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..If You Can Doubt It You Can Make It
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 20, 2011 at 4:07 pm
No problem. Happy to help!
I really think about influence. I think its because it feels like I’m trying to change someone/thing to my way of thinking.
Instead. I think of it as helping people. Because of me, how has the other person/thing better in their minds.
(thx to Oliver for writing the questions!!)
1. Do you let others control and manipulate the influence you’ve been given through an online venue by their actions, choices and thoughts?
Thats a wordy question. I am always trying to learn and improve, so I seek out new ideas, thoughts and opinions. In terms of how they influence me, I always judge them through my benchmarks. What is the evidence? Does it make sense? How do I feel about it? Then I decide whether its influential or not.
2. Does it often occur to you that your influence transcends both physical and otherwise?
Ok. Maybe I’m slow, but I don’t quite understand this question. If we are talking about the spread of influence, then yes I do think about it. Because like credibility and reputation, its how I build relationships that lead to business transactions.
3. How often do you take your influence for granted?
I don’t. Because its not something I have. Its something to give.
You sure know how to make a gal think in the morning, Christian!
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July 20, 2011 at 7:40 am
Love that way of looking at influence Laurinda. Changing people’s lives. You know I sure love looking at the online world and influence in that way!
Hahaha, yes, wordy question. I just couldn’t help but think of all the ways people influence us. They act, choose and think for us all the time it seems! Judging by benchmarks is a very analytical, purpose driven way of looking at how that influence is moving people’s lives – our own or otherwise. That’s certainly how I tend to gauge things, now that I think about it. I mean, I’ll read a book – and then ask myself “How did that change my life?” or “What am I going to take from this book to change my life?” Those questions are evident for me always it seems.
As for the physical/non-physical question, what I was trying to get across there is whether or not you realize your influence is felt online, as well as in the “physical” world and vice versa. I guess a better way of putting it would be, simply. “Does it occur to you that your influence online is felt in the physical world too?”
I couldn’t agree more with you. I don’t blog to influence but if that is what comes out of it and someone is influenced in a positive way than I am very fortunate to have that experience. I think it’s important to jut be mindful that we can influence and everyone has access to our online life. That’s why I like to always spread positive vibes and kindness…. spreading that kind of influence could be very powerful.
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July 20, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Love that outlook Meg. A very simple, perfect way to blog. To blog goodness, and maybe it will touch some people – because it’s what you love and have a passion for.
Could it get any better?
I’m amazed at how easily my job atmosphere can influence me. So lately, I’ve been on a I need a new job kick. Time to get under the good influence!
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July 20, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Excited to hear through your blog how that influence goes David. You’ll certainly keep us updated on the new job kick – won’t you?
Twitter: lance02
July 20, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Christian,
Hmmmm….influence…
Whether it’s our kids, our spouse, our neighbor – or someone much farther away physically – we DO influence – by what we say and what we do.
That’s why I believe it’s important that we be our true selves (and not put up some facade). When we share from our own truth – then we are making a choice of being what we believe. And that influence is influence that has meaning…
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July 20, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Wouldn’t it be difficult to keep different stories up on different venues? Like, for example, be one way at work – and another at home? Or one way to your friends and another online? I think that’d be rough. That’s why it’s important to be truthful! I LOVE that Lance. Thank you for bringing that up.
This is very inspirational post Chris!!!Thanks a lot for sharing this to us…I agree that communication is important even we are thousand miles away…
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 21, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Thank you! Appreciate you sharing your thoughts Brena. Excited for us to connect further. Do you have any links to some of your social networks you might share?
Twitter: vitalyvt
July 20, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Couldn’t agree more about the influence, as it consistently expands and it is associated with one’s online presence. I have actually went through many niches/posts throughout the time. I do have various reach of interest and some visitors like to see some crazy posts (brings me great traffic) and so forth … what I always tell myself is that this is the internet, what may appeal to one person might not do justice to the other. At the end of the day, life goes on and you can’t always please everybody, not to say that it shouldn’t be a point. I guess what I’m getting at is if you’re authentic and personable then the influence shines past all the clutter. Great to see another wonderful post from you Christian … as always.
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July 21, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Oh man, I’ve been thinking about this SO MUCH lately Vitaly. How there’s not a single person of influence, who’s found success, made a difference for good – etc…that hasn’t made a few people angry.
I’ve heard it said that as an influencer or leader….in most cases….33% are going to hate your guts…..33% don’t really care….and 33% will love you to pieces. I’m just wondering where that last 1% goes….;)
So true, Christian. Whether we know it or not, we are making a difference in choices people make from day to day…whether they’re near or far.
Re: Question 1. Yes, sometimes others do influence my actions and thoughts, depending on the circumstance. However, discerning between the good and bad helps me toss out the bad.
Re: Question 2. Yes, I believe our online influence eventually affects others’ physical (offline) actions. Although we’re conversing online, there’s a real person behind the computer with real questions, wants and needs…whatever that may be. They are, like you said, living breathing humans.
Re: Question 3. I surely try not to take my influence for granted. It makes a difference in a good or bad choice that someone makes.
Good thought-provoking post, Christian. Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 21, 2011 at 2:10 pm
In response to your question #1, it reminds me of a book called The Power of Story by Jim Loehr. Basically he talks about this “built in” crap detector we each have within us. For most it’s underdeveloped and bad….it doesn’t serve us well….but if you build it up to a point of trusting it – you can break away the good from the bad.
Just like a prospector getting rid of the debris and rubble from his prize…..pure gold!
Christian, absolutely. The steam engine revolutionized one’s reach in the 19th century… the airplane in the 20th, and the internet has taken it to new heights. You can reach literally millions of people right from your home.
In fact, when you recognize this fact, you can create truly amazing work. When you realize that the content your produce has such an incredible reach, it takes your work to new levels of quality and responsibility.
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July 21, 2011 at 2:11 pm
So very true, Andrew. The larger the reach, the stronger the desire to reach a certain level of quality, or even perfection in what you do – because you want to deliver.
Man, no wonder famous celebrities break. Think of all that stress….constantly!
My favorite? The comment section! I always wait a little and read the discussion before I decide to leave my wisdom, lol! And then I wonder: did the responses influence me? Yes. Did my opinion that I had before I read them influence me? In this case: no.
We are all influenced all the time negatively and positively. It’s just up to us how much we take in and how much we absorb. Influence is important, manipulation is dangerous. The key to influence is awareness. We need to be aware of others and of ourselves. How much we take in, how much we give and how much we forward. Online or not, I know that you are a breathing creature who reads this, so I am aware of that and treat you with the respect you deserve (I hope you will take this influence).
And since this is the internet, you are not the only one who will read this and I am very much aware of that! Times have changed because our voices are heard globally which fascinates me in so many ways.
Very interesting post, food for thought -I love some philosophical questions and discussions, very much liked
Franziska San Pedro
The Abstract Impressionist Artress
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July 25, 2011 at 1:02 pm
You’ve put together a beautiful post here Franziska. It really got me thinking about the differences between manipulation and influence. Often those who receive a great quantity of influence begin to let manipulation trickle in – and then they fall on a spiral path downwards. No good at all.
Hey Christian, I like you vlog/written combo. BTW – you are much more polished than my efforts and you’ve taken a little more time to set up your recording area.
Influence can be powerful and hopefully people are inclined to use it more for good and helping as opposed to manipulative efforts.
I think you should cherish relationships, they ARE worth something.
Thanks for sharing this and thanks for dropping by today. Hope all is well.
Bill Dorman recently posted..4 Random observations via my vlog
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July 25, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Next time I just need to iron the curtain! Thank you though, appreciate the input and thoughts. It certainly helps inspire me to do more vlog posts!
The great thing about relationships, as I’m reading your comment, is that they’re meant to be developed; and then shared! We can share our relationships with others if we love all those around us. I think that’s when their power becomes multiplied and strengthened.
Twitter: adriennesmith40
July 22, 2011 at 12:37 pm
I enjoyed the subject today Christian and especially enjoyed you reading it to us as well. Nice addition.
I 100% agree with Meg. I think you probably have an idea how I feel about this subject. I didn’t start my blog to influence people, only to help them learn. If that’s what the end result is, I am truly blessed to have been able to experience that. Because we are online sharing our words, there are a lot more people we can possibly influence whether it’s in a good or bad way. I hope that my content is only being shared in a positive way and that people see me as someone only out to enrich their lives. At least I hope that’s the case.
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July 25, 2011 at 1:06 pm
It’s certainly the case for me Adrienne, so don’t you worry about your influence and “great good” moving me to be better – because it certainly does. Often. Always. With every blog post, tweet and email. The relationship you’ve given me has been nothing but joy.
So thank you!
Christian,
1- Watching your video, i thought just what a great influence you have been over me. So young, so wise and so caring and giving. You actually inspire me to be a better person among other things. thank you..
Last night i was thinking about the emails i get from people i’ve never met asking me questions, wishing me well and thanking me for inspiring them. So yes, i NOW think about my influence on others a lot and it makes me happy to positively help affect others. i feel like it really gives me another purpose in life. i wish i could do more and i plan as i can.
It does happen, yes. Hard to tell if it’s often or not. The answer doesn’t make me really happy yet. Will have to think about it.
I often take my influence for granted. Lately i’ve been hustling, for my life, my family and my personal and professional goals. Needless to say i havn’t had a lot of breathing room or personal time for me. When i don’t take time for me and breathe i don’t think about my influence. It’s something i’m working on. Because for all i do, for all i can and do influence, i want to take notice of it rather than get bogged down with a busy life. Esecially my influence over my family.
Thanks Christian.
Hope you are having a fantastic week and know that your influence is felt by me..
Annie
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