Issue #5: Influence and Connection
Influence, gurus and choices
Recently, I listened to the podcast series “Guru” on Wondery media.
It’s based on the events surrounding the James Arthur Ray retreat that resulted in the death of several attendees to a retreat whilst in a sweat lodge.
What this tragic event portrays so terrifyingly well is just how much faith we put in the people we follow; how much social pressure and social proof can sway us, and how easy it becomes over time to lose your own sense of self, your own intuition, and to end up boiling yourself to death in a tent trying to face your own demons.
Think you wouldn’t fall for that?
It’s allllll too easy.
It happens every time we override our own intuition.
Every time we notice behaviour, language, or actions that don’t seem right (they often just won’t “feel” right), but we override that because other people we like and trust seem to like this person, and they do seem to have some good traits, so you overlook those alarm bells.
When we offer our approval to people via likes, follows, engagement and social proof - we give them more social currency and influence.
And sure, we might not be suffocating in a sweat lodge tent from following them, but there can be many other consequences.
We are the people that give them the platform.
We give them the numbers that build their authority, which creates their influence.
Which brings me to the recent events on Instagram around Rachel Hollis.
As a white woman of privilege there are many learning opportunities for me.
The way we can so easily still subscribe to the myth of meritocracy is dangerous and problematic.
It also reminds me that discernment is so, so important with engaging with the work of others.
Let’s choose wisely whose platforms we pump up even more by adding to the algorithm, being part of the audience, or sitting in the energy of their words.
We have a lot of work to do.
I have a lot of work to do.
Eyes wide open, and making some careful choices with that follow/unfollow button is a good place to start.
To me, influence is very different to connection, and leadership.
How do you see it?
Feel free to share in comments.
FEM Magazine
Congrats to House of Hives for their brand new project, FEM Magazine.
FEM is a publication with a “glossy digital” version, and a Medium publication and is all about co-creating impact and growth through collaborative publications.
I am thrilled to have been asked to talk about brilliance and human connection in this issue.
Read the full version here, or read on Medium right here.
Done For You
The Changemaker Toolkit is a recently designed, productised version of my content offering, and it has been a runaway success.
The offer includes:
2 x 500 word blog posts (that’s your blog and guest posts sorted)
8 x social media short form posts
8 beautifully designed images to go alongside them (that’s your grid and your social sorted, with room for impromptu posts)
2 x audiograms with your voice, your brand, and your human connection magic taking place to post on social media.
An explainer video for your VA (or for you, of course!) of how and where to post, and some simple strategic advice based on a review of your platforms.
We release slots of these in blocks of 5 when our schedule allows, and currently there are 2 left for orders this week.
Check out the Changemakers Toolkit right here.