8 Traits of Highly Effective Influencers


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Influencers Respond. They Don’t React

When you’re in the public eye, you will get attacked verbally, if not physically. It’s part of the game and people who reach a high level of respect within their industries are generally the ones who have dealt with this problem and have coped. Some are better at handling adversity than others, but they have adapted and accept this reality.

A fine line exists between response and reaction time. Perhaps the fine line only exists in the connotation of the two words, but it is clear that the two words denote different actions.

Reaction is knee-jerk. It typically comes out of surprise and dismay, and might involve emotionalism. In social media, it is a regular routine for someone to react to a negative blog post, an inflammatory tweet or even a conversation taken without context. The social media industry has become so fast paced that we have been trained to say the first things that come to our mind. It’s the beauty of freedom of speech and expression, yet it often brings negative perception.

“Response has a connotation of measured, and appropriate response. It surveys the landscape, assesses the dangers in the minefield ahead and plots a course that will preserve reputation, community and cause the least amount of collateral damage.”

Firms often spend thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars to PR firms to monitor the social space and advise on how to deal with negative press. The classic “get out in front of negative news” mantra can be very reactionary if not dealt with appropriately.

In fact, personal brands tend to get very bent out of shape when challenged on a professional level, because their personal brand is tied up in who they are professionally. A critique of a professional practice or action can very easily be perceived as a personal slight, invoking a strong negative reaction in return.

Response, on the other hand, has a connotation of measured, and appropriate response. It surveys the landscape, assesses the dangers in the minefield ahead and plots a course that will preserve reputation, community and cause the least amount of collateral damage. Appropriate response does not usually happen instantaneously, but happens after thoughtful consideration.

Response often takes into account the opposition and does not dismiss its’ value. When there is a justification for negative feedback, a good response will consider that and provide appropriate action to adjust tactics.

Influencers can be made or broken on reaction or response. In the social space, we have a dangerous situation that can decimate influencers or entirely end the potential for influence. In an instantaneous environment, what you say right now can break you. It can also make you.