You have seen the unbelievable idiocy of the media, corporate executives and politicians who were once considered trustworthy and who today are considered corrupt. Skepticism of the so-called "establishment" that once had a stranglehold on our culture, our laws, our buying habits, and what we read - is well earned. It was full of contradictions, hypocrisies, and undisclosed interests that shaped our lives into a warped bubble.
In the past, the “truth” we heard from the establishment was white washed and distilled through corporate and political correctness filters that left us with the saccharine version of the truth, always wanting the real thing but unable to obtain it.
Today, thanks to you, that's changed. You are no longer chained to a chair and forced to watch a political ruse or a corporate charade or even a biased media story. You have broken free and have established your own Triberr tribe, your own platform, your own credibility based on your own experience. You are not held to account by special interests or forced to swallow and regurgitate corporate messaging that has little or no connection to its intended targets.
You're your own person, able to help or hurt the establishment - but you base this on what's right and not what some fat tie, short sleeve type wants you to say. But this expertise and influence comes with fiduciary responsibility and liability. You've established a positive reputation and trust with your massive base of fans, friends, and followers and you don't want to lose that; because reputation and trust are the currency of the influencer.
So let's look at how to properly keep them in check.
1. You must only provide honest opinions
The closer you stick to this rule, the more trustworthy you become. Don't accept money or quid pro quo arrangements for products/services that you don't love. Be honest about any product reviews or endorsements - else your power base (fans) will leave you.
2. Do no evil
This rule is of course is subjective, but a strong moral code is key here. The guiding principle here is respect for the individual. If you’re confronted with an opportunity to unfairly denigrate an individual or brand to ruin their reputation, resist the temptation. If you are asked to take part in a campaign that deceitful or dishonest – resist.
3. Help others become influential
Reciprocation and the give and take approach will only help you become more prominent. When others take the time to help you with your influence goals, you must acknowledge and help them with theirs. Mutual power is the real objective; reciprocation is simply a means to that end.
4. When in doubt, disclose
It’s not just the law, it’s the right thing to do. Your paid relationship with a company needs to be disclosed in the tweet, blog, social campaign or wherever you’re endorsing or promoting a product. Take the time to understand the FTC guidelines – they can save you and the companies you represent from fines and embarrassment.
5. Don't be a jerk
You’re just a guy/gal like everyone else. Don't fall into the trap of the Hollywood celebrity, the sports star or the media snob - those that climb themselves up on too high a ladder are swiftly kicked off by those at its base. The unconcerned, unprofessional, unpleasant egoist is unacceptable.
6. Do keep the establishment honest
They still possess a lot of power and still own the trust card in a lot of circles – so it's your job to opine about corrupt political and corporate practices and watch the watchdogs.
7. Influence = Power (don’t let it corrupt you)
Remember that the objective of influence is not simply a power instrument to force your will on others, but a mechanism to change behavior in things you believe in. Once your followers are organized around an issue you are promoting, most will trust your point of view and take action. Influence for good is the real objective; avoid the corrupting temptation of authority.
8. Maintain a sense of humility
There are two influencers that epitomize this best - Guy Kawasaki and Mari Smith. Spend any amount of time with them and you quickly realize that they take their ounce of fame and fortune with a pound of humility.
9. Be dependable
If you've agreed to help a company, a cause or a political issue, show up on time and stick with it. If the tactics are not working, then ask for feedback and suggestions from your followers and try something else. Deserting people in need should not be a play in your playbook.
10. Technology is your friend
Becoming what Mark Shaefer describes as a citizen influencer is only a recent phenomenon. Social media gave the passionate expert, the promoter, and the networker the global ability to build a following. Social engagement tools like Nimble, data analytics companies like MutualMind, and powerful promotion tools like Triberr are game changing solutions that can increase your influence.
As an influencer, you understand how the real world works, not how the establishment wants it to work. But you also see how the world could work, and you're prepared to organize your fan base to help change it. As an influencer, you must shake up the establishment and their hold on culture, politics and consumers.
We need you. But in order to maintain trust with your base and thus your influence, you must remain true to yourself and faithful to your beliefs. Any radical change in the establishment must be perceived as better than the previous one. Most people are so unfulfilled, so bewildered, so cynical about the current system that they are willing to let go of the establishment and follow you. Your leadership matters.
It's just getting started. Just think of the possibilities.
