She said she is an Influencer
An old pier in Redington, Florida, used to extend nearly 60 yards into the ocean. After storm damage and a lack of maintenance, it finally turned into a public safety hazard. As a result, a few years ago, most of the structure was removed. What remains is about 30 yards long, and it stretches from the parking lot onto the beach, but it only comes close to reaching the edge of the water. On top are some picnic tables and a nice view. Below is a space where people can sit in the shade or hang hammocks.
On this day, as I made my way to the shore, I walked past the pier and tried not to laugh out loud. Below was a 20-something young woman dressed in a way that would have gotten her arrested for indecent exposure in most public places! Not much more than a spool of thread was needed for her outfit.
She had her tripod and camera set up, and she was taking pictures of herself hugging the pier posts with waves crashing in the background and wind blowing in her hair. She was unphased by everyone who was coming and going, looking side-eyed at her and making comments under their breath.
I walked to the edge of the water. I was excited to sit in the sun, relax, and read. At one point, I closed my eyes, leaned my head back, and briefly fell asleep. But suddenly, I was brought back to life by a very loud voice.
A woman of retirement age had just struck up a conversation with the young exhibitionist under the pier. She was – to borrow a line from Seinfeld – both a close talker and a loud talker. I heard every detail about her neighbor who hates her, the President of the Home Owners Association who is out to get her, and how she made sure her ex-husband could never live in Florida again! (I didn't ask ...) She was a woman with a chip on her shoulder and was quick to share that chip with anyone who would listen.
She asked the young woman what she was doing with her camera under the pier. When I heard her say, "Oh, I'm a social media influencer!" I gave in and joined the beach-walking eye rollers.
It bothers me that we have taken something we all have – influence – and turned it into a niche job for a select few. Being an influencer has become a job category created for those who appear to have it all together and have a high volume of followers. There is an arrogance baked into this new job classification.
My belief is this; a leader is a person of influence who uses their influence for good. We all have influence; we are all influencers.
I find myself saddened that such a significant word has been hijacked. We have created a culture that equates influence with status. The truth is, each day, we have the opportunity to influence those around us, and our impact on one person matters. The significance of our influence is quality over quantity, authenticity over arrogance, and transparency over transaction.
For me, influence is less about the masses and more about the moments. It's intentionally choosing to see those around me. It's treating a tired server with kindness, saying thank you to someone who holds a door open, waving to a struggling human on the corner asking for money, and giving a word of encouragement to a new member at the gym.
In comparison, being a social media influencer is tied to the long-sought-after perfect and flawless life. I am all for having a business and content strategy, but not if it limits authenticity. My desire to leverage my influence is not to appear perfect but to show up with my imperfections in tow.
The people who have had the most influence on me are the ones who are a few steps ahead of me on this journey called life. They challenge my thinking and invite me into spaces of deeper self-reflection. They are far from flawless. They are tired, tested, yet transparent, and I am drawn into their orbit. I crave this approach to influence. Those who have faced insurmountable struggles and still choose to show up are the ones who inspire me to do the same.
True influence is less about image and more about authenticity. We live in a world where a wave-filled sunset background and digital filters that alter the foreground are highly prioritized. The world is hungry for people and leaders who will show up as their true selves.
Let's reclaim the word influence and see if more like a verb and less like a job classification for the chosen few.
And in an effort to be authentic, let me share this; it is 1:15 pm, I am still in my PJs, I haven't showered, there are dishes in my sink, and my laundry basket is overflowing … We got this, friends.
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