"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." ~ Mother Teresa
The Business Insider posted 12 ways to become a charismatic leader and I took note because leadership is one of my favorite topics. Not because I, myself, am in a position of leadership in my career. However, I have worked with and for some phenomenal leaders.
The Richter scale of social influence
As one climbs the Richter scale of social influence, comes a responsibility. Charisma is often associated with power and paid attention to.
As your following grows, so does the likelihood of clicks on articles you share. If you are trying to become noted in the stratosphere, it is important to consider your reputation ... and what topics or topic you want to be known for.
Consistency pays dividends.
In her book, " The Charisma Myth: Olivia Fox Cabane's says that people aren't born with charisma. They acquire it through knowledge and practice.
As a student and observer, I want to learn and adopt the attributes of a social media leader. If you are midway, starting out, or think you've arrived, consider these important lessons.
The law of attraction:
You don't have to be the prettiest lady or handsomest man to be at the top. It helps to be attractive, but more importantly, your profile photo should communicate professionalism, confidence, poise and friendliness.
Engagement:
You interact with people. You recognize those that take the time to comment, share, #RT or respond to you. The talented ones will reply to you in a manner that you feel they've been paying attention to you.
Consistency:
It is sometimes difficult to be ever-present. Yet their are tools available to help you along the way. You can thank people for their follow, share, #RT even if you are away working in real life, or participating in real life. I plan to write about some of my favorite tools under a different post: so stay tuned.
Attitude:
Regardless of how many followers you have or the level of Klout you've been awarded with you have to remember that you were once at the bottom. Don't forget that ever. If you fail to acknowledge those that hold you in high esteem and only reply to those you think are on your level, or above, your star can fade.
Association:
Be aware of who or what you are saying. It may become your destiny. People are not drawn to rants, they are drawn to inspiration, motivation, knowledge and positiveness. Similarly, for all the good you may do, sharing a porn post or image can disassemble all the good work you have done. Case in point, I use a tool that shares the best images, yet sometimes nudity or erotica slips through. I will go back and delete it. Not because I am a fuddy-duddy, but because it is not who I am or what I want to be known for.
Authenticity:
Be authentic. People can sense this. Unless you're a celebrity or politician that people follow because they want to watch how far you will push the envelope, you should be honest and trust-worthy. Don't fall into the trap of voicing others, adopting as your own. You will be caught. The information is out there.
Authority:
Don't call yourself an expert at anything. That isn't for you to define. It is a description that others award you with. That doesn't mean you don't share, post or write about matters that you can convey confidence in. For example, I write about sales success based on my own experiences. I have the awards and recognition to back it up. I've never been recognized online for anything. My blog has never been included on any watch or read list. Yet I'm comfortable sharing what I know because it was real.
Attentive:
Pay attention to what is going on. If you decide to participate in a conversation or viral campaign, you can inject your opinion because you have paid attention.
Recognition:
You have the ability to recognize talent. You congratulate others achievements. You champion their discoveries and you become a cheerleader to many people or causes that resonate with you. If you become a champion yourself, you do it because you want to help, not to capture a piece of the pie for yourself.
Ego:
You don't have to have a big ego to be successful. Yet often many forget their roots and let their ego self go in their stead. If that is who or what you want to be known for then continue at your own peril. Eventually, people will see it for what it is and find someone more authentic to heed.
Accredit:
Don't fall into the trap of being a victim of your own voice, tweets, or posts. Take the time to give credit to the artist, creator, musician, photographer you are sharing. Some step on those who gave them a boost up and are captive to their own stuff. Forgetting to mention where it came from, least others perceive it as your own creation: that is stealing.
Variety:
Don't become lazy and only rely on posting images, tagging others to increase your reputation. Lend support and give variety to what you share. Take two seconds and like, share or #RT something from one of your supporters, because that can add flare and interest. You will be multi-dimensional and more intriguing.
Visibility:
Don't become too ingrained in one platform. Be visible everywhere, re-inforcing your reputation and champion of others, positive messages or inspirational creations.
Write:
Author a blog on matters that appeal to you and the likelihood it will find you a following. Be a content creator: the true currency of social media. A storyteller and informer. Others may dabble in your discoveries or flock to your words.
Believe:
Believe in yourself, be passionate for your cause, be honest in your interactions. That is where the fuel is hidden that will leap you in front of those that matter: the ones who find you matter. Don't give up. Be patient. Your turn will arrive. It just may not be the way you had planned, the journey can be different while the ultimate goal remains the same.
Warmth:
Be known for your warmth. A safe haven to many. An example for the discouraged. You won't be known for warmth, if you are exuding power or ego. Be satisfied if one person heard you. You don't need to shout above the noise. Have a reputation of kindness, be a leader in goodness, promote peace and humanity. Share your knowledge for the goodness of everyone.
Confidence:
Be true to yourself begets confidence in your message. It is easy to doubt yourself or compare yourself with others. Be sure you are unique. Be the example you have always wanted to have. You are not an imposter if you are saying your own words. You have just not been discovered yet.
Fame:
Notoriety is the path you set on customized to your voice. Fame is fleeting while notoriety lives forever. What is your legacy? What would you want to be remembered for? Are you on a path towards a great destiny? Will it be to help others, lead the way, uncover great opportunities? Those should be your goals, not fame.
Fortune:
Money is considered important in various degrees. What it means to different people is a formula that can be unique. Good fortune does not always happen in currency. It can mean happiness, health, love, family, knowledge. Philanthropy is bestowed upon only the very few of wealth with the privilege to do something with it. Only a few do. Define your own good fortune. Mine is creativity. It allows me to appreciate my unique talent in a way that allows me to embrace happiness, health, love, family and accumulate more knowledge. To be shared. To make the world a better place.
Statement:
Set about to create your own mantra. A statement about who you are and what you want yourself and the few you are lucky enough will follow you. I want to be surrounded by talented people who work hard to make the world a kinder one. I hope to help others become remarkable. In their own way, in their own voice. As their champion and cheerleader.
