What does influence mean in 2009? What makes someone an influencer?  This was the first thing I read in my email this morning.  It was posed in an email I receive from Sarah Evans who provides the resource Commentz.  My first thought was, “Am I a person of influence?  Would I be considered an influencer”? 

Influence to me is a positive word.  It’s a call to action to improve the world around me.  I am not able to have influence over everything, but I do have the power to affect the individuals and organizations I work with.  As a communicator, I know I have the power to teach others and challenge them to find new ways to communicate with the world around them.

To be an influencer, in 2009, you must think about the following:

1) You must equip yourself with knowledge. Knowledge brings power!
2) Find an positive outlet to communicate with others.
3) Be aware of your own personal responsibility to the field and your clients.
4) Have the courage to be innovative.
5) Be willing to speak out when no one else wants to.

So, I ask the question back to world.  What does influence mean to you?  What makes someone influencer? I don’t think that I have reach my potential when it comes to influence, but I sure hope I am on my way.

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