On Being An Influencer

Last week, Supply Chain Digital selected the top ten supply chain influencers. I ranked tenth on the list. In the introduction to the article, they outline that the selection is based on "Those who have the greatest insight into this situation are the management consultants, technology providers, academics, business analysts and executives who are most closely connected to it."

Let me start by stating that I am skeptical about this type of list as it is usually a marketing ploy, and their list is not mine. However, as I approach my 69th birthday next week, I give thanks for making one-or-two of these lists a year. It shows that I am still relevant.

As a means of introduction, I am a LinkedIn Influencer (324,976 is the count today) and a contributor for Forbes.com (ranked 1749 today out of 34,786 contributors). The supply chain is my beat. I write 2-3000 words daily of original content on my sites (Supply Chain Shaman or Supply Chain Insights) or?social media. I facilitate peer networking and help business leaders improve their supply chains.

Becoming An Influencer

Sometimes I am asked, "How did you become an influencer?" When asked this question, I smile. Being an influencer was never my goal. My objective was to help people be successful. I am naturally curious and a lifelong learner, and I love research. I use LinkedIn followers as a panel group for my research projects and share my insights openly. The model works.

When I am asked to explain the role of an industry analyst, I answer that consultants know the answers, and I am trying to figure out the questions to ask as the market evolves. I avoid seeing the market as a series of pat answers. Instead, I triangulate the market daily, speaking to business leaders, consultants, and technologists. My goal is to develop unique points of view. It is work.

If you are reading this and want to be an influencer, here is my advice:

1) Get Good at Your Current Job. Move Laterally. More diversity in your career will help you see different perspectives.

2) Tell It Straight. Build Original Content. I think people read my materials because I tell stories and shoot straight. My writing is direct and often from a different point of view. I back up my writing with research.

3) Don't Just Be a Mouthpiece for Others. The market is full of business models that help technologists and consultants share their viewpoints. Being their mouthpiece will not make you an effective influencer. Instead, develop your own content and share stories.

4) Avoid Reporting. Have a Point of View. Being an influencer is very different from being a reporter. A reporter focuses on the facts (the what), while an influencer shares the "so-what."

5) Hone Your Skills. Writing, speaking, and research sound easier than it is. Build skills in each of the areas. My writing coach keeps telling me that those that read excellent writing are better writers. I agree. The more you write and speak, the better your skill set.

Recently, LinkedIn cleaned my feed deleting the deceased, retired, and inactive followers. My list of followers fell from 360,000 to 321,000. The numbers tell the story. I am aging, and my audience is leaving the workforce. So, if I can help you, drop me a line.

And most importantly, if you follow me and help me be an influencer, thanks. In your opinion, what makes a great influencer?