Influence or Influencer

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My oh my oh my.  It has been several months now, I have removed myself from the constant grind of Social Media.

Don’t get me wrong, I still participate for the purpose of Business Building.  I answer questions i’m tagged in.  I respond to messages.

What I don’t do however, is participate in to many threads.  I’ve learned Social Medial can be downright belittling, nasty, shocking, mean and very very sad.  It can be disappointing, it can be stressful and it can be  haven for bullying.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1534802218178{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2240″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”none” title=”Influence”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]INFLUENCE

The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1534802218178{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]INFLUENCER

AN Influencer is a user on social media who has established credibility in a specific industry. A social media influencer has access to a large audience and can persuade others by virtue of their authenticity and reach.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2239″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”none” title=”Influencer”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1534802238716{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The connection to Influence vs Influencer and this article is to first address what can happen on Social Media.

A thread I caught recently began as an innocent question on Social Media which turned into something ugly, yet beautiful.

The 1st amendment allows our voice to be heard.  

By definition it  allows us the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint

 

What it doesn’t do is help us understand that words hurt!

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In some ways I guess to influence and to be an influencer are much of the same thing.  Someone or something brings awareness to someone or something and helps us decide what to do.

The primary difference , by definition, an influencer gets paid high dollars for “influencing” people[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

In both cases, be it the person who influences or the influencer, it is usual someone who has worked countless hours of discovering his or her image.  Someone who has spent countless hours of building his or her “brand”.  This “brand” recognition does not come easy.  It is non-stop studying, perfecting and maintaining a high level of standards expected by those of us who follow.

It can be fun, there may be some perks, but it also can be tedious.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Many of you may not know that my Business is within a Business.  I rent warehouse and office space from some very special people who I consider B2B partners, and friends.  Life of Riley Salon Supply, promoting primarily hair products.

 

I’ve been blessed with the relationships i’ve formed and i’ve been lucky enough to have learned a lot about the differences in our Industries.  Yes, hair and nails are within the same industry, yet……they are not at all treated the same.

 

I could get into the various amount of differences, but for the purpose of this article, I think it’s worth sharing the very minimum amount of cruelty I see and/or hear regarding social media.

 

In hair we see before and after of many creations.  Whether it be color, cut, extensions etc. I see tons of compliments and support.   What I don’t see is the ridicule, the callous remarks, the belittling, the nastiness, the lack of support.

 

However, when it comes to our nail industry, it’s the complete opposite.  I am constantly seeing the negativity, the jealousy, the lack of Professionalism.

 

I’ve worked for many years,, in fact I have made it my mission to take us Nail Technicians from the bottom of the totem pole and put us on the top.  This is a big nut to crack and it can’t be done alone.  All of us have to contribute.  We have to look like Professionals, talk like Professionals, act like Professionals.

 

We have to support each other.  We have to learn how to express our opinions, our thoughts without hurtful expressions or comments.  We have to support the differences between us and raise the bar on the image of our Nail Society.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Every single one of us either influence or is an influencer.

 We are being watched, we are being heard.  

We all need to set the example.

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It may sound like i’m rambling.  I’m not.

 

I’m saddened by what I recently saw, but i’m also elated to have seen the tremendous amount of support which followed.

 

I am also hopeful that in some way i’m able to influence those of you who read my blogs in a positive manner.  I hope I help you think about the various amount of options which are available in our Industry.  I hope I am able to teach you something you maybe didn’t know prior to reading my blog.  I hope I have a positive influence on your growth.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Have you thought lately about who you can or who you already do influence?

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4 thoughts on “Influence or Influencer”

  1. Chrisanne Robeck

    Thanks CJ. I think I know the post you’re referring to. In the past week I’ve tried to not be mean on FB, Especially in light of all the recent political antics. I get all worked up. Forgive me if I offended you. Have a great week. Saying prayers for your dad.
    Chris

  2. So well written CJ! I’m so glad that we have crossed paths in our nail industry and formed a friendship. You are definitely a positive and knowledgeable influence for us all. Thank you for doing all that you do! I’m so excited for things to come.

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