Now that’s influence

Ever since I’ve been working and living somewhat in the blogosphere I’ve found you’ll always run into bloggers that think they’re “influential”, meaning they may have some pull over a given number of people that follow them on Twitter, that read their blog, are “friends” with them on Facebook, etc.

Granted, they have some pull. But I have to admit I’ve always found it a bit funny to call certain people “influencers” or say they are “influential”.

Just because you read someone’s blog, are they truly going to influence how you think or act?

Last Saturday night, then, at U2’s concert at the Stade de France – back back up: we were invited to go and I actually discovered that while I like some of their ideas I’m actually not a huge fan of U2. The fist-pumping 40-year-old ladies in front of me were excellent though.

ANYWAYS, as we were leaving the concert before the big rush of the entire crowd, we stopped to look back at almost 100,000 40- and 50-somethings jumping with sheer joy, and almost an idolized look in the eyes of some as they fixed their eyes on the giant screen glowing over the stage. And all I could think was.. that’s influence.

When you can make 100,000 people pulsate to your rhythm, literally or figurally, chanting your ideas..

then you can say you’re influential

what do you think?

who is influential (truly) for you?

why?