I’ve seen a whole bunch of lists lately of top social media experts, rising social media stars, and top social business leaders. On occasion I make one of the lists (slide 52 btw), but often I don’t make it onto these lists.
Part of it doesn’t bother me.
I like the idea of people getting recognition, and I’m sure there are tons of smart people out there doing great work.
Part of it really bothers me.
I work hard. Really hard. I consume a tremendous amount of information. I give away a tremendous amount of information.
Every one of those lists that I’m not on, makes me a little angrier, a little more hungry, and a whole lot more competitive.
Many of the lists are a rundown of the obvious “who’s who” in Social Media and while I want to be on those lists, it’s not nearly as frustrating as being overlooked on the tier two lists of up-and-comers. I feel like I’ve done enough to easily secure my name on those lists.
So what are ya gonna do about it?
I’d like to say that I’m going to be more prolific online: write MORE articles, publish more blog posts, construct more slide decks and engage more heavily with the organizations and people that compile these lists.
I’d like to say I’ll comment more on other people’s posts, and focus on associating myself with the “influencers” in my space. Maybe I should try to have a glass of wine with Gary V, or sit down with Scott Monty for coffee.
But none of this is true.
I’m not in business to be on a list, I’m in business to get clients and help them win. So, I’ll lick my tiny wounds from not making the list, and in the meantime, I’m going to focus on what’s really important.
Does it bruise my fragile ego? Undoubtedly. Will it cause me to lose focus? Not a chance.
Mark W. Schaefer says
I love this post Jeff. It’s honest and I think it is cool that you can stay centered in a hype-filled world. Certainly the kind of person I would want to know and hire!
This is a very tough ego-filled business with tons of drama. Stay the course, be kind, help people in an authentic way and create original content. You will be “known” and attract the right crowd too. Hang in there,
Jeff Gibbard says
Thanks Mark, and I hope you know that there are no hard feelings for not making your list. I saw someone post in your comments about that and I think your response was spot on about the “two ways you could take it.”
I have always and will continue to be as generous as I can be with my time and expertise. I’ll highlight great resources by others and point people in the direction to get what they need to succeed, regardless of whether I benefit financially.
Putting my ego aside is tough, because as an only child, it’s fragile and I’m used to getting attention. For now, I’ll just have to let my public speaking fill that space. 🙂
Thanks for the comment…and I still need to get you on the Podcast.
Pamela Fuller says
Give it time Jeff. In the meantime you are number one on my list…:)