Don’t let the numbers on social networks fool you!
You see, those numbers are far less a reflection of someone’s actual influence or talent, than many people seem to think.
For example, that social media guru with 100,000 followers, forced to spend most of his or her time away from their kids in order to make a living on the speaking circuit, may be less talented, than “some guy” who just followed you.
“Some guy” and the numbers
The wealthiest and best connected person I know joined Twitter last year. He mainly uses it to keep up with his grown-up family, so I don’t bother following him. 10 minutes ago, I checked his Twitter account and he still has fewer than 70 followers. For fun, I checked his klout score too and it’s extremely low, just as you’d expect.
Don’t feel too sorry for him though. He’ll be fine. His family are happy and healthy and he’s good for over £400million; according to The Sunday Times Rich List.
It’s about people
If my friend were to follow you (or me) right now, we’d hardly notice. Using the typical social networking measurement tools, this self-made, multi millionaire businessman is just “some guy”; not an influencer, like that guru with droves of followers.
Behind each social networking account is a person. When we allow ourselves to be influenced by their numbers instead of their unique human value, we risk listening to the wrong people and missing the REAL gold dust.