“Leaders become great not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others”.
For the past few years our company has attended MagNet, which is Canada’s premier professional development and networking conference for magazine media professionals. MagNet was developed to meet the industry’s growing need for targeted, thought-provoking information through insightful, accessible and affordable learning. It is a collaborative effort from Canadian associations to deliver sessions, workshops and keynote speakers from North America’s leaders in magazine publishing.
When I was deciding which sessions to attend, one in particular caught my attention: “How to Tap into The Power of Influencers”. The goal of the session was to learn how industry leaders and influencers can lend their voice to create compelling and share-worthy content.
Throughout the session, I learned that influencers have a unique form of power. Using a multi-platform approach, influencers have the ability to create and encourage dialogue and drive engagement. They are extremely passionate and believe in their brand. They have a unique voice and provide quality content (or care) that aligns with their niche audience. They not only focus on relatability but are also accessible and credible. And perhaps most importantly, influencers have gained the trust of their audience. Sound familiar?
The day after MagNet, the team of Oral Health was on the tradeshow floor for the Annual Spring Meeting in Toronto. The show was full of industry and dental professionals, eager to engage with their peers, interact with companies and attend sessions delivered by key opinion leaders (KOLs), all to learn and enhance their skills within the profession. The dental industry relies on the positive advocacy of KOLs, who are seen as trustworthy, and have reputations that enhance the believability of the topic they are discussing.
Every influencer is different but one goal that all KOLs share is to capture attention and prestige within their respective communities. Tradeshows, for example, are an ideal platform for industry leaders to present on topics that are beneficial and educational for attendees. From my experience sitting in on sessions, there is always a strong focus on the content value for the targeted audience. If you want to be the best, it’s beneficial to learn from the best. Taking advantage of the information available is essential for personal and professional growth.
We should always maintain the mindset to become leaders within our respective fields. No matter what the position – an experienced KOL, dentist, hygienist, office manager, or even an editor like myself, the importance of mastering our skills and exuding passion is essential. The ability to influence others is a fundamental skill that leaders must perfect in order to be effective. If we are inspiring others by our determination and willingness to evolve, we are all leaders. Be aware of your presence and aim high. Leadership is not a position or a title; it is action and example. It’s simple – our success lies within our ability to inspire others.
