Inspire Over Impress Every Time: Here’s How and Why

This blog is about living up to your value and online presence, and how to maintain it by respecting your people’s time and acknowledging their presence. Respect their presence, and you’ll get to keep it!

People ask me to demystify social media for them, and I ask with a smile, where they want to start? And it’s usually this: “How to build a following?”

If you want a quick “how-to”, go ahead and scroll down to my Top 5: “How to Inspire Over Impress” insights at the bottom, but for a big picture view, here’s the “WHY” they should follow you in the first place!

Having an online presence today is an expanded concept, especially if you’re in the public eye and leading the front lines, there’s that growing pressure to stay interesting and flawless while pushing the limits.

This pressure is not only felt from the outside in — what about your own expectations of yourself? Striving to outperform your own best move just to keep you current and interesting? Sound familiar?

What I’ve observed by studying the performances of influential people and thought-leaders, (and because I had the honour to work with several inspirational figures behind the scenes) in order to find your audience and to inspire — you’ve got to be fully present, unmasked and available for them.

Where I’m going with this, is that most people often prioritize having an impressive story, because the common misconception is that only with their impressive achievements will they be magnetic to others!

But have you ever noticed that quite often these impressive people who have a great story online, often have a very uninspiring presence in person? And by “uninspiring” I mean hard to relate to and even inauthentic.

Especially, if we’re talking about attracting and building a global tribe, a big following, and a wide community with thousands of people… Then the pressure to have an epic story is even bigger, along with having an impressive (expensive) branding and (larger than life) PRESENCE.

When was the last time you didn’t tell a story?

We’re all guilty of having the ‘default stories’ run the show. Because we assume we must be “larger than life” to be liked. But at the end of the day, they know it’s fake, you know it’s not you, and it’s exhausting!

New clients ask me what online marketing is, and if they would hire me, what value would I bring to their existing business?

And they all say it just like this, “Skip the sales lingo and technicalities… Give me one thing that works online all the time, that I can remember!”

Are you willing to really show up for your people? Because you’re risking it all if they can’t see and feel the real you through the stories and layers of fancy design.

Yes, people want to see you and hear your authentic voice, and in return, they want to be seen by you because they admire you!

When people have placed their attention and trust in you — those are valuable means of human exchange. Don’t you think you owe them your true, authentic presence?

Power of influence should not be taken lightly. Acknowledge their presence both online and in person, because it’s all the same!

When I work with speakers such as Marianne Williamson or David Wolfe, I watch them connect with each and every person with delicate attention and a personal touch, as if they are the only ones in the room. Regardless of how long the day was and how many people are still lined up to speak to them, they stay present with every person, and never act as if their time is more important. They also thank and acknowledge people for their presence.

In the next blog, let’s dive deeper with more inspiring examples of people we love to follow, and look into their winning practices online with more insights to help you demystify social and online marketing.

Thanks for finding your way here. Hope this served you! My best, Nailia

Here are your final takeaways

Top 5 Actionable Tips: Inspire, not Impress!

1. Yes, you can no longer hide behind your story, your agent, or even your success. So, the only antidote for the “stress to impress” psychology is to inspire. And to inspire us to give, not to take. The struggle is totally optional.

2. What makes you inspiring? Are you relatable, authentic, and available?

Inspiring people allow themselves to be fully seen, willing to be transparent, because they are people of character, merit and integrity, and they walk their talk every day!

If you’re in the public and you’ve got a presence, there is actually something more magnetic than your success — your radical and real personality paired with your willingness to genuinely connect with more people. This is how you attract good people to you in any area of your life, don’t you agree?

3. Same goes if you’re just posting on Facebook to your circle of friends, you’re still their chosen point of influence. It’s still a tribal thing, just powered through technology.

Are you telling them the same old stories? Talking “at” them, or “to” them? What do you want them to think? Are you respecting their time? Are you tellin’ them same old stories… Do you even thank them?

4. What if you know you’re here with a purpose to share and influence many people, but you have no interest in fame, and you don’t have the big bucks to make a big impact, does that mean you’ll never attract a big audience?

Absolutely, you can attract an audience even doing it all on your own! Just remember, you must inspire not impress, first give not take, and genuinely connect with your people by spreading the gift of your message and keep adding value.

5. Lastly, every human encounter is equally valuable. The present moment is all we have. Here’s where I’m going to get all inspirational on you…

Never underestimate the power of presence and your real contribution. At any given time, you’ll meet someone who has that missing piece of your puzzle! Stay present and curious to invite the mystery to unfold.

Don’t let another encounter with anyone you meet, become just another default performance. Give something of value in honour of the time you’ve shared together, and that is what’s going to make you truly memorable!

Here’s one last relevant meme and inspiration by Harvey Mackay…