Internet Legends – “Some Seek Geekness, Some Have Geekness Thrust Upon Them”

 

When you think of the word legend or leader (particularly in a business context) you might conjure up a picture of a bold and perhaps slightly aggressive looking individual in a sharp suit, or perhaps a perfectly groomed women who’s never seen a bad hair day in her life.  But what about the aspiring leader who doesn’t fit the stereotype?  You could feel intimidated – leading you to shy away from the limelight, assuming that you probably aren’t legend material.  But let’s consider this…

Some of the wealthiest and most successful businesses are run and founded by geeks; unlikely heroes who have emerged from the Bloggersphere.  There they were just doing their thang on the Internet, building some fantastic invention in their spare bedroom, or starting out as wannabe  Internet marketers.  However, with an uncanny knack of knowing their way around the technology, and an ability to persuade and network, they got known fairly quickly.  And all without appearing to do a lot, except just show up, and talk eloquently and enthusiastically about their special field of interest.

Some of them are so laid back that they aren’t even bothered about what they look like either.  Because to become an influencer on the Internet requires a different approach than that which is accepted in the corporate world.   Many legends inspire huge followings, enhanced with entertaining videos.  Some are completely unconcerned that they recorded it in their kitchen standing next to that box of Kellogg’s cornflakes, whilst the cat sits nearby eating their cereal.   In fact, the more unassuming they are, the more appeal they seem to have.   But has the Internet really opened up the field so that anyone can achieve legend status? 

What is their secret and could we all borrow a few ideas to become a legend?

Being a legend is all about leading and teaching

Look, lets just forget about you for a minute and concentrate on those people who need you.  If all you are concerned about is you, you are missing the point. You could be sitting in front of a video camera wearing an outrageous cardigan with seriously naff hair, and still become a legend.  Why?  Because if you’re delivering seriously useful stuff to people, they will come back in droves and be your biggest fans.  You only have to think of the legendary Patrick Moore and his effervescent childlike enthusiasm for Astronomy – and you’ll know just what I mean.  He didn’t have the best dress sense, definitely needed a haircut – but memorable just the same.

Pick your subject and become an expert at it

Following on from the item above, sharing all your best stuff may sound counter-intuitive, but offering people valuable material in a non-threatening way actually helps to attract people to you like bees to honey! 

Share your enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is infectious. Because when you’re blazing a trail and talking with total conviction about your subject matter (even wearing said naff jumper mentioned above) – people will be helplessly drawn towards you in droves. Let’s consider Dan Bradbury for instance.  Sometimes he talks with so much enthusiasm I honestly think he will spontaneously combust!  Now granted he’s probably not quite that effusive over a cup of tea and a cream cake, and wouldn’t consider himself a nerd or a geek but he does know how to win the crowd! 

Show up

You have to be there.  It won’t happen without some kind of input from you.   However that means showing up in front of the right audience.  Let’s face it  – you may be a legend in one arena but a total unknown somewhere else, but you need to put in the hours and be prepared to show your face and walk the talk, over and over and over.

Engage and be helpful

The best leaders on the Internet are also really good at engaging with people, networking and building their own tribe.  This might actually go against the perceived view of most geeks – e.g. that they have absolutely zero people skills and aren’t really that interested in meeting and engaging with anyone except perhaps their cat or the cleaning lady.  But you’d be wrong.  Look – you don’t necessarily have to be a laugh a minute – Darren Rouse actually considers himself an introvert and is happier propping up the fridge at parties. 

Be unique and original

And the thing about this is – it sometimes takes courage and masses of self belief to dare to do something that might be seen as a little out of the ordinary.  Forget about conformity.  For example, ‘The Fear Master’ or ‘The Juice master’ are really strong brands with a unique and compelling message.

Take risks and be prepared to be criticised

They say that the minute you start getting people sending stroppy messages or complaining – this is actually the very sign  which indicates you are actually making an impact and on the right lines.  So don’t be put off or feel that nobody loves you any more if you’ve been attacked – it means you’re actually getting noticed, and becoming a leader.  You have to be able to take the flack, deal with it and not break your stride.  One leadership coach I know has a brilliant way of handling people who chose to offer feedback on his presentations - he just says that his job is to turn up on time, give his talk, get paid and go home.  Nothing more.  

Always be learning and growing

Even those at the top of the tree are continually learning and growing and actually invest large sums of money in their own personal and business development.  When you’re striving for excellence and learning from those who may be just a couple of steps ahead of you – this can only benefit those people who admire and learn from you. 

Be a human being who others can relate to

In fact, the more completely down to earth you are and unconcerned with conformity, or ‘fitting in’  the more compelling and charismatic you become. Be a three dimensional person.  For instance if you just happen to play the accordian in your local pub every Thursday, doesn’t that make you slightly intriguing and somebody worth knowing? Somebody who has a life?

Tell stories to illustrate and entertain

I’ve come across some seriously good story tellers out there in the bloggersphere.  They can weave very clever little metaphors into their material which helps bridge the gap and build rapport with their audience.  When you tell stories you bypass other people’s natural skepticism.  I used to feel incredibly self conscious about talking about ‘me’ and some of my life experiences until I heard a memory expert talk about his harrowing childhood.  You could feel the audience warming to him as he spoke. 

So, do you consider yourself on the way to becoming a legend?  Perhaps you’re a geek who wants to become a legend. Or perhaps you have a different definition of your own…  Leave your comments here and let me know.

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”  Theodore Roosevelt