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.