While a select group of people who specialize in specific sectors may 'currently' shape opinion more than others, making them the entire focus of your communications approach is terribly short-sighted.
It is vital that equal treatment applies when interacting with all of your prospective audiences.
I'd like to provide you with a couple examples of what I mean and then share some thoughts with you about why it's important to engage with people in a more balanced manner.
Ahead of the 'curve'
In the last few months, I've been studying the social media activity of a few soon-to-be university graduates in the US.
The guys I've taken a particular interest in have been: Samantha Ogborn (@SJOgborn), Lauren Nuovo (@lmnuovo) and Mikinzie Stuart (@mikinzie).
Now these guys have not even secured their first full-time jobs yet, but are driving conversations amongst their peers in a really meaningful and impactful way.
They are even making headlines in spaces normally reserved for communications veterans or pros (as evidenced by Lauren's appearance in PR Daily this week).
Now, I'm not calling these guys 'little people' - in fact, I consider them the opposite - they, via the quality in which they conduct themselves online, are really inspiring to watch, and are being true 'leaders' of tomorrow.
If you were to judge them simply on what they have done, or how many followers they have (even though they have a few!) you'd be missing a big trick.
Who you are, not who you were
I think we get too caught up on where reputations come from.
What we are seeing now, which I love, is people developing relationships based on what they do every day and more importantly what they 'could' do one day...not what they 'once' did.
So, next time you receive a message from someone who only has 'a handful' of followers or a see name you may not immediately recognise, treat the communication based solely on what is presented, not what is perceived.
I guarantee, the guys you aren't considering right now will be the ones you'll be desperate to know very soon.
Your turn
Does anyone have any thoughts on this subject?
Are people judged more by a 'perceived reputation' as opposed to current production / engagement?
I'd love to know what you think.
Adam