Influence. Who’s got it? Who’s keeping it? Who’s losing it. Communications expert Clive Simpkins says South Africa has all but forgotten Mbhazima Shilowa (Shilo-who?) and Terror Lekota. That Pravin Gordhan is smokin’ hot in the influence stakes as is Dr Mamphela Ramphele. And, if you want to know how to build influence using social media follow the example of The US Ambassador to SA, Donald Gips.
Who are you?
A marketing and communications strategist and public speaker.
What is your influence?
I truly don’t know. It’s not something I think about or which concerns me. Influence lies in the mind of the beholder.
What is influence?
Credibility, stature, opinion leading or trend-setting. Iconoclasm.
How can business leaders grow in influence?
By not trying to influence but through being authentically who they really are. Being prepared to take a stance, express a view or support a cause – regardless of its unpopularity.
Why do business leaders lose influence?
Because they’re acting and at some point their feet of clay become visible.
Who are the most influential business leaders in South Africa?
Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, Mark Lamberti, Simon Susman (Woolworths CEO), Carol Scott, Wendy Lucas-Bull, among a select group.
How does speaking and presentation affect influence?
At a superficial level – enormously. But the greatest influencers are those who lead by moral and ethical example. They may be unsung in the media.
Can business people grow their media influence? How can they do this?
Emphatically! By becoming the preferred spokesperson for their industry or sector. Through writing. By engaging with their constituency through social media. The US Ambassador to SA, Donald Gips is building an impressive influence through Twitter and giving a heart and face to American diplomats.
Can PR people influence the media? How?
Significantly less than they used to be able to do. Social media has supplanted their role as first-line influencers and opinionistas.
Are there some media in South Africa that are beyond PR influence?
Social media has an inbuilt immunity to fakery and fluff.
Who are the most influential people in South Africa today?
Pravin Gordhan, Trevor Manuel, Justice Richard Goldstone. In a particular niche: Julius Malema. Prof. Loyiso Nongxa (Wits Vice Chancellor). Doesn’t toot his horn but doing a heck of a job. Dr. Glenda Gray, HIV/AIDS guru.
Who has grown in influence. Who has lost influence?
President Jacob Zuma. He’s surprised people with his popularity among the masses. Thabo Mbeki is a shell. Mbhazima Shilowa and Terror Lekota’s stars have waned horribly.
Do professional speakers wield influence?
Too many professional speakers over the years have not walked their talk – so generally low credibility and influence. But in the kingdom of the blind, the cockeyed guy is still king.
Who are the most influential professional speakers in the world, and what can be learned from them?
Anthony Robbins. Deepak Chopra. Tom Peters. What can be learned is that you can build reputations out of all proportion through media exposure.
Who are the most influential professional speakers in South Africa?
Ian Thomas ‘the lion man’ a thorough gentleman. Billy Selekane, smart business-builder and communicator. Roelof Botha (economist).