So you think you can be an influencer?

A word and question that seems to be top of mind for everyone who has a Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest account or writes a blog.

So whilst Social Media week planning was happening, I requested that we add this as one of the topics, which the team agreed to, with the caveat that I would be responsible for everything — getting the panel, thinking of security if it turned rowdy, take the brickbats from the agencies and all that.

I cajoled, threatened, pushed, called in favors, many who are vocal, claimed excuses to avoid, but got in the following:

Karthik aka @beastoftraal who is scheduled to conduct another panel, but kindly agreed to push and reach a little earlier to be a part of the brickbats.

Ashwin aka @ashwinmushran who was excited, till he was called away and had to decline, but shall be sorely missed.

To take Ashwin’s place, given the fame now Rohan aka @mojorojo enjoys, but still dared to ask him & received a response — No worries, if it does not clash with my other session, I am there.

Kiran aka @kiranmanral the famous author, who is always worried and tries to avoid large places, but can’t say no to my request ;)

Rushina aka @rushinamg author and food lover who agreed promptly and would make time to reach from another venue.

To make a nice jugalbandi with Rohan called up Dharmesh aka @DharmeshG who I just threatened and gave the time saying ‘Be There’ and yup he is going to be there, postponing his trip.

With 5 influencers aka people of fame already, was feeling all good; till Deepali was on a panel with me on 22nd September and enjoyed herself, so told her that you refused to be on the Panel on 25th September about Influencers. She called made changes and promptly confirmed that she would be there.

So now we have Influencers/Non Influencers — Brand Marketer, Agency communication expert, Food writer, Author & Content Strategist sharing, ranting, raving their thoughts, and Agencies who hopefully attend can answer “What am I worth?” and take back the learnings which will help them strategize their future plans……

If all that fails, please Tweet to me and I will take 101 classes, of course for a cost!

So Be There! with your questions and answers about Influence