If you read my last post, you know that I was participating in an attempt to “hijack” Fast Company’s “The Influence Project.” The goal was to try and turn something that was, frankly, annoying, and turn it into a force for good. The hope was that Fast Company would see an opportunity to get some positive publicity out of their recent effort and join a campaign to use all of the energy for good, making a difference in the lives of people who could really use it.
Today, Nate St. Pierre, the man behind the hijacking, raised the white flag and surrendered. He also sent an email to all of us who had climbed aboard the pirate ship and asked us to do the same.
Nate is the founder of ItStartsWith.Us and is on a mission to “change the world.” The organization generally flies under the radar, but Nate saw great opportunity in the Fast Company situation and decided to go for it. Sadly, his innovative way to corral and use influence, was not roundly embraced.
So, the focus shifts to ItStartsWith.Us and the great work they do. The good news is that I believe this organization will get a lot of new participation and support as a result of the recent event. Maybe that was the plan all along. Who knows? Either way, their work is good. Go to the ISWU website and check it out.
I have already signed up to be a “Love Bomb” volunteer. I “love” the concept and look forward to sharing a compassionate message of support to those in need. If you can spare just five minutes a week to make a difference in someone’s life, join us!
Perhaps, just perhaps, Nate’s experiment was not a failure. Nate wants to change the world, and he is doing just that. Well, he changed mine, anyway. I look forward to the positive impact I can make through his community. Isn’t that what influence is really about?
If influence is measured by subsequent actions of followers, I would say that Nate St. Pierre should “win” The Influence Project.
What do you say, Fast Company?
