Over the holidays, when I was on vacation, I was gratified to be recognized as one of the top gurus in professional services (and the only woman on the list). (Thank you, Ian Brodie!) First on Brodie's list (with great justification) was David Maister, who this week announcedhis well-deserved retirement.
Brodie said his criteria were "most influential writers, advisors and consultants to the professions – particularly when it comes to strategy, marketing and business development."
Notwithstanding the fact that this was one man's opinion, Brodie's "top gurus" list calls an important question: why was Maister included on this list? Why was I?
I think it's a couple of factors. First, and I have followed Maister's lead on this, is the idea of giving away one's intellectual capital. I have never worried that I couldn't eventually make a decent living while creating and sharing my expertise. "Giving it away" appears to increase one's stature and influence.
Second, of my own accord, I've endeavored to push the envelope in the arena of professional services marketing and management strategy. Call it curiosity, or intolerance to the status quo, but I want to continuously shape the future success for professional service firm growth. "Pushing the envelope" appears to increase one's stature and influence.
What are the other factors that make professionals recognized as influencers?
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