-
Website
http://www.tubbynerd.com/ -
Original page
http://tubbynerd.com/2009/05/28/if-your-shy-cherish-privacy-support-manchester-united-or-heaven-forbid-own-a-pc-is-the-thirty-day-challenge-for-you-30dc/ -
Subscribe
All Comments -
Community
-
-
Top Commenters
-
Popular Threads
Looking forward to this 30DC from Spain.
A much better word. Can I have the free membership for life? =) Ok. Back to reading your post now... Just wanted to be the first one to claim a membership. Be right back...
Ed
I remember when I made this video game back in my school days. All of a sudden this geek had the attention of others and they would ask for more, or made their own little modifications to the game.
I didn't feel like I had a big ego or that I led those other kids anywhere. But I was able to shape this small "market" that gathered around me and my game and create some joy and entertainment in their lives. :-)
Looking forward to the 30DC!
Gute Nacht.
Ed
"a Huge Ego, A Bully (My most hated group of people on earth, even worse than hypocrites - but I digress!), They’re in whatever their in for personal ambition and reward and don’t give a stuff about who or what they trample in the process. They use people and worse… leave a psychological scar that can literally cripple people for life."
From this, I think you're probably talking about being something more good, fun and enjoyable, huh? Well, in order to more firmly secure my claim for the free lifetime 30DC Plus membership that you are so generously offering, here are a few more better words that you should have used instead =)
Trail Blazer
Revolutionary
Renaissance Man
Explorer
Adventurer
Hero
Groundbreaker
Protoganist
and instead of market leadership, then you should call it:
Market Trail Blazing
Market Revolutionizing
Market Renaissance
Market Exploration & Breakthrough
Market Adventuring
Market Heroics
Market Groundbreaking
"But I CAN do something about what happens from TODAY, you just need to take one tiny anonymous step forward."
If that's the case, then I'm with you Ed! As long as I can take anonymous steps forward and remain anonymous! =) Being a market trail blazer or market adventurer, I don't mind, as long as not a leader...
To go where no man has gone before is a man's romance...
My suggestion is "Market Developer".
In my opinion leading a market means developing the market.
Let me give an example: I love role-playing games with all my heart. Me and my pals sometimes spend nights playing Pen and paper RPGs.
In my humble beginnings as a game master the games were always linear and straight forward.
But the important thing was the feedback loop between me and my audience. Because of the feedback I was able to develop my games further and further.
They matured and became more and more fun.
This development was only possible because of the feedback loop, the connection, that was established with the other players.
I always asked "So, guys, what did you like and didn't like about this particular session and what would you like to see next time?".
I think you can implement that in marketing. Establishing feedback and using it to develop the market.
Ed
...Market Maker...
Through their 'actions' these people make their market WHAT IT IS...
...By shaping the thoughts of the marketplace though contributing quality content continually
... By actively creating relevant and stimulating conversations...
... By producing products and services to HELP the market members fix their problems.
It's these people that make the 'market experience' what it is - without them the market place would be a completely different landscape.
The contribution (and value) these people offer their marketplace is what shapes it.
The term MARKET MAKER also implies that they actually take action and implement something/anything...
.. as nothing is 'MADE' until action is taken.
The individuals we're talking about MAKE something OF THEIR market; whatever that market is; new or old... They use their determination, to get through the dip (another Seth term) and find a way to extract some form of value; be it an income, a family/community, a {fill the gap}
Also, MARKET MAKERS are not always, nor ever need be, the biggest player (leader) in that space from a pure dollars and sense perspective. You only need 1000 rabid people in our influence to be wildly successful in your chosen niche - remember that.
[As a side note, there are some 'good friends' in this 30DC community that are 'market makers' in the Twitter space - and they don't have the biggest following, but are definitely shaping the way their 'followers' are using and thinking about Twitter]
In my opinion, it's not just about leading the entire tribe, it's about taking action and playing an active + positive role in your marketplace - AND MAKING IT WHAT IT IS.
The rest will follow.
Market Paladin
The holy and pure knight of the marketing realm, conquering spam and evil through white hat magic and refined swordsmanship. Always a gentlemen.
Market Crusader
Leading the war against time, trying to regain control of the sacred niche and waging campaigns against the wrong-doers.
Market Warrior
People who are especially skilled and have obtained special mastery of their market. It is from the remnants of the ancient market warrior tribes that the Warrior Forum was founded, to continue the lineage of market warriors.
Market Cleric
Marketers endued with the special ability to understand their market from within, and cure the ills of their followers.
Market Striker
Stunning the market with goal after goal after goal! The market striker always makes the greatest difference in the game! Example: Lionel Messi of Barca FC.
Market Legend
Legends never die... they just go away for a while, then they come back again...
They take a small, tiny step forward…every day." - that's the idea! This is what we need to do both, during 30DC and our life in general. And no matter how we name it.
Best regards to all of us!
I would hate to be thought of as a leader, too many bad connotations, but a pharo? I think I could live with that...
Plural could be pharoes. Any more pharoes out there?
Verb; to pharo. Have you pharoed lately?
Course Ed could be Grand Pharo, and Dan could be Pharo in chief...
I think I might be taking this too seriously ;)
Ed
Leader? Hmmmm.... I think you nailed it with *ssh*le. But then I work in a company of over 10,000 people... sometimes I think it must be hard to be a single fish in a school of fish, or an ant in a colony, but you do get the protection of the pack (and it can make for great movies too). Ooops, I'm off topic.
I'll say it again, sounds like the 30DC is for me!
Another great post. The Germans have two words for Leader: Leiter and Führer. Obviously, the second has fallen greatly out of favor because of its association with Adolf Hitler, but I think its meaning is a bit more like what you had in mind.
Leiter is a bit more like a manager, giving directions, taking responsibility and making sure everything is working smoothly. But Führer is a lot more personal and compassionate. The meaning is a lot more like a Coach, Mentor, or a Guide, who doesn't just bark orders and tell you what to do, but sometimes literally takes you by the hand and guides you through the process, encouraging you in your failures, and celebrating your successes.
So, Coach, Mentor, and Guide would be my top suggestions.
You can learn to live with chronic shyness and turn some of the anxiety that comes along with it to your advantage. It is horrible, I know, but Ed is right if you take small steps and don't set yourself up to fail you can achieve. It also helps that Ed and the guys provide a safe and nurturing environment to learn in.
I'm really looking forward to 30DC 2009, it's going to be awesome.
Thanks guys for all the hard work you put into it.
Btw how long do you set the timer for?
all have the ability to correct the spelling in the article with the
copyedit button below!!!
Ed
Small steps eh? Like Sir Ranulph Fiennes climb to the top of Mount Everest last week at the age of 65 (he failed to reach the summit 2 years ago but didn't give up). What kept him going? He said he told himself not to think of the impossible summit but to "plod forever".
Enjoying the tough love..
How bout these 2 names
Chief
Coach
Cheers,
Jade
Jac
Market Innovator
You must identify the market, find the biggest problems that it is facing, create an innovative solution, and then market the heck out of it. The ultimate goal is to cause a shift in the marketplace, with your innovation as the pivot.
-Kris
Ed
http://www.rkrishardy.com/2009/05/revolutionize...
-Kris
Yes, doesn't matter how shy a person is (or even follows Manchester United) taking the first step is the hardest. After that first step, which shows they have TRUE courage, it does become easier and easier.
For those who are not shy (and maybe follow Manchester united) then please LISTEN to a shy person, give them time to speak and encourage them to speak out. You'll be surprised just how much wisdom the shy, quiet person, has gathered. They sit back and observe others and in so doing they learn an awful lot about people.
Ed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAPv_DhIFkQ
"No one will deny me, NO ONE will define me! No one will tell me who and what I am and can be. ..."
Mates, we rock!
Successorizer
A leader values the success of others more than they value their own. They find the motivation point of the individual and they press that button often and hard (but the person might not even recognise that is happening). The leader listens with a sympathetic ear but guides with a strong hand in the middle of your back.
Ed
market prophet, spearhead, kingpin, leading light were the ones I'd suggest.
I iike "Mentor" or "Teacher" If I have more knowledge/experience than you in a particular area I become your Teacher/Mentor. If you have more knowledge I become a student.. We are both every day. Both are high callings. "Market Mentor"?
Regards,
Jim
A definition I read years ago (can't rememeber where now) was that leaders don't make people do what they want, they make people want what they want enough to take action to attain it. Though not a single word, it is a great definition. We (leaders) are actually just grease in the machine.
I agree about ego. As I have tamed my ego, my leadership skills and impact have grown.
Another aspect of leadership for me is just show up and be open to opportunity and the world will call forth your leadership. In other words, get out of your way. ;-)
As an obsessive introvert this is hard for me, but I know it is also necessary as you say here. It is the price that must be paid if you truly want to the prize. If nothing else step out and be visible, work hard to attain the prize and then go back to being "invisible."
I'm late again... 30 comments already... A chronic problem.. hehe
I'm going to have to agree with Mary K. A good teacher is a humble teacher, that learns from the give and take.
Better yet, I would go with "Sage"... Market Sage...
Oh, and I'm willing to give up the free membership to Mary K. She got here first.
You mate, are poetry in motion. And true to form, you've struck a chord
with me <once again> in this post.
A dictator "fills the bill" for the description you've outlined in this little rant
and rave. He/she, this sort of person, will walk over anything and anybody
for self gratification or gain.
Despite huge successes and possibly being known as "The Boss-man",
they will never be the real (quote-unquote) LEADER.
Sure, they'll have authority but there's a huge canyon gap between that
and truly being known as a "Leader".
A [true] Leader is a person you want to follow. He or she are leading by
example and often they don't even know it.
[You] don't even know it.
You just find yourself wanting to be in their presence. In their zone. It's
safe there. It's smart. It's humble. Ohhhhh but it's savvy. It has the ability
to pull through the stormy seas in life, business, endeavor.
Does it mean it's easy for the true "Leader"? Far from it. It means that
they, when slammed to the depths of doubt and despair, are able to pick
themselves up one more time and take another step towards the goal.
One more step. One more.
And along the journey, he or she lifts up those around him, knowing of
their importance (even when they didn't).
The irony being, he never has to say a thing directly or touch an individual
physically to lift them up. Again they are following a true Leader. His actions
unknowingly to him make it happen. He is a "Virtuoso".
He is a master of his art – [True] Leadership.
The substitution for the word Leadership... "Virtuoso"
Think "Virtuosity"
PS... Let's jam!
I think you should change "Leader" to "Beacon".
As in
a person, act, or thing that warns or guides.
a person or thing that illuminates or inspires.
a trusted source of vital information.
Our goal should be to be seen as beacons in our niche. Not an imposing, in your face leader. But a guide with information and knowledge that is there when needed.
Beacons don't. Beacons assist, but it is up to you to act.
Thinking of oneself as a leader can be a bit daunting, a different word can be helpful. Found several, but I like guide best. some folks may like others depending on their personal outlooks.
pacesetter, shepherd, minister, big cheese, top dog, authority, big gun, top gun, director, key player, teacher, mover and shaker, pathfinder
BTW, check out
http://www.visualthesaurus.com/
a very interesting gadget. I wish it were free, but likely worth it for many.
It is usually a male trait but women can have it too.
Thanks for the article, it hit home.
Always a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester Utd
Leader = Professional Pied Piper
BUT WAIT!!!!!
I started thinking....
Intrinsically there must be followers. You have to have the ear of your followers and the music must be sweet!!
But WHERE you are going is important too.... so the pied piper doesn't win points with the rats who drowned or the children who disappeared!
Really the true leader has his followers best interests at heart...
so like an architect, he SEES his client enjoying the finished product/project before the first brick is laid. But he must also plan, foresee challenges, select and lead people and move mountains for the benefit, care, protection and enjoyment of the end user of his creation.
He must be THIS kind of VISIONARY but he also needs all the dogged and systematic execution of a military ENGINEER to plan, execute and overcome unforeseen challenges.
He cannot be a VISIONARY ALONE!!!
because good intentions alone are just good intentions.
Vision,and the Engineering of that vision - Planning, and Action, management of people and resources to the end result with continual concern for end user safety and enjoyment with no casualties along the way.
So put them together...
VISIONARY + ENGINEER
you get...
Leader == VISIONEER!!!
(or vizioneer - if you like to say it with a french accent!)
So what do you think, Ed?
I was so excited to receive your email (concerning The Edge). I am now recommending marketing resources from my blog and would like to let my readers know when and where they can sign up for this year's 30-Day Challenge. In fact, I intend to take the course again. After a year of marketing online, I believe I will be able to grasp and use even more of your sound advice!
As a shepard is a hard working unassuming individual who works hard at his craft and tends to his flock. His return is a strong and sustaining group or flock. A lot of parrallels to treating your niche as your flock and growing it.
with learning anything from guitar to internet marketing involves baby steps or small first steps to get forward momentum rolling.
Taking even the smallest action will lead to confidence, image the toddler stumbling to its feet the very first time, as they take each step
their confidence grows and you see their eyes light up as they learn Hey I CAN DO THIS! and then they start zooming along.
I did a page search of all the comments and did not find my for contribution for Leader replacement
Marketeer
My imagine is of a swashbuckling Muskeeter blazing new trails through the forests of Internet Marketing
Rock on
Tim
Leader = ASSHOLE
What about "Guide"?
Heights area. I think the Bob Schnur you are talking about ran for
alderman or something in St. Charles, MO? Still a big Cardinals fan
if you are still in St. Louis but I am now living in Twin Cities area
in MN. Who are you and what is your market?
Everywhere I go someone asks me if I know another Schnurr or Schnur
but I have never ever met another with the exception of my family who
are all still in St Louis area.
I am a designer who is sick of dealing with deadbeat clients, so have a few niches that I am focusing on... dog rescue, tattoo supplies, and a few others that I am still researching... I want to attempt audio production software, but I am afraid I might be trying to do too much, at one time.
Once all of these niche sites and other 30dc projects I am working on are up and running full swing, I am leaving the midwest, Tim Ferris style, to travel. One thing I learned from a past business attempt (MLM) was you need to have a "WHY"... What is your why?
And what's your twitter name? It might be more considerate to move this conversation out of Ed's blog :-)
I just found a new site - IM Remarkable - that has a PDF report on niche
Marketing that you need to check out right now. Its here:
http://www.yourtellafriend.com/click/1575
I know that you will really enjoy the "36 New Niches PDF" and that it will really help your online marketing!
Take care,
Bob
http://www.yourtellafriend.com/click/1575
Thank you for all your thoughts on this and for sharing them with us. This thing about 'familiarity', letting customers 'relate' to you and letting them get to know you personally has been a big concern for me and something I've struggled with since joining you on the 2nd 30 day challenge.
Here are the two sides of my fence: As a woman, I sometimes think it's easier for a guy--all the IM leaders are guys, and it appears to be easy for them to open up their lives, their businesses and their homes to the world. Sometimes I think I could be comfortable doing what they do. At other times I'm fearful--thinking there are crazies out there who admire and then may feel let down and choose to blame their 'leader'--and I don't want them coming to my house or smearing and misrepresenting my intentions and my hard work. From the outside, it appears as if you guys started out alone but have become a close-knit group of guys who may unconsciously feel some safety in numbers--and who feel no threat of bogus attacks because you feel you have your mates and your 'followers' to back you up.
On the other side, I understand and agree with your teaching that our customers need to know us to be able to trust us--it's what I appreciate about those I do business with too. I 'get' how important that is--that it makes all the difference in what we and our customers would get from the experience together. I've questioned, a lot, whether I want to be a leader. And I think that's normal.
As to a better word for leader? Call me crazy, but I'm thinking about how we, your 'followers' view you. What words would we use to describe you? If you're the type of leader we want in a certain area of our lives (and obviously you are and have been, for us), what would we call you--how do we look at you or classify you within ourselves?
As Mary Catherine on Saturday Night Live would say--I will answer with a song from Dylan performed by The Byrds and the author himself. I don't see you as a leader. I see you (and also Frank Kern) as a Tambourine Man--and I know I'm asking you:
"Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin' ship,
My senses have been stripped, my hands can't feel to grip,
My toes too numb to step, wait only for my boot heels
To be wanderin'.
I'm ready to go anywhere, I'm ready for to fade
Into my own parade, cast your dancing spell my way,
I promise to go under it.
Then take me disappearin' through the smoke rings of my mind,
Down the foggy ruins of time, far past the frozen leaves,
The haunted, frightened trees, out to the windy beach,
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow.
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free,
Silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands,
With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves,
Let me forget about today until tomorrow.
"Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me,
I'm not sleepy and there is no place I'm going to.
Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me,
In the jingle jangle morning I'll come followin' you. "
here's the music version if you feel like it,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Y6JR2uRfY
Followin' you--that's what it's all about and it's what we want because we do it with joy! But even Dylan has shown for decades that he isn't comfortable being what he is in people's minds--with their perception of him. There is a price--there is a trade-off for the familiarity. God, we're even seeing it with John and Kate Plus 8--want the fame and the following of their personal lives--don't want the intrusion into their personal lives.
Tambourine Man/Woman doesn't win any prizes, but it's what I want to be if I want to be like you and, frankly, 'Market Leader' just sucks!
Viz for those of us who like to shorten things. Sometimes those who hold the vision may also have to steer.
" thong wearing Pharoh"- nice.:)
Great blog...I failed the 30dc, (didn't make a dollar), but learned so much it really has put my life in a new direction. Regarding an alternative word for leader, how about Rippor, which losely translated means Regular People whO Rock! It also connotates ripping up the past to start something new, and ripping your way to new levels. I love the challenge, and thanks for all that you do. Mike
(Not pointing fingers at anyone, I just mean that word (GURU) is counterproductive to any of us reaching our goals.)
Anyone else agree?
Market Philosopher
Revolutionizing the philosophies of your market.
Market Knight
Knights of the SEO Roundtable. Rescue the princess!
I think I like Market Legend best...
I'd really like your opinion on this. I've been doing some reading/research and am planning on going through the 30DC with you. My question is, how important do you think it is to have a blog ON your product website as opposed to a separate blogsite? I know you have this separate one, but I'd really like your opinion, because I've read that it can be a bugger to move a blog, and possibly lose your backlinks, or pings, or whatever you call them... Help! Thanks so much.
Deb
challenge!
Deb
My suggestion for a more descriptive term to replace 'leader'...
is INFLUENCER -
To me, this term encapsulates the very essence of "effective" leadership because it also draws a connotation to RELATIONSHIPS, which is where I believe 'true' leadership stems from (and one of the things you stressed in the '08 30DC)
(I'm kind of surprised that this hasn't been mentioned yet, esp. with how Cialdini's "Art of Persuasion", Patterson's "Influencer", and Ariely's "Predictably Irrational" have been so talked about in IM circles...)
Anyways, my thanks to you Ed for such a great post - I really needed this 'perspective check' before the '09 challenge...
(note to self: DON'T GET IT "RIGHT" - GET IT STARTED!)
One of the (many) things I love about the 30DC is that it is a process that you learn and do one step at a time. And when you give yourself over to it, it is awesome and your life is changed (for the better :-) of course!).
They say "A lion leading 1,000 lambs is better than a lamb leading 1,000 lions" It's because he INSTIGATES the lambs, riles them up, and makes them think, feel, and act like lions. A true leader sees more in his followers than they see in themselves. AND THIS IS THE KEY TRAIT OF GREAT LEADERS.
I said how the Oracle in the Matrix, Yoda in Star Trek, and V from V for Vendetta didn't give any special powers to their mentees. Neo had to make the decision that he was the One. The Oracle didn't teach him to fly, dodge bullets, or fight. She just INSTIGATED him to believe in himself. He had the best instructor in the world (Morpheus), but he still didn't believe in himself until he made the decision to risk his life to save Morpheus. Similarly, V INSTIGATED the masses to rebel, he didn't teach them kung fu, or knife fighting, or verbose verbal vindication via vehemently and viciously vindicating victims. His role was to be an INSTIGATOR and let the people choose their own destiny.
A true leader will help INSTIGATE you, and then when you're all fired up, they will show you the way. You've INSTIGATED me with the Thirty Day Challenge and I hope you wear this title proudly.
Thanks,
Raza
I'd like to be in the running for a free 30DC Plus membership .. so
I've been mulling over words all night to replace "Leader" in the 30 DC sense.
I've come up with lots but my favorite is "Hub". (As in, we are creating ourselves as
a hub, the spokes radiating out from us are our content, promotions, web pages, blogs etc.
and the wheel around us is our tribe. Being a Hub sits a lot better with me than being a "leader".
Cheers, John
I also thought of the word Hub, and I DO like it. In fact you can see me talking about being a hub and my colleagues being the spokes. Check out my entry called Networking With Other Superheroes here:
http://www.webovator.com/blog/43/freelancers-su...
So you've got my vote, since you actually suggested it first here in the comments. Cheers!
Chris
While it's all really semantics, I think the new label for what used to be called "leader", should now be called "The One".
As you note, when you look at any field of endeavour, while there may be many who can be considered to be leaders, there is only ONE who is out in front!.
Rememberring back to the Matrix, Neo was considered by the masses to be the ONE.
And quoting one of the ending lines in the movie Highlander: "... there can be only ONE!"
You can almost smell the fear you have conjured up using the mere word leader. People have suddenly stripped themselves of all rational thought, and see themselves being thrown to the wolves. They imagine themselves being forced in front of large audiences. Every member of the crowd posed with pitch forks in one hand and a torch in the other. You realize with one small slip of the tongue you will be taken from the position of leader, tied to the stake and be flogged, stoned, exiled, beheaded, or whatever other horror your imagination can come up with.
This is the problem with the word leader. People do not naturally envision the guy at the center of the party. The one who everyone wants to talk to. His stories have engaged the crowd, he seems to know what he is talking about. He is smiling, and everyone likes him. Even you don't agree with everything he says, but you are interested.
Suddenly you realize. This person is not an expert or a guru. They watched a couple shows on The Discovery Channel (you-tube), read a few articles on the subject (blogs and ezine articles), scanned the papers for information on his subject (Google-alerts), and runs a small local group of interested people in the subject (friend feed). Even though he seems to be "leading the conversation" you realize he is little more than an active participant.
You realize that none of these realizations make you think less of him. You know his name is "Frank" only because he said it is. His real name could be "Fred." Just because he knows something about "Australian Wild Goat Sausage Making" and he is willing to share what he knows, doesn't mean he makes millions of dollars at it. He just merely knew more than the rest of the crowd at the party, and they were interested, as were you.
Now comes the real shift. You slowly lift your head away from your monitor, and realize the party was an online forum. The picture of "Frank" was his avatar on the forum. The conversation was someone asking a question on whether or not green or blue wild Australian Goats made the best sausage. You liked the way he answered all the questions, so you clicked on a link to "Franks" site in his signature, and read his blog, watched his videos (all of which were screen captures, so you only heard his voice), and subscribed to his newsletter.
"Frank" (if that is indeed his real name), is a market leader. You won't see him on CNN or Oprah. The truth is, not enough people care about his sub-niche. Then reality really sinks in. For the most part, your sub-niche will be the same. Even as an "active participant leader" almost no one will know, or care. There is the anonymity you want. Call yourself "Frank," buy a picture of some random person, and be that person.
Or, use your real name, use your own picture, pick a topic you are interested in (or seven), and first be the active participant leader, then move up to local folk hero, then run as mayor. Please realize the results are the same. No one will know, and no one will care. The only person you have to conquer is your own fear. Even better, be both people, create some controversy and competition between the two and their prospective "schools of thought" on the matter, and seriously cash in.
Ed I believe you will teach how to overcome the fear. I learned from the video about the girls singing on you-tube.
Market Leadership has some serious mental connotations that we conjure up. Perhaps a better name is "market enthusiast", "active market understandinger", or simply leave the title to the linguists and be the person your niche looks to OR even listens to for clarity, information, or even wisdom.
Can't wait for this year.
market slames.
Yes I just made it up.
S-omeone
L-eading
A
M-arket
E-d Dale
S-tyle.
Someone will have to come up with something better because Ed's humility will never agree to having his name in it. I personally prefer "market dalers" but Ed would never give it a legitimate thought.
Ummmm I notice how I feel cautious as I leave my response, but outward I traval.
I've now read most of the 74 comments on an alternative label for Leader and out I come with a suggestion:
ACTIVATOR - an agency that brings about action or increases activity for the growth and benefit of all concerned.
Maket Activator.
It's not a very sexy title, but I think "facilitator" fits many of the qualities Seth G had in mind for an effective leader. A facilitator does everything for the group. He or she does those things that help the group reach its goals. But, even this term falls short. As others have suggested in earlier comments, there needs to be an element of vision that can inspire the group before the work of a facilitator is required. So, I really don't have a good replacement label for leader. I have thought about you and your role in the Thirty Day Challenge, however.
If I were to describe your role as a leader in the 30DC, I would have to say you are like a "travel agent". We already know that we want to take a trip. As our travel agent, you suggest some interesting places to go. You suggest the means of our travel and you make some the technical arrangements we need to get us where we want to go. But, we decide own final destination. And, in the end, what we make of the journey is up to us.
Haven't seen this "replacement" definition of Leader yet...but its always been a description that I admire. Everytime I hear the word I envision someone who doesn't make excuses, but instead does what it takes to get things done.
How about.....Rainmaker
I don't think anyone has stated these ideas - LEADER =
EVANGELIZER = They have faith in their vision and begin to spread the word while gaining trust and followers along the way. Their goal is not sheep to do their will, but to turn thoughtful people into evangelizers themselves and thus exponentially grow the cause. Leaders can tire so they also know when it is time to follow, learn and listen to their constituency. They recharge their enthusiasm from the successes and goodwill of those whom they have helped succeed.
Lesser ideas...
CEO - Chief Evangelism Officer
Actioneer
Imagineer - ala Disney
Action Hero
Steward
However, judging by some of the JibJab videos I've seen in the 2008 30DC perhaps Dominatrix would be the Ed Dale version of Leader.
Hahaha
The tricky part in giving direction is that the leader understands which direction is helping the ones the get led and not just the leader - even if that is not clear for the ones who get led
right - did this understand somebody?
Words to describe this are:
Orientation wizard
Path Finder
Organisational Anchorman
Passionate Navigator
Foreman
I am a member of your 30 Day plus Club and from time to time
I steal time to read some of the postings. This week posting smacks
on what we were talking about on my other membership. One of
them is to learn by TEACHING others. When people gain knowledge
and follow what you are teaching, you automatically become a LEADER.
You DON'T need to tell people "I am your leader so follow me." It
doesn't work that way.
One other thing I have to say is that I suffer from this SHYNESS syndrom
hence I have not produced a single video to promote my internet business
so far. Hence I will be following this topic and learn how to resolve it.
Jasper
I always defined:
Boss = ASSHOLE
Leader always meant a lot more to me. A leader is someone who is willing to do everything he or she asks of everyone else, will go first into danger and hold the hands of the followers, and help everyone work as a team. I guess leader means more benevolent teacher and guide to me.
Sherri
Catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction but it is not consumed by the reaction itself. The catalyst may participate in multiple chemical reactions.
Ed is a positive catalyst in speeding up our learning process and will exist after 30dc as a mentor.
Okay, it needs refinement but I like it.
Trend spotter
Pulse reader
Spark.
"I'm the trouble starter, punking instigator.
I'm the fear addicted, danger illustrated.
I'm a firestarter, twisted firestarter..."
~ Prodigy
Market Huggy Bear.
Starsky and Hutch were lost until they went to their trusted source on the street who always had the inside scoop. The low down that set them in the right direction, gave them the information they needed and saved them valuable time as well.
Be your niche's Huggy Bear.
I consider a leader someone who has enough confidence in themselves (not threatened by others' abilities) to be able to be an encourager to others. I would call a leader a Life Encourager. The leaders that I have looked up to in the past and also those that I presently follow seem to find ways and things to say to get you started on the path of your choosing and keep you encouraged to keep you going. An encourager can bring life to dead or dormant thoughts and dreams and be the wind to help you fly.
Great post Ed! Man United are still the perfect example of modern day success and yes this was written on a PC, but I'm going to banish it the minute I do what it takes to get that first mac.
So I submit “Nichemeister” (pronounced neeeech not nitch).
Take us to your wizzer....uh..maybe not. :)
This made me instantly think - Market Sherpa
Obviously, the most well known Sherpas is Tenzing Norgay. In 1953, he and Edmund Hillary became the first people known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest.