Influence is "the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself."

Pretty powerful, isn't it? 

By it's very definition, the word influence indicates that a capacity exists for someone or something to have an effect on things like character, development, or behavior. 

This struck me a few years ago when the word "influencer" became more prominent in the marketing world. Marketing professionals argued (and still do) whether or not people can call themselves influencers. Yes, this is an actually conversation that happens. The question is usually phrased as "at what point can you call yourself an influencer?"

As if being an influencer is a crown deserved for only a few. 

Spoiler alert: It's not.

My opinion? 

if you don't recognize the fact that you have the potential to inspire others with what you do and say, then you're missing it.

I created the idea of "Jenfluence" to remind myself that: 

I HAVE THE CAPACITY TO HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE CHARACTER, DEVELOPMENT, OR BEHAVIOR OF SOMEONE OR SOMETHING.

Of course, it's not just me – it's you, too.

Literally, every single action we take from posting something online to our interactions with the cashier at a fast food shop matters. It matters to the person you're interacting with, it matters to the people that are watching the interaction, it matters for purposes of building your own character.

Maybe at this point you're like, "OK, great idea, but isn't this a bit extreme?"

Is it?

What if we were so intentional with our actions that with each step we thought about how they were effecting the character of others? 

Would that change how you interacted with people on a daily basis?

I think the answer is yes.

And my theory is that if we think about how we're effecting the development of others through our actions, then we'll treat each other better.

Thus, I created Jenfluence to have a place to document my thoughts and ideas for how ALL OF US can better positively influence and inspire each other.