Evangelists, if you are not liked, can really help clean up your reputation. I know I was involved in a mentoring program that was promoted by evangelists for the brand I was representing. Two individuals had seen me in a live conference a few years earlier and did not appreciate where I was taking the audience. So when they had heard I was coming for a personal event they mentioned how they probably would not stay. My evangelists suggested that at least one stay just to check out the first half hour. The one who decided to stay, stayed the entire four hours and become an advocate and later shared their own experiences with me and others.
There is a myth - opinion leaders build strong communities. The reality is a bit different. Communities are strongest when everyone plays a role.
Opinion leaders and evangelists play important and well documented roles in social networks. They both spread information, influence decisions and help new ideas gain traction. One dimensional opinion leaders can provide wisdom for buzz campaigns but are misguided with their approach to community building. Healthy communities are established on cultural bedrock by enabling everyone to play a vaulable role.
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