Influencing the Influencers by Jim Stovall

I have become a big fan of blues music. Ironically, my initial interest came through British rock musicians such as Eric Clapton who repackaged the rhythm and blues sound and delivered it to generations of young people around the world. As I continued to pursue my passion and study of the blues, it led me back to America and the Mississippi Delta region in the deep south.

One of the primary influencers of blues music was Robert Johnson. When you read biographies written by or about modern-day recording artists and superstars, many of them mention Robert Johnson and his album, King of the Delta Blues Singers, as a driving influence. It is fascinating to note that, while other musicians have recorded Johnson’s songs from that album countless times and have sold many millions of albums, his original album only sold 15,000 copies. Not all influencers change the world. Some of them change the world-changers.

Recently, I wrote a book entitled, Dear Napoleon, about the impact that author Napoleon Hill’s work has had on generations of success-minded people around the world. Dr. Hill was born in the 19th century, he wrote his landmark book, Think and Grow Rich, in the 20th century, and he continues to influence world-changers here in the 21st century.

If you go to the window and look out, you can tell whether the wind is blowing. Obviously, no one can see the wind, but you can see the influence the wind has on leaves, trees, and other objects outdoors. Like the impact of the wind, I believe one of the most valid measures of a life well-lived is one’s impact on others resulting in a legacy left behind.

When I look at my own life, I recognize that Ernest Hemingway impacted me as a writer, and Orson Welles impacted me as a filmmaker. There are other authors and movie producers who had a great effect on me, but you would likely not know their names. Our success in life includes not only our own accomplishments, but also the accomplishments of those around us. My own success as an entrepreneur is dwarfed by the impact of the Stovall Center for Entrepreneurship at Oral Roberts University. Its programs influence college students from around the world on turning their ideas into businesses.

All of us can think of a teacher, a pastor, or a coach who set us on the right path and influenced our progress. We must remain mindful of those who have influenced us and of how we are influencing others.

As you go through your day today, be influenced by successful people, then influence others around you.

Today’s the day!