Stop Posting, Start Leading: The Business Owner’s Guide to Real Influence

Picture this:

You’re scrolling through your feed, coffee in hand, and there it is—another local business owner sharing their opinion about the town, the economy, or a frustrating customer. Some posts get reactions, some stir up debate, and some disappear like New Hampshire's autumn leaves in high winds.

Opinions come and go, but what stays? What truly influences your business, your reputation, and your impact on the local community?

As a business owner myself, I know how tempting it can be to share my opinions just because I have an audience. When people follow you, believe in you, and engage with what you say, it’s easy to get caught up in posting opinions for the sake of feeling validated or supported.

But I’ve learned the hard way that posting my opinions has never led to greater success—only momentary satisfaction, or worse, self-doubt.

In reality, the strongest voices in a community aren’t the ones making the most noise online—they’re the ones making a difference in real life.

The Misuse of Opinions in Business

We’ve all seen it. A business owner vents about a frustrating customer, weighs in on local politics, or rants about changes in town. Maybe they get a few comments or messages of agreement, maybe a few people unfollow them, maybe nothing happens at all.

I’ve been there—feeling unheard or frustrated and turning to social media to get it off my chest. But every time I’ve done it, I’ve realized afterward that it didn’t actually move me forward. If anything, it made me question myself more. So now, I take a pause and ask—what do I really want to achieve?

Ask yourself—what do I really want to achieve? If the goal is connection, influence, or change, is this the most effective way to make it happen?

More often than not, the answer lies in real-world actions, not in digital noise. And if you want to create real influence in your community, social media should be one of your last resorts—not your first.

Actions Speak Louder Than Opinions

A strong reputation isn’t built on Facebook comments—it’s built on consistency, service, and real-world impact. Business owners who create lasting influence don’t just talk about issues; they roll up their sleeves and contribute to solutions. They show up, they support their customers, they collaborate with others, and they make their community stronger through action, not just words.

Rather than venting about a town issue online, take a more proactive approach—attend a local meeting, volunteer for a committee, or connect with decision-makers who can help drive real change.

Take Jim, a local business owner who was frustrated about a zoning issue that impacted small shops on Main Street. Instead of venting online, he joined the town’s planning board, contributed his expertise, and helped shape policies that benefited local businesses. Now, he’s not just a voice in the crowd—he’s a leader making real change.

Instead of debating about local economic struggles, find ways to support other small businesses.

Instead of talking about the need for change, be the one to start it.

Why It Matters for Your Business Reputation

Your community is watching, and how you show up matters. Are you seen as someone who complains or someone who builds? Are you leading conversations that create change, or just adding to the noise? When potential customers or partners look you up, what will they see—opinions that come and go, or a business owner who is actively involved in making things better?

The most influential people in any town aren’t necessarily the loudest ones. They’re the ones people trust.

And trust isn’t built through posts—it’s built through presence.

The Bottom Line

Before you hit ‘post’ on your next opinion, ask yourself: What am I actually hoping to accomplish? If it’s connection, seek real conversations. If it’s influence, create real change. If it’s visibility, let your work speak for itself.

Social media has its place, but for business owners in a small, tight-knit community like ours, reputation is everything. And reputation isn’t about what we say—it’s about what we do.

So, the next time you’re about to hit ‘post,’ pause for a second. Ask yourself—what’s my goal here? Do I want to vent, or do I want to actually make a difference? Instead of adding to the noise, do one thing today that moves the needle—join a local business group, mentor someone just getting started, support a community project, or have a real conversation with someone who can help make change happen.

Influence isn’t about what you post; it’s about what you do. Lead by example, and watch how much more impact you actually have.

Be the leader your community needs. That’s the difference between making noise and making an impact.

-Amanda