Julien Smith Books

Early in the book, we introduce a formula that captures our entire philosophy: Impact = C × (R + E + A + T). In this equation, each symbol stands for one essential component of influence—Contrast, Reach, Exposure, Articulation, and Trust. This makes impact measurable, not by numbers or analytics, bu...

From The Impact Equation: Are You Making Things Happen or Just Making Noise?

Contrast is where influence begins. Most people try to blend in, aligning with what’s trending and avoiding conflict. But sameness suffocates attention. To make something matter, you must make it different. The human brain is wired to notice change—to look for what breaks pattern. Contrast is that d...

From The Impact Equation: Are You Making Things Happen or Just Making Noise?

To become a trust agent, you must understand six foundational behaviors—patterns that define how influence and credibility develop online. These principles are not abstract theories; they emerge from observing real communities and how trust operates within them. The six are: Make Your Own Game, One ...

From Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust

The first principle, 'Make Your Own Game,' challenges conventional thinking. Most people enter online spaces trying to imitate success stories—they follow the same templates, chase the same metrics, and end up lost in the crowd. But trust agents create their own games. They build environments that r...

From Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust