I know they are out there and so do you. You know who I am talking about. Those friends and fans/supporters that seem to be there one minute and gone the next. Their support and following of you varies on the events in their life be it positive or negative. What is with them? And why do they choose to be the way they are?
If you haven't guessed the type of person I am talking about yet, I will share. Let me introduce you to the bandwagon fans/supporters/friends. We all seem to know some, have some, or have heard of them and they seem to be a reality in anything and everything anyone does in life, but recently I’ve wondered, why do they do what they do?
Within this industry that we all love and are a part of either through, work, competition, lifestyle or other personal connections, there seems to always be a group of people that hop on and off the bandwagon of support and try to use it for their gains or popularity. Be it through being able to say that you know the person, are dating the person, are friends with that person, or simply out of the sheer self-promotion of trying to gain popularity by connecting with their circle of supporters.
And why is that? Why are there some individuals out there just looking to do anything and everything they can to benefit their own life at the expense of another? I see it far too often within the competitor scene. Someone does something with their life that is either positive or negative, and there will be a following of either positive or negative supports. And it is from this following that those who were negative try to take advantage of the situation should the competitor manage to turn things around and the industry takes notice.
This is something I cannot grasp. You can talk about someone out of both sides of your mouth and basically try to use them to your advantage. Whatever happened to being genuine, supportive and a team player? Those were characteristics that many of the legendary era competitors valued and demonstrated, but now it seems that the attitude of what benefits me or works best for me at the cost of another is the way to go.
I am sure that we have all seen it, too. Competitors may write or say positive things about a fellow competitor and then in the next moment they are bashing the physique, how they train, who they train with or any media attention or opportunities that arise. There are also the random people in the gyms who see someone who is popular and try to weasel their way into getting to know the person or join their circle. They might even attempt to date them because they see popularity or opportunities to get in by using the one who the attention is on.
Have we as a society or an industry come to the point where we will step on and over anyone to try to benefit ourselves no matter what the cost? Are we actually at that point where we can justify it to ourselves that talking poorly about a person behind their back, but showing support and telling them nice things to their face or through social media is acceptable? This is something I worry about especially with the newer competitors on the scene who want to fit in and make a name for themselves.
I am one of those individuals t
hat if I support you, I support you no matter what... be it positive or a setback/hardship, but to use it to my advantage or to try and gain something from them for the sole purpose of me doing better? Not a chance! I know that I have encountered those that have taken advantage of me and, sure, it hurts, but the only thing I can do is stay true to who I am and if I support someone and they are close, guide them and make them aware. Of course, all of us want to make it and be successful doing what we love, but is being fake and manipulative really the way to go about that?
If individuals choose to "Like" or "follow" me, pretend to be my friend, and show support one moment and then change their mind the next because of something I have done for me or because of someone I support, then it is their loss. If you are willing to talk about someone out of both sides of your mouth, and jump on and off their bandwagon, then just make sure you don't hurt yourself each and every time you do it! ;-)
What many seem to forget is that this industry is small and how you treat a fellow competitor or individual within the industry – more often than not – does come out and get back to the person. Also, with such bandwagon behavior, supplement companies and industry reps may not look at you as a competitor they would want to represent their products, etc., because your reputation may have now gotten the best of you. Your behavior can affect how future companies view you, how your organization looks at you, and how fellow competitors may take to you at events. Having respect for yourself and getting the respect of your peers and fellow industry individuals is worth more than you may think.
Within an industry such as fitness and competition, it is truly best and wise to stay true to who you are and not pretend to be someone or like someone. The simple fact is that bandwagon games show more about your lack of confidence and character than it does about the individual you flip-flopped over because of their popularity. Yes, bandwagon behavior is nothing new when it comes to sports, and people do get caught up in the hype and excitement of games and athletes, but it becomes a greater issue when that bandwagoning turns into selfishness.
Trying to become someone by hopping on another's success may seem like a good idea, but unless you can back up your claims of support, you are pretty much going nowhere fast. Also, when the individual you chose to be negative about or drop as a sponsored athlete for example, is able to become successful again over time, and you try to hop on that wagon to success, good luck trying to prove to them that you actually mean it.
Remember, fans/supporters/followers will come and go, but it is the bandwagon variety that can be the most hurtful and harmful to not only the target, but themselves.
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