In the complex world of medical practice leadership, success depends on more than clinical knowledge or operational expertise. Today’s leaders face growing expectations to not only manage practices but also shape the profession through thought leadership, networking and visibility. To thrive in this environment, many are turning to an increasingly vital tool: the influencer plan.
The concept, presented at the MGMA Leaders Conference 2025 by Michele S. Szkolnicki, M.Ed, BSN, RN, FACHE, FACMPE, and Mona E. Miliner, MHA, NHA, FACHE, FACMPE, FHFMA, FACHCA, FACHDM, is designed to help leaders take control of their career trajectory. Instead of waiting for recognition, an influencer plan creates intentional steps to build credibility, expand networks and position leaders as experts in their fields.
“It allows you to purposefully position yourself within your industry,” Szkolnicki said. “You have to invest in yourself to be your best self.”
5 steps to launch your influencer plan
1. Define your goals.
Decide whether you want to boost visibility, expand your network or establish yourself as a thought leader. A clear focus will guide your actions.
2. Target key opportunities.
Identify three to five conferences, publications or industry leaders to engage with this year. Treat these as anchor points for your plan.
3. Set quarterly milestones.
Commit to specific activities—such as speaking at two events, publishing one article, or joining a panel—so you can measure progress along the way.
4. Create a participation strategy.
Build a 12-month calendar that includes conferences, webinars and deadlines. Use tools like Google Alerts or Feedly to track industry trends and opportunities.
5. Leverage visibility platforms.
Use LinkedIn, Instagram and other professional channels to share updates, photos and key takeaways from your activities. Thoughtful engagement reinforces credibility and keeps your name top of mind.
Pro tip: Start small. Pick one or two strategies that feel manageable and build momentum over time.
Why an influencer plan matters
Leadership advancement is not simply about working harder. As the session slides emphasized, “It’s about working smarter, more strategically, and more visibly”. By investing time in self-development—whether through certifications, conferences or publishing—leaders build a professional brand that opens doors to new opportunities.
Szkolnicki noted that visibility creates momentum. Presenting at conferences, writing articles, or even sharing professional insights on LinkedIn can generate speaking invitations, collaboration offers and career opportunities that would not have emerged otherwise.
“You not only share your expertise, but you also learn from others,” she said. “That exchange is what keeps you relevant and positions you as a true leader.”
Laying the groundwork: Defining your goals
The first step in developing an influencer plan is clarity. Leaders must decide what they want to achieve: more visibility, an expanded professional network, or recognition as a subject matter expert. That focus then guides which opportunities to pursue.
Miliner and Szkolnicki stressed that leaders should treat professional growth as a deliberate habit. “How often do you intentionally invest time in your own professional development?” one of their session polls asked. Weekly self-investment, Szkolnicki admitted, was not a popular answer—but it was the one she credits for her own career progress.
Turning strategy into action
Slides from the session offered practical tactics for building an influencer plan:
- Identify three to five opportunities. Target industry conferences, journals or thought leaders who align with your career goals.
- Set quarterly goals. Examples include speaking at two events, publishing in an industry outlet, or serving on a panel.
- Track industry trends. Use Google Alerts or Feedly to stay current on news, deadlines and emerging conversations.
- Create a calendar. Map out a 12-month plan with events, association activities and deadlines. A visible schedule reinforces accountability.
- Leverage social media. Share updates, photos and takeaways from events on LinkedIn or Instagram to highlight active engagement.
A case study in collaboration
The presenters used their own partnership as an example of how influencer planning translates into real outcomes. Coming from different perspectives—operations and nursing—they identified common ground in leadership development. Together, they pitched a session at the MGMA Leaders Conference, turning their shared focus into a speaking engagement that advanced both of their professional profiles.
That collaboration illustrates the broader point: influencer plans are not just about self-promotion, but about creating opportunities to learn, teach and grow alongside others.
The necessity of renewal
One of the strongest messages from the session was that professional self-care is non-negotiable. “Self-renewal is not a luxury for leaders,” a slide quoted. “It is a necessity”. Leaders who fail to invest in themselves risk burnout, stagnation and loss of relevance.
Quarterly self-check-ins—asking whether goals are being met and whether new opportunities are emerging—keep the plan alive and adaptable. Even smaller steps, such as participating in a webinar or publishing a LinkedIn article, can build momentum over time.
For practice leaders, building an influencer plan means taking control of career advancement. Rather than waiting for recognition, it is about intentionally creating visibility, developing thought leadership and cultivating a professional identity that attracts opportunities.
As Miliner and Szkolnicki emphasized, leadership growth is not about doing everything at once. It is about starting with one or two meaningful strategies, building consistency, and treating career development as an ongoing journey.
“Opportunities don’t happen,” one of their slides reminded. “You create them”.
