The term "outside influences" refers to external factors or events that can impact, alter or affect a situation, person, group or organization. These outside forces may come from various sources such as social, economic, political, technological, environmental and cultural factors among others. They can have both positive and negative effects on the subject they influence. For example, an individual's personal beliefs and values might be influenced by their family upbringing or societal norms; a company may experience changes in its market share due to shifts in consumer preferences or new technological advancements; or a country’s economic policies could be affected by global financial trends. In essence, "outside influences" refers to anything that comes from the external environment and can shape or change something within it.