Today was a very good day because I got invited to speak on Inven Global’s “Guiding Influencers to Success” panel with @PaulCoggiola (Team Ader), @JustMiclat (The Kinetic Management), @whanderlust (Team Liquid) and @kelseyremige (Inven Global / Evolved Talent). You can watch the full panel here: Guiding Influencers to Success.
It was my first time speaking on a panel. I was very nervous going into it, but coming out of it, I am more than ecstatic about being able to speak about my professional experiences with what I do for work. I really hope that for those who tuned in to learn more about “Influencer Management.” I personally learned a lot from Paul, Justin, and Sandra because they provided a lot of business and behind-the-scenes perspectives about this role from a professional perspective, whereas I came from a background where I created this role for myself.
Here were some key questions that were asked by Kelsey that I wanted to elaborate on that I didn’t get to say or articulate my thoughts on. I hope you find this useful in guiding yourself around Influencer Management.
What’s the real “definition” of an influencer in your opinion
Anybody can be an influencer. This is the time when celebrity culture kind of dies off, until the big influencers can become "celebrity" status, but because there are so many influencers nowadays, it's really really hard to come out at the top unless you become viral with something. An influencer is someone who can impact the opinions of their followers. They influence a targeted niche audience. In one sentence, it would be anybody who can convert their fans into customers.
What’s the most effective way that influencers can utilize their platform for social change?
Use it for good. You get numb sometimes that your following is just a number, but when you think of it in a way where 30 people is a classroom, and if you have a 5K, 10K, 20K following... you're filling up auditoriums. Your platform is so important and make sure that you are educated enough to give a genuine, and educated opinion on certain topics. Especially controversial ones.
I think influencers either make or break during these important issues. Especially with the recent #BLM. A lot of the people I worked with were nervous voicing their opinions, but I told them, that you can speak your mind - as long as you think you are making an educated opinion. If not, then people can always correct you and as long as you're willing to learn and genuine about it, it will show through. People make mistakes sometimes when they share the wrong opinions, but what sticks with audiences the most is if you don't change.
What about the concern for mental health and how that ties into being constantly in the spotlight?
That's why they need influencer managers. If you ever get to a point where your mind is deteriorating from being on social media, comparing yourself to others' successes, and just not feeling your greatest because you're inevitably always comparing yourself with others, make sure you set your filters on. Set your filters to mentions only, set it so you see what you want to see. Mute the people who you think inflict these negative feelings for you, even if they're someone you look up to.
I've worked with big talents, and sometimes they are comparing themselves to someone greater than them, but forget that people, who are smaller than them are looking up to them. I think it's so important to learn when to "turn off" that switch for your mental health. I work to manage these filters. Make sure to take care of your mental health.
One good way to view this is by checking your Instagram "Discovery" feed, is it what you want to see? How do you feel? Are you impacted by this? Do you feel envious? Do you feel inspired? Know what you’re feeding the algorithm.
Do you have conversations about what’s next after being an influencer? Or what’s the end goal?'
The best question to ask is the most common interview question too, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" If you can't envision 5 years, imagine maybe 2-3. Define your long term goals. Most people tell me that they don't really know because this is all so new, but I think the majority will either start their own companies or lead programs for "successors" on how to influence.
It's such a dynamic and ever-changing space that new influencers are always popping up. If you're not on TikTok, you should be. Your competition is there. Your competition isn't on Twitter, Instagram, or Twitch. Learn new mediums. This career you've chosen is extremely volatile if you don't work hard to "stay relevant" because you have to keep people's attention. There was a study that was done that our attention spans have decreased so much. It's called the "goldfish effect", everything is delivered so much faster now.
Where do you see the long-term future and longevity of influencers? Do you think this will have as much pull in 20 years as it does now?
There is so much opportunity now, more than ever to create your own path and career. If you are truly passionate you will be able to do it and succeed. Make sure you have people who support you in what you do, surround yourself with good friends and you will do well. It really is about your inner network or the different communities that you're in. I think influencers are here to stay, especially with the rate that they are growing at - and the number of children, and teenagers who grew up understanding how endorsements, sponsorships, businesses work due to more generalized education (Youtube, etc), it is definitely here to stay. I am a prime example. I wouldn't be able to do what I am doing now if it weren't for my social media savvy skills and surrounding myself with friends who support me in what I do.
Key points:
Make sure you establish that friendship and professional relationship.
Make sure you are genuine and authentic in what you say.
It is your responsibility to use your platform to educate your fans.
Don’t be afraid to take social media breaks.
Huge thank you to Kelsey again for inviting me on to speak, despite coming from a contractor/freelancer role. Always open to more opportunities like these to educate others looking to get into similar roles, and also work on my public speaking!