You know, I used to really hate that word. Influencer. I was very adamant about not calling myself that and instead referring to myself as a blogger (which, I still do for the most part). But over the past few months I’ve come to own and embrace the influencer title, while everyone else seems to be further demonizing it. So here is my plea, so to speak, in defense of influencers.
I’ll start with what I think might be one of the biggest misconceptions about influencers, and it’s that they…er, we…set out on this mission to become Insta-famous. I’ll admit it’s disheartening to now see 13-year-olds with a dream of growing up and being the next Alexis Ren. But if I had to bet, most influencers who are doing so full-time right now did not set out with that as a goal. I know that was the case for me, at least, where one thing just led to another.
A quick background of my story: after graduating with a degree in Communication Studies & Journalism, and I started my first blog as a hobby to look good on my resume. When brands started offering to pay me, it wasn’t like I was going to say no. And then I realized I could also use my platform to inspire others. Basically I got the outcome of what I was hoping for working for a big fancy magazine in New York City, but in an even more organic way and not having to work for someone else. It was very much a le duh decision…for me, at least.
The other big misconception, and probably the one that personally gets under my skin most, is that we barely work. I’m not going to sit here and defend how omg sOoOo busy I am 24/7 (because the truth is that it can really ebb and flow), but I sure as hell work. And I work hard. Let’s put it this way: from building brand relationships, to negotiating terms, concept building, recipe curation, content (photo/video) creation, drafts & approval processes, engaging in meaningful relationships with my audience, responding to thousands of messages, writing blog posts…the list goes on…trust me, there’s more than enough to keep us busy way beyond the standard 9-5.
This next part of my plea is one I was a bit hesitant to include because I’m not over here trying to bite the hand that feeds me. But this is something that needs to be addressed. Every so often I come across a brand or agency rep that I can just sense has a weed for influencers. Believe it or not I’m a smart girl, and I can sense when I’m being bullied or treated in a condescending way. I’m sure there are some influencers who are terrors to work with, but please don’t lump us all into that category. Most of the influencers I know treat what they do as a business (as they should) and work in a very professional manner, and it’s beyond frustrating to be communicated in a way that insinuates entitlement.
We’re not entitled, we just want to be paid on the date our contract says. We’re not entitled, we just want to find a way to negotiate so that your campaign aligns with our brand too. We’re also not billboards – we’re actual human beings with just as much say in this business deal.
(I do want to clarify that this is certainly NOT the case for most of the brands/agencies I work with. Most are incredibly kind, professional and I’ve ever formed friendships with many.)
Look, I get it. Influencers have flexible schedules, seem to always be traveling, and are constantly getting sent free products. I know how that looks. I’m not writing this post to say “oh woe is me, my life as an influencer is so hard.” Because if I’m being honest, it’s not. Of course there are struggles and fears I have, but for the most part I absolutely love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m very blessed, privileged, and I’m aware of that. I’m also aware that with my platform comes a lot of responsibility, and it’s something I think about every single day.
But I’m also not a pushover. I’ve worked hard for where I’ve gotten, and whether you decide to follow me or hire me or not – I refuse to be bullied or talked down to just because of my choice of career.
I’ll admit that there are of course many influencers out there who are bad seeds. Who are in it for the fame, the money, whatever. But there are also some out there who are doing incredible things. They’re building businesses, inspiring others, and utilizing their platform in a positive way.
Before social media everyone was looking to celebrities to inspire their lifestyle. Talk about unrealistic. At least now we have the option to connect and gain inspiration from people more like ourselves, and that’s what I personally hope to always provide from my own little corner of the internet.
I will end on this note – a word to my fellow influencers: let’s be mindful and play our part in this too. Let’s always make it a point to share things responsibly, be kind and inclusive with other influencers, be aware of the privileges we have, and always make it a point to be a positive influence in the lives of our audience.
Thanks for coming to my TedTalk. xoxo GG
Update: James Nord the founder of Fohr addresses this topic and makes some other incredible points – click here to watch it, starting at 11:25!
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