Gina von Esmarch

Connect. Connect. Connect. If you are looking for influencer marketing work know the type of contract position you would ideally want to have and then start the conversation. Share your thoughts on a specific topic(s) on the most relevant social platforms. Whenever possible tag others into the discussion that are already in and/or leading the conversation. By taking a stance you demonstrate your commitment and passion for the conversation, and potentially signal others to view you as a thought leader in the field.

Authenticity and transparency are essential for enhancing your influence. People seek connections and relatability, and sharing your journey, including shortcuts and lessons learned, puts you in a valuable position to recommend tools, processes, and share key insights

It's imperative to conduct a thorough vetting process when selecting influencers. Look beyond surface-level metrics like follower count and prioritize those who possess credibility and consistently deliver high-quality content aligned with your brand's goals. Seek influencers whose values resonate with your brand's identity to establish genuine connections with their audience. Consistency in content delivery is also key for maintaining a reliable brand presence. By prioritizing these criteria, brands can cultivate enduring relationships with influencers and their followers, establishing a solid foundation for sustained success in influencer marketing initiatives.

Building long-term authentic relationships is the cornerstone in influencer marketing success. Transactional relationships do not nurture or cultivate trust, loyalty or advocacy. There should be a dual focus of fostering genuine connections with both influencers and your audience. View Influencers as your partners and collaborators which will make them both active participants and co-creators in your journey. By nurturing these relationships, you can ensure long-term success in your influencer marketing.

To establish an effective thought leadership network conducive to experimentation and iteration, it's imperative to nurture a collaborative ecosystem that encourages the exploration of diverse ideas and methodologies. By embracing a flexible approach, participants within the network are empowered to investigate a range of formats, platforms, and strategies while actively seeking feedback and insights from their peers.Through a continuous process of experimentation and iteration, informed by shared successes, failures, and lessons learned, the network remains adaptive and responsive, ensuring its sustained relevance and impact within the domain of thought leadership.

As an individual being authentic to who you are is critical for making those valuable 1:1 connections. As you look to build your brand align with topics, personalities, and opportunities that provide you that platform to grow and showcase the areas you can add the most value. Share your perspective when it makes sense and find ways to personalize your interactions at industry networking events. By highlighting other influencers in your sphere you will gain equity and validation from like minded individuals.