New and Improved Influencer Marketing

Behind the Marketing

Today, we have an exciting update in the world of influencer marketing:

Instagram Broadcast.

A new feature is on the horizon for content creators and influencers, promising to revolutionize audience engagement.

While it hasn't fully rolled out yet, there is huge anticipation in its potential for building million-dollar audiences.

This innovative tool aims to enable influencers to segment their followers into more intimate groups…

Allowing them to connect with their audience on a more personal level.

This new feature empowers influencers to monetize different degrees of engagement by offering unique, gated content for paid subscribers.

While gated content has been around for some time, a new era has arrived where social media platforms are adopting these strategies to maintain engagement.

Meaning that anyone with a compelling message has the means to launch a far-reaching campaign with little-to-no initial investment potentially.

However, as with anything, it’s crucial to maintain a broad vision despite the appeal of this potential game-changer.

Because relying solely on a single platform for your audience is like having all your eggs in one basket.

While the engagement may be remarkable, it’s essential to claim full ownership of your audience at every opportunity.

Find ways to own your audience by creating incentives for them to move off of social media and onto your email list – like an ebook, a video series, or a live webinar, something they have to give you their email address to gain access to.

That way, if a platform shuts down (or shuts YOU down) or experiences significant changes, you never lose access to your audience.

This is how creators can leverage tools like Instagram Broadcast as part of a holistic, omnichannel marketing strategy.

We’ll learn more about the specifics as Instagram rolls out this new feature, and share our own experiences with it as well.

It's an exciting time in the marketing world as a classic tool in audience engagement is reborn through this new trend across social media.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks as we learn more about how the influencer marketing landscape will shape up!

Blue Chip or Bust

In the business world, there is always the temptation to sell out.

There are few things as seductive as the promise of a quick pay-day…

…but if you’re not careful, that pay-day could come with the baggage of compromising your values, your message, and, worst of all, your integrity.

There is hope, however, for those who hold out and stick to their morals.

Take the story of comedian Andrew Schulz for example:

In 2017, Andrew Schultz was undeniably talented but was still struggling to break into the big time.

Despite his best efforts and the warm reception he got from his growing fanbase – his controversial style didn't resonate with the networks, and nobody would touch him.

He took matters into his own hands, investing $25k to produce his first on-air special, hoping that someone would bite...…but any offers it generated came with the caveat that he’d need to make significant cuts to the material, which he thought would ultimately compromise his unique comedic style.

Andrew, however, stood his ground and refused to silence his comedy.

He decided to pass on the deal, believing in his work and ultimate vision.

Andrew was already making waves on YouTube, but he decided to explore social media further.

Reducing his content to much shorter segments, he began sharing monologues and bits on platforms like Instagram, taking a DIY approach.

The result?

Andrew was sitting on a gold mine of content that resonated with his audience and fit perfectly within the explosion of reels.

His story puts me in mind of the old Latin saying attributed to the conqueror, Hannibal:

"Aut inveniam viam aut faciam" – translation:

"I shall either find a way or make one."

Today, Andrew Schultz's career is thriving.

His tour is selling out back-to-back nights, and he has become much more than a simple comedian – he’s an entrepreneur in his own right.

His journey highlights the power of turning failure into a path forward, all while staying true to oneself and refusing to settle for less.

His authenticity and unwavering commitment to his craft have garnered respect from fans and industry peers alike.

This story also underscores the dramatic shift in the entertainment landscape.

No longer dependent on traditional networks, entrepreneurs like Andrew Schultz are leveraging free assets and platforms to build their empires.

All it takes is the desire to succeed, the willingness to put in the work, and the determination to find a way.

His story shows us how staying true to your values always trumps taking the easy road in the long run.

If you have a marketing approach or strategy that you'd like feedback on, or if you've experienced a setback and are looking for a winning path forward, I'm here to provide insights and support.

Click here to submit your marketing for analysis and discover the potential for growth and success.

Uncommon Advice

When it comes to wealth management, the age-old debate of investing vs. saving has always balanced on one key point: risk.

From a young age, we learn to save diligently, make every penny count, and keep a stash of cash under your mattress for a rainy day.

And while the piggybank mentality provides security… it also leaves serious earnings on the table.

But considering different options for growing your wealth, we must find a middle ground between security and risk.

With the risk of investing, the opportunity for continuous cash flow arises…

Getting multiple uses out of each dollar, and effectively putting your money to work.

How far you are willing to stretch each dollar ultimately boils down to your risk tolerance.

At one end of the spectrum, we have our high-risk options...

Over the years, we’ve seen surges of opportunities like NFTs or crypto tempting entrepreneurs with a huge potential return in emerging markets.

But who’s to say if those risks will pay off? It’s a volatile market and not for the faint of heart.

If you’re new to investing, there are plenty of options that can prove more stable.

Real estate, for example, offers the best of both worlds – an asset that appreciates as it sits with the additional perk of generating income.

No matter how small, if you can get your foot in the door on a piece of property, you’re investing in something that, with a little care and strategic management, could provide a range of benefits.

Whether you flip it, or let it generate a slow trickle through rentals – real estate is a solid investment opportunity for those just starting off.

No matter what you decide, each investment carries its level of risk, and it's crucial to understand the different stages in life where specific strategies make more sense.

Whatever your investment, building consistent cash flow and compounding your investments can lead to substantial growth in the long run.

But don’t go smashing your piggy bank yet, at least without a plan.

It's always wise to have a rainy day fund – accessible, liquid money that serves as a safety net.

But in reality, any strategic investment planning is rooted in a strong discipline in saving.

A strong tracking awareness on all fronts allows you to account for every penny spent and earned…

…providing consistent fuel for your investments across your portfolio.

And when you’re building that portfolio, always remember to diversify, and spread out the risk thinly over a variety of opportunities.

That way, even if one leg gets kicked out, you’ll still have something to stand on.

And it gives you a little wiggle room to take a few risks.

Not to be confused with gambling.

There’s a fine line between throwing in on red at the roulette table and thinking through an accurate and calculated risk assessment.

Taking high-risk investments like NFTs or cryptocurrencies certainly provide the allure of a tempting payday, but if you can’t afford to lose it, then you can’t afford to risk it.

Remember, as with anything, hard work and patience over time equals luck.

By embracing a strategic approach to investing and building your financial portfolio, you can create opportunities for substantial growth.

Stay tuned for more Uncommon Advice, where we'll continue to explore unconventional strategies and insights to help you navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship.

Rooting for ya!

~ Nate Kennedy