Being an influencer in the era of the INFLUENCED
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There always comes a time as creatives, where we try to establish and distinguish our niche of who we are in the big wide world and realm of talent. It happens to be that in this very budding momentum nowadays of ‘finding yourself’, so many people reach out into becoming an influencer through a social media presence, with hopes of getting that recognition that is so desired and craved.
Yet what we do not ask ourselves within the process of finding our steps within such platforms is, are we in fact the influenced, rather than the influencer? I mean, take a look at the digital platforms we have access to, there are so many claims to be singers, writers, fashion bloggers etc., the genres in their entirety are becoming too saturated. Rather more a carbon copy, than a core individual who stands out for all that defines them. People tend to feel pressured into moulding themselves to follow (influenced) what works for the gram and its algorithms; ‘all the likes’, rather than to be bold and to take the LEAD.
Stay rest assured that taking the lead completely of who you are is never easy. There will come criticism, there will be negativity for not being like the rest and the norm, but it’s something you have to do, to truly call yourself an influencer. To take lead will always bring hardship, as no greatness can be achieved for the comforts of security. Greatness derives from surpassing your comfort zones and making the nearing approaching turbulent storms, your new calm and sanctuary-you will realise it’s the only way you can thrive!
We are sure that you are asking yourself that it although it all seems plain and simple in theory- how do I actually go about making sure I am a leader and influencer, rather than influenced?
So, to guide you and give you a little nudge on the right path, we have put together some self-help tips in overcoming the obstacles to becoming the leader that you deserve to be.
Ask yourself: ‘What do I bring to the table in my niche?’
First and foremost, as a creative you need to identify what you have to bring to the genre itself. Knowing who you are and what you are is honestly such a vital aspect of becoming a leader in your field. If you do not know who you are-how can you expect other people to?
Take a minute out from the chaos and hustling inner mind traffic and ask yourself these questions. You need be really honest with yourself on what you do. Why do you love it? What joy and value does it bring to you? Do you believe it can bring additional value into people’s lives also? Jotting notes down through these self-identification exercises are great in visually seeing things, and definitely brings clarity.
Identify your mission statement to your audience
When using digital platforms as a way of getting out there, make it clear who you are in the simplest context-and be consistent! It can be awfully tempting to just create just any form of content that appeals to an algorithm for that platform i.e. Instagram, but believe us when we say, if you are just putting anything left, right and centre that doesn’t represent your trademark, you will be forgotten. Your message will get washed out and ultimately lost. Nobody wants to be a creative that just looks like the rest.
Be raw and up-close
There is beauty in social media platforms like Instagram, where you can really personify who you are and get close to people i.e. engage and interact. Don’t be afraid of being raw and very personal on what you stand for and the journey that has lead you to your current status. People like ‘real’ beyond that picture perfect and airbrush nonsense. Showing yourself up close and vulnerable, in a sense you are so good with it and who you are is definitely a scream of true success. Social media has brought much façade in terms of reality and how a creative influencer should be. Lead by yourself and never get lost in anyone else’s bubble. You will definitely find consistency in the support and people who stand by you. The genuine and down to earth vibe definitely appeals.
Don’t be afraid to connect and collaborate with people
A way of spreading the word of who you are is expanding your reach via that natural face to face interaction. Sure, the digital realm can help people do that, but nothing flows or comes across better than a real organic interaction. Therefore, try and connect via events within your local and regional area and gradually expand. Having that local support definitely empowers artists and creatives; giving them more value and strength to take on further afield!
An example of this could be that poets and signers could try out stopping by their local café and provide an evening where you add to the community value, through workshops i.e. poetry tips and live readings, or engage in frequent performances to engage and interact with locals.
Never compromise who you are
The industry can be highly competitive depending on your niche and therefore may bring a time where you may come across a point of compromising your values and who you are. Remember that there will be no comfort better than remaining true to yourself. You may find that if you steer out of your creative morals, the further away from home you actually are. No matter how successful that path may initially seem, if it isn’t who you are, you will eventually bore and grow tired of it. The passion will not relive and be fuelled by yourself. This can be a disaster as you will then find your art is not your release and freedom (as it should be), but rather your captivity and prison….
Being BOLD and taking the initiative to lead in who and what you are, can initially be a scary thought as doubt can kick in. The most important thing to remember is you do not conform to anything or anyone. Freedom of your art and creative talents must proceed through your influence, to continually grow and flourish. Feeding off other influences will lead to creatively burning out and possibly being ‘washed out’ and forgotten. Always remember to courageously begin your creative journey for you and only you. That way you are promised a forever in the pursuit of the art that you so boldly express and desire.
Written By: Fatima Elmusbahi
