#071 - Isabella Schmidt | From Trend to Strategy: The Evolution of Influencer Marketing and Building a Genuine Brand

Isabella Schmidt is the Co-founder and COO of Jexy Talent Agency. In this episode, expect to learn about Isabella’s journey from competitive horseback riding to eventually venturing into influencer marketing and co-founding Jexy Talent Agency. Throughout the conversation, Isabella and I discuss the evolution of influencer marketing, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and the strategies for scouting and managing creators. She emphasizes the need for genuine connections with audiences and highlights the significance of engagement over follower count. Isabella also reflects on her sales experience and how it has influenced her current role, shedding light on the reality behind online personas and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the digital space. Additionally, we talk about the challenges of public speaking, the importance of investing in oneself as a creator, the dynamics of online friendships, the impact of AI on content creation, and the valuable lessons learned beyond traditional education. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show!

00:00 The Journey to Jexy Talent Agency
06:00 Scouting Creators: What Makes Them Stand Out?
11:48 Creating Authentic Connections with Audiences
17:51 The Reality Behind Online Personas
23:55 Transitioning to Public Speaking
29:49 The Role of AI in Content Creation
35:03 Investing in Yourself as a Creator

Takeaways:

Engagement rate is more important than follower count for creators.
Authenticity and vulnerability are key to connecting with audiences.
Going live can significantly enhance audience engagement.
Creators should focus on their passion rather than monetization.
Sales experience helps in negotiating deals with brands.
Not all online personas reflect the true character of creators. Influencers can be introverted and still connect online.
Online friendships can feel real despite physical distance.
Public speaking can be a natural progression for influencers.
Content creation is becoming more accessible to everyone.
AI can assist but not replace personal connections in content.
Investing in quality tools is crucial for creators.
Learning to deal with different personalities is essential.
Time is the biggest investment for quality content.
Brands are increasingly recognizing the power of influencer marketing.
Authenticity is key to overcoming fear and criticism.

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Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests.