FOLLOW ME

The Digital Dept.
  • 4.7 (90)
  • BUSINESS

Demystifying influence in the digital space. Follow Me is for the corporate cuties, the fierce freelancers and anyone else trying to figure out their career off and online. Join hosts, Ali Grant and Jess Yoo–powerhouses from The Digital Dept.–each week to hear conversations with industry experts, creators turned entrepreneurs, and brand executives who are demystifying the business side of the influencer space. Ali and Jess also share their own relatable, real life experiences working with brands and creators, as well as discuss what’s new and happening across the industry.

  1. 07/25/2023

    Reesa Lake, Head Of Creator Agency & Partnerships At LTK: The Power of Relationships In The Creator Economy & Best Practices For LTK

    If you’ve been following us for a while, you know how much we love talking about LTK, which is why we’re so excited to be joined by Reesa Lake, VP of the Head of Creator Agency & Partnerships at LTK. We discuss her role in bringing economic opportunities to creators across various platforms, categories, and demographics.  Reesa is known for being a relationship builder and connector, and in our conversation, she highlights the power of networking and relationship-building in the creator economy. We also cover her shift from her previous agency to LTK, where she shares her advice for maintaining positive relationships when transitioning in the industry. Plus, for those interested in joining LTK, Reesa shares exactly what they look for when approving creators!  IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: - (10:09) LTK's collaboration with agents, managers, and creators - (14:46) How to know when it's the right time to make a career transition  - (16:43) The importance of relationships and networking - (25:00) What is LTK and its best creator practices?  - (30:47) The ways LTK can support you with diversifying your revenue - (34:03) What Reesa looks for in creators applying to LTK  RESOURCES - Learn more about Be Social Group CONNECT WITH REESA  Follow Reesa on Instagram: @reesalake CONNECT WITH ALI Follow me on Instagram: @aligrant Follow me on TikTok: @aligrnt  CONNECT WITH JESS Follow me on Instagram: @jessyoowould Follow me on TikTok: @jessyoowould

    37 min

  2. 07/18/2023

    April Lockhart, Clean Beauty Expert, Inclusive Marketer & Lifestyle Creator: Transitioning From Corporate Girlie To Freelance Influencer

    Today, we’re chatting with April Lockhart, a clean beauty expert, marketer, lifestyle creator, and former Director of Influencer & Partnerships at ILIA. With six years of experience in the influencer space, April has a deep understanding of social media marketing and how to inspire a digital audience. She is also a passionate advocate for disability awareness in fashion.  In our conversation, we discuss how April transformed her side hustle into a full-time career by combining her corporate background with her extensive experience in the beauty industry. We also unpack April’s content creation process and how she grew her multi-platform following.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: - (11:23) April's experience at ILIA as Director of Influencer & Partnerships - (14:15) Advice for building an influencer community and aligning with brand values - (20:36) Tips for leaving a corporate job to pursue freelance content creation - (24:14) How April grew her following - (28:41) The internet’s influence on April's confidence in sharing content as a disabled creator  RESOURCES - Learn more about Be Social Group CONNECT WITH APRIL  Follow April on Instagram: @aprillockhart Follow April on TikTok: @april_lockhart Subscribe to April on Youtube: @april_lockhart CONNECT WITH ALI Follow me on Instagram: @aligrant Follow me on TikTok: @aligrnt  CONNECT WITH JESS Follow me on Instagram: @jessyoowould Follow me on TikTok: @jessyoowould

    37 min

  3. 07/11/2023

    Callen Hamilton, Founder Of Sway Social: Mastering Affiliate Marketing & Building A Collaborative Team

    Today, we are joined by Callen Hamilton, founder of Sway Social and a long-time collaborator, to discuss the world of influencer project management, adjusting to the algorithm, and affiliate marketing. With her extensive experience working with creators, Callen highlights the importance of building a collaborative team to grow your brand.  In our conversation, Callen emphasizes that consistency, authenticity, and prioritizing engagement over follower count are crucial aspects of being a successful digital creator. We also explore the keys to affiliate marketing, why it's an essential strategy for creators, and how to get the most out of LTK. From micro to macro creators, Callen shares valuable insights that can elevate your brand to new heights! IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: - (5:19) How we connected with Callen, and why she believes strong relationships with management companies are vital for success - (9:22) Recognizing your strength as a creator and outsourcing the weak areas to drive growth  - (13:24) Seeking opportunities for improvement as a leader and the importance of overcommunication with your teams  - (19:50) Strategies Sway Social uses to assist clients in their Instagram growth - (25:57) Tips for affiliate marketing and utilizing LTK  - (34:56) The criteria Callen considers when selecting clients to work with RESOURCES - Learn more about Be Social Group CONNECT WITH CALLEN  Follow Callen on Instagram: @callenboyer Follow Sway Social on Instagram: @theswaysocial Learn more about Sway Social: theswaysocial.com CONNECT WITH ALI Follow me on Instagram: @aligrant Follow me on TikTok: @aligrnt  CONNECT WITH JESS Follow me on Instagram: @jessyoowould Follow me on TikTok: @jessyoowould

    38 min

  4. 07/05/2023

    Jenny Park, Leader Of Brand Partnerships At LinkedIn: How To Craft Your Brand Niche & Make Six Figures As A Micro-Creator

    When Jenny Park was rejected by the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, she set out to create her own opportunities. Now, she is a personal finance content creator and leader of brand partnerships at LinkedIn, collaborating with high-profile talents like Ryan Reynolds, Mindy Kaling, and Mr. Beast. Jenny joins us today to discuss how she bridges the gap between creation, storytelling, and operations at LinkedIn while balancing her content creation side hustle.  In our conversation, she highlights LinkedIn as a valuable tool for recruiting and fact-checking during the hiring process. Jenny uses TikTok content creation as a creative outlet, and she shares her tips for juggling a full-time job with being a content creator, increasing creator marketplace interest, and making six figures in brand partnerships as a micro creator.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: - (6:31) Jenny's background in brand building as it relates to her current position at LinkedIn  - (12:56) Using LinkedIn for recruiting and fact-checking during the hiring process - (17:56) How LinkedIn collaborates with brands, high-profile creators, and entrepreneurs - (19:36) Jenny’s experience juggling a full-time job while being a content creator - (22:16) Tools for streamlining your content editing  - (30:42) Advice for generating huge earnings as a micro-creator  RESOURCES - Learn more about Be Social Group CONNECT WITH JENNY Follow Jenny on Tiktok: @mohaewithjennypark Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn  CONNECT WITH ALI Follow me on Instagram: @aligrant Follow me on TikTok: @aligrnt  CONNECT WITH JESS Follow me on Instagram: @jessyoowould Follow me on TikTok: @jessyoowould

    43 min

  5. 06/27/2023

    Chelsea Becker, Founder Of Becker Editorial: Going Behind-The-Scenes Of Your Favorite Influencer’s Instagram Feed

    In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Chelsea Becker, the founder of Becker Editorial, to unpack the behind-the-scenes content curation of your favorite creators. Becker Editorial specializes in helping creators, influencers, and small brands grow by planning their digital content, strategizing Instagram feeds, aligning creativity with their goals, and much more.  In our conversation, Chelsea highlights her organization and collaboration techniques that drive brand success. She emphasizes the importance of investing time in your business, being consistent with audience engagement, and delegating tasks to those who know them best. Plus, Chelsea lets us in on the benefits of using Pinterest in your business strategy and ways to make your email newsletters shine.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: (6:21) The ways Becker Editorial assists influencers, creators, and brands (9:28) How Chelsea works and communicates with her clients  (12:24) Why you should have a website or blog in addition to your social media  (18:07) Tools for effectively managing time while juggling multiple clients  (19:25) Tips for incorporating Pinterest into your brand strategy (26:06) Advice for being a collaborative and successful creator across all platforms RESOURCES - Learn more about Be Social Group CONNECT WITH CHELSEA Follow Chelsea on Instagram: @chelseambecker Follow Becker Editorial on Instagram: @beckereditorial Work with Becker Editorial: becker-editorial.com CONNECT WITH ALI Follow me on Instagram: @aligrant Follow me on TikTok: @aligrnt  CONNECT WITH JESS Follow me on Instagram: @jessyoowould Follow me on TikTok: @jessyoowould

    32 min

  6. 06/20/2023

    Maddie Raedts, Creative Entrepreneur & Founder Of Bond: Disrupting The Traditional Commerce Model Of Influencer Marketing

    Maddie Raedts, a creative entrepreneur who launched her first company at 21 and is now working on her new venture, Bond, joins us today to discuss her career in entrepreneurship and her goal of revolutionizing influencer marketing.  Maddie introduced Bond to disrupt the traditional commerce model. In our conversation, Maddie breaks down the details of starting your own company and how taking risks to follow a career in alignment with your passion can have major results. She walks us through the steps of selling a successful agency, the challenges of developing her new app, and how diversifying revenue streams can make you money in your sleep.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: - (5:30) Maddie's journey into influencer marketing and where she got the idea for her agency  - (8:49) Maddie’s experience in selling her business  - (11:56) The qualities that set Bond apart from the rest of the market - (14:04) Diversifying revenue streams for passive income  - (19:57) The challenges of introducing Bond to the world of influencer marketing  - (23:58) Advice for pursuing your passion in creative entrepreneurship  RESOURCES - Learn more about Be Social Group CONNECT WITH MADDIE Follow Maddie on Instagram: @maddieraedts Follow Bond on Instagram: @join.bond Join Bond: joinbond.com CONNECT WITH ALI Follow me on Instagram: @aligrant Follow me on TikTok: @aligrnt  CONNECT WITH JESS Follow me on Instagram: @jessyoowould Follow me on TikTok: @jessyoowould

    28 min

  7. 06/13/2023

    Dianna Cohen, Founder Of Crown Affair: Navigating Influencer Marketing To Build Your Brand

    On today's episode, we’re chatting with our new haircare bestie, Dianna Cohen! She is the founder and CEO of Crown Affair, a haircare brand empowering people to redefine their relationship with their hair through accessible luxury products, guidance, and community. In our conversation, Dianna shares her journey building the brand and her approach to managing a team.  With her extensive experience in marketing, including running an agency and working with brands such as Harry’s, Outdoor Voices, and Yumi, Dianna provides valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and influencer marketing. Dianna launched Crown Affair just weeks before the pandemic hit, and she opens up about how it impacted the foundations and evolution of her brand. As a leader, Dianna takes a realistic, empathetic, and feminine approach that fosters trust within her team and empowers them to learn and grow so they’ll thrive in whatever they do next. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: - Engagement on Instagram vs. TikTok  - How the pandemic impacted Dianna's brand launch  - Utilizing influencer marketing for product promotion - Tips for engaging directly and vulnerably with your consumers  - Dianna's unique mentorship program - Ways to foster trust within your team and empower them to make decisions  - The benefits of a hybrid work environment when building a brand  - Dianna’s realistic and empathetic leadership approach - Advice for transitioning from masculine to feminine energy CONNECT WITH DIANNA Follow Dianna on Instagram: @diannacohen Follow Crown Affair on Instagram: @crownaffair  Follow Crown Affair on TikTok: @crownaffair Check out the Crown Affair products: crownaffair.com  CONNECT WITH ALI Follow me on Instagram: @aligrant Follow me on TikTok: @aligrnt  CONNECT WITH JESS Follow me on Instagram: @jessyoowould Follow me on TikTok: @jessyoowould

    42 min

  8. 06/06/2023

    Jules Acree, Digital Creator & Founder Of The Homebodies: The Value Of Diversifying Your Online Platforms

    In the current digital space, it's more crucial than ever before to diversify your online brand and develop multiple revenue streams, because you never know if platforms like Instagram or TikTok will suddenly shut down. Today we're joined by Jules Acree, a multi-platform digital content creator and entrepreneur, as she shares her insights on mindfulness, creating digital products, and focusing on steady and sustainable growth as a creator.  In our conversation, Jules reminds us that success looks different for everyone, and the most important aspect of digital creation is finding alignment, passion, and fulfillment in your social media presence. Plus, with almost a decade of online experience under her belt, Jules shares her expert advice for moments when you’re feeling uninspired or you need to unplug from social media.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: - Tips for getting started with meditation and implementing cycles into your daily routine - The ways Jules unplugs from social media - Jules’ journey into the creator economy  - Reaching financial milestones through passive income from digital products  - The importance of being excited by the content you’re creating  - How Jules works with a team and a manager to maintain her brand - Finding alignment while evolving and diversifying as a creator  RESOURCES - Stardust App - Simplify + Thrive CONNECT WITH JULES Follow Jules on Instagram: @julesacree Follow The Homebodies on Instagram: @thehomebodiesco Follow Jules on TikTok: @julesacree Subscribe to Jules on Youtube: @julesacree Learn more and find her digital products on Jules’ website: julesacree.com CONNECT WITH ALI Follow me on Instagram: @aligrant Follow me on TikTok: @aligrnt  CONNECT WITH JESS Follow me on Instagram: @jessyoowould Follow me on TikTok: @jessyoowould

    38 min
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4.7
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

Demystifying influence in the digital space. Follow Me is for the corporate cuties, the fierce freelancers and anyone else trying to figure out their career off and online. Join hosts, Ali Grant and Jess Yoo–powerhouses from The Digital Dept.–each week to hear conversations with industry experts, creators turned entrepreneurs, and brand executives who are demystifying the business side of the influencer space. Ali and Jess also share their own relatable, real life experiences working with brands and creators, as well as discuss what’s new and happening across the industry.

Information

  • Creator
    The Digital Dept.
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2023
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Digital Dept.
  • Show Website
    FOLLOW ME