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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Tom Stefanik (https://x.com/tomstefaniuk) about the wild world of influencer marketing. We dive deep into why over 50% of young people aspire to be influencers, the incredible growth of this multi-billion dollar industry, and how creators like Tom built massive businesses from their passion.

Discover the different ways creators earn money, from early AdSense checks to selling their own products, and learn why some small, niche audiences can be far more valuable than millions of followers. Tom shares insights from his agency, Small Stream, explaining how they help creators and brands navigate this fast-changing landscape, negotiate deals, and measure success beyond just follower counts. It's a fascinating look at the future of marketing and how real businesses are being built on social media.

Questions This Episode Answers:

How big is the influencer marketing industry and how fast is it growing?

What are the typical stages of monetization for a content creator?

How do brands and businesses measure the return on investment from influencer campaigns?

Is it possible for a creator to make a living with a relatively small but dedicated audience?

How should creators determine their pricing for sponsorships and ad deals based on audience value?

Enjoy the conversation!

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This week we covered:

00:00 The Journey of a Social Media Influencer

02:56 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing

05:48 Building a Business Around Influence

09:09 Understanding the Influencer Economy

12:02 The Shift in Marketing Budgets

14:47 Measuring Success in Influencer Campaigns

18:01 Navigating the Influencer Landscape

20:44 The Value of Audience Engagement

24:31 The Value of Podcasting and Audience Engagement

27:25 The Importance of Passion in Content Creation

30:37 Pricing Strategies for Sponsorships

33:21 The Growth of Influencer Marketing Agencies

36:34 Navigating Brand Collaborations

37:28 Revenue Distribution Between Brands and Creators

38:28 The Role of Relationships in Influencer Marketing

39:25 Challenges in the Influencer Marketing Space

40:20 The Future of Influencer Marketing

41:43 Best and Worst Influencers to Work With

42:42 Equity Deals and Long-Term Partnerships

43:38 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Telegram & Free Speech w/ Preston Byrne