In this episode, "Six things I learned since Becoming a Military Influencer," I will be sharing six lessons that I learned from my experience becoming a Military Influencer. One of the biggest takeaways from my experience is the importance of authenticity in building an online presence. I strongly advise against putting on a persona or mask that does not reflect one's true self. This can lead to exhaustion and ultimately damage one's reputation. Instead, I encourage content creators to be genuine and build their online community on a foundation of authenticity.
Things to think about
- Authenticity is important to building an online presence.
- Building a supportive community is more important than just having a large following.
- Be careful about sponsorships and affiliations.
- Be mindful of what you say online as words can easily be misconstrued and lead to backlash.
- Focus on your own brand and style, don't compare yourself to others.
- Don't quit your day job before your hobby can support you financially.
Another lesson I learned is the importance of building a supportive community. Having a large following does not always equate to sales or success. It's crucial to cultivate a loyal and supportive audience that will be willing to buy your books, merchandise, and programs. This requires building relationships with your audience and establishing a level of authenticity that resonates with them.
In addition, I advise being careful about sponsorships and affiliations. Just because someone has a sponsor or a promo code doesn't necessarily mean they're making a lot of money from it. It's important to ensure that the sponsor or affiliate aligns with your audience and values. Similarly, it's crucial to be mindful of what you say online, as words can easily be misconstrued and lead to backlash.
I also advise content creators to focus on themselves and their own brand. Comparison with others can steal your joy and creativity, and it's important to develop your own voice and style. This involves taking a close look at your content and audience and developing a clear sense of what you want to communicate and how.
Finally, I caution against quitting your day job before your hobby can support you financially. It's important to have a realistic exit plan and to ensure that your hobby can sustain you before quitting your job. This involves understanding the business side of content creation and building a loyal and supportive audience that will be willing to buy your products and services.
Overall, these six lessons offer valuable insights for anyone looking to build an online presence as a military influencer or content creator. By emphasizing authenticity, community, and a focus on oneself, I provide a roadmap for success in the crowded world of online content creation.His story is no different than many youths. Born in a metropolitan area riddled with drugs, crime, and plagued with addiction. Demetrius learned at an early age that you can either take the future that your environment already has for you, or you can create one for yourself.
Author's bio (Parade Deck profile)
A Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and with 13 years of military service. Demetrius uses the experiences that he has gained to train, lead, guide, and mentor service members Veterans.
Author of the book “The Extraordinary Thought From An Ordinary Mind” and the host and creator of the Podcast “Meech Speaks”
A weekly podcast dedicated to providing actionable tips on how to become a better version of ourselves. Sharing his practical thoughts and personal experiences on mindset, motivation, and what it means to be human while navigating through the trenches of personal development in and out of the military.
