avatarSebastian Mercedes
# Summary

Social media is a powerful platform for creating new career paths, enabling influencers to generate income and build empires by leveraging their online presence and engagement, not just their follower count.

# Abstract

The article emphasizes the significance of social media in the modern economy, highlighting how it has revolutionized the concept of work and income. It underscores that success as a social media influencer is not solely dependent on physical appearance or a vast number of followers but rather on the quality of engagement with one's audience. The text argues that a loyal following can be a springboard for launching successful businesses, as demonstrated by figures like Kylie Jenner and Kayne West. It suggests that building a social media empire is a strategic move for young adults, providing a foundation for multiple income streams and easier transition into the business world. The article encourages readers to pursue their passions and create a unique online presence, advising that true success comes from genuine enjoyment and not merely chasing money.

# Opinions

- Success on social media is not limited to those who are conventionally attractive or have a large number of followers; engagement is key.
- A dedicated following can be leveraged to support new business ventures, facilitating the transition from influencer to entrepreneur.
- Social media influence can lead to wealth, as it provides a platform for developing multiple income streams.
- The article refutes the misconception that one must have a certain look to succeed on social media.
- It advocates for the value of social media as a long-term investment and encourages creating content that resonates with audiences to build a strong online presence.
- The author believes that passion and motivation are crucial for success in social media, and that chasing one's interests will lead to greater happiness and success than pursuing wealth alone.
- The article suggests that there is no single way to be an influencer; one can create a presence in any niche they are passionate about.

Social Media is King.

Photo by Merakist on Unsplash

It is 2020 and social media is bigger than ever, it has provided a new career for many, and billions of dollars for others. In today’s world, the internet is flooded with social media influencers. They are leading the new generation of income. Social media influencers are making a living by showing off their lifestyles, taking photos, and sharing their thoughts.

Social media is the way of the future in terms of income, and success. It is allowing people to separate themselves from the norm of desk jobs and become influencers with an overwhelming reach. Kylie Jenner, who recently became a billionaire, attributed her success to her 100+ million loyal followers.

However, a false misrepresentation is that you have to be beautiful, or sexy to be successful in the influencer world. That is absolutely not true! In actuality, you can build a social media presence without ever showing your face or body. There are hundreds of different types of accounts that you can build; meme, influencer, fashion, and more. You do not need to look like Kylie Jenner to become successful on social media nor do you need 100 million followers.

Photo by Erik Lucatero on Unsplash

Another misrepresentation when it comes to social media is that you need a vast amount of followers to be successful on the various platforms. This is not true. The most important thing when it comes to being an influencer is your engagement. Engagement is the number of people that follow you and the amount of people who view, like, and comment on your post. Businesses view your engagement statistics in order to determine whether they find you as a viable partner to their team not your followers.

Also, having a large following and engagement allows you to expand and develop multiple streams of income. Followers tend to be your biggest supporters and this is the most valuable asset someone could have in today’s world. If you start a company, whether it be clothing, makeup, etc. A portion of your followers will support you and purchase and promote your new company. This asset is irreplaceable as those with a following on social media have the easiest transition to the business world as they already have the marketing and following, now they just need the product. This is how Kylie Jenner and Kayne West developed their billion-dollar fortunes. They started companies in the clothing and makeup industries, and their loyal fans swarmed to support their newly developed brands. The willingness of the customer was already there, they just needed the right product.

This is why building a social media empire is the MOST strategic thing you can do in your young adult life. Once you have the following and support, everything comes easy and this allows you to branch out and develop multiple streams of income. People always wonder why those who are famous are almost always rich. Well, when you have an influence, building a brand and making money is not as difficult as it is without a following.

The value of this article is to open your mind to the possibilities available to you, build a social media presence. Anyone can do it, you just need the motivation and initial push. As said by Sean Gardner…

“Social media is not just an activity; it is an investment of valuable time and resources. Surround yourself with people who not just support you and stay with you, but inform your thinking about ways to WOW your online presence” — Sean Gardner

Develop your social media presence, and become your own boss in 2020. This is your year, but only you can determine what type of year you want it to be. You make your choices in life, determine what's best for you, and strive to achieve your goals. However, don't chase the money. When one chases money, they don't find success. Chase something you truly enjoy and are passionate about because that will make you truly happy and successful in life.

Being an influencer doesn't mean taking pictures in bikinis, and being a sex icon. Essentially, it is whatever you make out of it, people follow and develop a relationship with whom they are following. You control that relationship, and the reason they follow you. You can build a presence on social media for planes, motorcycles, cars, books, fragrances, the list could go on forever. You determine what you want to do, there is no norm, you create the norm.

Best of luck to my future influencers, the road to the top is a difficult one, but you can do it!

Social Media
Social Media Marketing
Instagram
Marketing
Entrepreneurship
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