Woman of Influence

Latest Episodes:

How Siffat Haider Leveraged Her Podcast to Launch The Cult Favorite Wellness Brand, Arrae Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Siffat Haider, the founder of Arrae—a holistic supplement brand that’s redefining the health industry. Siffat and I dive into the origin & transformation of Arrae, how community feedback shaped its products for common yet stigmatized health issues, and the strategic journey behind it all.

We explore the deep need for influencers to extend beyond brand partnerships into creating lasting and meaningful products aligned with audience needs. Siffat shares the importance of podcasting as a medium to connect deeply with listeners, the significant role of email marketing, and the courage it takes to launch and refine in real time. She also highlights the strategies used in building Arrae—how a strong community, genuine connections, and the willingness to start imperfectly has led to monumental growth and success.

KEY POINTS:

04:59 Siffat’s journey into holistic health and skincare.

08:30 Common theme of bloating and anxiety discovery.

15:23 Embrace both sides, build authentic brand relationships.

18:46 Enthusiasm leads to authenticity & connects people deeply.

23:29 Podcast interviews drive product distribution, engagement, emails.

27:27 Embrace imperfection, grow through experience, and iterate.

35:58 Launch something your audience already trusts.

38:04 Stay true to what your audience wants.

QUOTABLES:

"Don't underutilize social media. It is literally your direct line of communication with your consumers."

— Siffat Haider

“A podcast is so important because that long form content is so valuable for people to get to know exactly who you are, for you to connect on a deeper level, I found that my podcast listeners are my most engaged audience members."

— Siffat Haider

“I think being really tuned into what it is people are coming to you for, like, what is your expertise? What are you the best at? What do people really trust you for?”

— Siffat Haider

GUEST RESOURCES:

Siffat Haider

IG | @siffhaider

RESOURCES:

Use code JULS15 for 15% off any product from Arrae! Julie’s favorites are Bloat, Sleep and Calm!

[FREE] Are you a content creator ready to take your brand collaborations to new heights? Grab the Brand Deal Playbook and unlock the secrets to securing paid partnerships with confidence. You'll gain free access to pitch templates, essential questions, and expert strategies that will propel your content creator journey to new heights, including immediate and lifetime access!

[FREE] Want the step-by-step roadmap to grow your following, monetize your content, and land paid brand deals?Click here to join my brand new free class! This is perfect for you if you want to turn your social media into a profitable & fun career… even if you’re starting from scratch!

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppableso you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month!

KAJABI: Turn your skills into predictable revenue! Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

JUSTWORKS: Payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place! Start your free month now at https://justworks.com/influencer

Beauty Influencer Success Secrets: Exploring Trust-Based Collaborations with Meg Young Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode we’re joined by Meg Young, a seasoned professional in the field of PR and influencer marketing. With an extensive background from top beauty agencies in New York to leading PR for notable cosmetics brands in Los Angeles, Meg brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her consultancy, Meg Young Media Group, reflects a deep understanding of the industry she's shaped over the years.

In this episode, we navigate the complexities of influencer partnerships and the evolution of these relationships from transactional engagements to meaningful, lasting collaborations. Meg shed’s light on the significance of trust, repetition in messaging, and the shift from focusing solely on high-tier influencers to recognizing the value of micro-influencers and their authentic engagement with audiences.

KEY POINTS:

15:13 Knowing influencers personally is crucial for partnerships.

19:03 Influencer impact varies based on strategy, brand, platforms.

23:52 Frequent social media scrolling to connect professionally.

30:09 Identifying non-traditional influencers for brand promotions.

33:27 Influence to change thoughts and actions positively.

QUOTABLES:

"It's not just about a paycheck and slapping something up there. We know that it's going to be really quality and also somebody that we want to work with. I think just like an employer wants to hire somebody that's going to be a long term partner for a brand and somebody who really works well with other team members, I think it's really very similar. You want to work with somebody you enjoy working with, who's respectful, who's professional.”

— Meg Young

"What I'm seeing now with brands is the repetition of the messaging that is really converting to sales, which I would say is probably most brands' number one priority. They want awareness and therefore sales ultimately resulting from that."

— Meg Young

"PR should not be, you should never invest in PR if you're expecting to see the return on your investment three times over. It's about that brand awareness, it's about creating that halo effect, and then sales will result from that."

— Meg Young

GUEST RESOURCES:

Linked In | Meg Young

RESOURCES:

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppableso you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month!

KAJABI: Turn your skills into predictable revenue! Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

JUSTWORKS: Payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place! Start your free month now at https://justworks.com/influencer

From Health Scare to Clean Skincare Empire with Indie Lee Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Hello my friends! Today I had the pleasure of chatting with Indie Lee who shares her unique narrative of personal resilience that led to the rise of her clean beauty brand, Indie Lee.

Indie shares her story of transitioning from finance to founding a skincare line that prioritizes safe, effective ingredients. Triggered by a personal health scare, she embarked on a journey that led her from homemade concoctions to the shelves of renowned retailers like Ulta and Nordstrom.

She reveals the hurdles of her early business days and her growth in the rapidly growing clean beauty market. Indie's optimism radiates as she discusses the importance of education in skincare and calls for genuine connections within the influencer community.

KEY POINTS:

03:54 Realized purpose after brain tumor diagnosis and surgery.

12:45 Organic collaboration leads to innovative business growth.

15:44 Learning retail skills at independent boutiques was invaluable.

18:34 Success depends on being fully supported by others.

19:35 Seeking and offering help boosts personal growth.

25:03 Diagnosed with arthritis, then developed coconut scrub.

28:08 Navigating new industry challenges required resilience and innovation.

44:04 Instagram and TikTok role in Indy Lee's growth.

50:43 Brands expect a high return on investment.

QUOTABLES:

I was a passenger. I wasn't the driver of my life. I was really accomplishing things that I thought I had to and never really thought about well, what do I want to do, and what's my purpose? And that's when I decided that I was going to live the rest of my life, no matter how long or short it was, with purpose, with passion, and be fully present.

— Indie Lee

I would ask for help. I wouldn't even just be willing to receive it. I would actively go to people and say, who do you know? How do I do this? Can you connect me? Help? And it literally was that every day.

— Indie Lee

I had the guidance of somebody who already knew how to build brands, which I didn't have the experience and saying, help, I don't know. I am willing to be the face. I do not know these things. I am going to really lean on you and I will do what you asked me to do, which I know sounds like a weird thing, but I didn't know and I knew that. And what was my main goal? Success of the brand, success of what I wanted to do, which was to change the industry.

— Indie Lee

GUEST RESOURCES:

Indie Lee

IG | @indie_lee

Julie’s Personal Favorites

Indie Lee Brightening Facial Cleanser

Indie Lee Brightening Cream

Indie Lee Cleansing Balm

Indie Lee Stem Cell Serum

RESOURCES:

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppableso you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month!

KAJABI: Turn your skills into predictable revenue! Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

JUSTWORKS: Payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place! Start your free month now at https://justworks.com/influencer

How to Master Brand Negotiations and Creator Deals with Brittany Hennessy Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode we're joined by Brittany Hennessy, an absolute trailblazer in influencer marketing and best-selling author of "Influencer: Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of Social Media."

Brittany shares her insights on influencer negotiations, content creation, and the pivotal importance of understanding and asserting your worth in this ever-evolving digital landscape. Brittany meticulously dissects the complexities of influencer contracts, like the notorious 'in perpetuity' clause, and she provides priceless advice on how to handle photo rights and fee structures when your content gets the spotlight it deserves.

Tune in to discover how to turn your influence into a lasting legacy.

KEY POINTS:

08:32 Imagination is key to career success.

11:16 Seizing opportunities and being forward-thinking is crucial.

16:27 Influencers facing creative control and payment challenges.

19:32 Influencers should recognize their value and equality.

21:48 Influencers impact the industry and must consider consequences.

27:05 Understanding and educating oneself in business matters.

28:49 Enhancing skills, understanding metrics, and monetizing influence.

38:48 Consider lost revenue before setting brand fees.

QUOTABLES:

"I think in general, from a career standpoint and an influencer marketing, you have to be able to see what's possible in order to attempt to do so."

— Brittany Hennessy

"You don't understand how much work gets done and how many approvals there are before you ever see a contract. Unless you want to get rid of something that's material to the contract, nobody's going to drop you from a campaign because you want to do three brands of exclusivity versus five."

— Brittany Hennessy

GUEST RESOURCES:

Brittany Hennessy

IG | @mrsbrittanyhennessy

RESOURCES:

[FREE] Want the step-by-step roadmap to grow your following, monetize your content, and land paid brand deals? Click here to join my brand new free class!This is perfect for you if you want to turn your social media into a profitable & fun career… even if you’re starting from scratch!

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppableso you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month!

KAJABI: Turn your skills into predictable revenue! Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

JUSTWORKS: Payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place! Start your free month now at https://justworks.com/influencer

Building a Strong Personal Brand on Instagram with Brock Johnson Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

About this episode:

In today's episode, we're joined by Brock Johnson, a highly-regarded Instagram and TikTok growth strategist, to dissect the trends and shifts in the dynamic landscape of Instagram in 2024. Brock shares his innovative content system that lets him create in bulk, significantly reducing daily pressures while maintaining a high post frequency. He delves into his strategy of content repurposing, revealing that a staggering 80% of his posts are clever rehashes of previous successes.

As we navigate Instagram's preference for authenticity, Brock outlines the platform's shift towards long-form video content and shares insights on the importance of a clear niche in building a strong social media foundation. He also highlights the key differences in content creation and audience engagement strategies for Instagram and TikTok. Tune in for Brock's expert guidance on cultivating a robust online presence and scaling your influence in the social media landscape.

KEY POINTS:

03:56 Instagram now favors carousels and photos.

11:13 Navigating trends and sustainability in social media.

15:43 Struggling to balance personal and business content.

19:49 Consistent Instagram posting leads to steady growth.

22:00 Creating content full time without exhaustion.

24:09 Reposting old content eases anxiety and stress.

29:47 Start with a niche, then expand.

30:28 From Instagram growth to broad business strategy.

33:47 Focus on niche, optimize profile for success.

41:24 YouTube isn't mobile-friendly; TikTok adapts better.

43:44 Instagram algorithm is social-based, TikTok is content-based.

QUOTABLES:

"About 80% of my posts are reposts, like literally taking something from a few months ago and posting it again or recreations of something from the past. So if you reverse that math, that means that only about 20% of my posts require new effort, or a lot of effort, or a new idea or something fresh."

— Brock Johnson

"So the Instagram algorithm is what is called a social based algorithm, meaning that Instagram cares about your social network... whereas on TikTok, it's what's called a content based algorithm."

— Brock Johnson

GUEST RESOURCES:

Brock Johnson

IG | @brock11johnson

Stop the scroll and grab attention with Brock’s top 25 viral hooks. Click here to get them for free!

RESOURCES:

[FREE] Want the step-by-step roadmap to grow your following, monetize your content, and land paid brand deals? Click here to join my brand new free class! This is perfect for you if you want to turn your social media into a profitable & fun career… even if you’re starting from scratch!

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppableso you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month!

KAJABI: Turn your skills into predictable revenue! Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

JUSTWORKS: Payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place! Start your free month now at justworks.com/influencer

From 3K Followers to Six Figures: Mayci Neely Breaks Down Brand Deals Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode, we're joined by the remarkable Mayci Neely to discuss her transformative journey from sharing her life story on a blog to becoming a TikTok sensation with over 930K followers. Mayci breaks down her process for pivoting into the world of content creation, the importance of knowing your worth, and successfully pitching to brands using our program "Pitch It Perfect.”

Together, we'll explore the importance of quality content over follower count, strategies for initiating brand collaborations, and the power of confidence in securing fair compensation. Mayci's personal growth and financial success reveal that understanding and showcasing your value can lead to substantial income, even beyond six figures. Stay tuned as we take a look at how learning the ins and outs of negotiating can turn your social media presence into a lucrative business.

KEY POINTS:

00:00 Monetizing social media content: Mayci’s success story.

05:25 Julie's podcast helped Mayci find her niche.

06:56 Building brand and audience, focusing on quality.

16:07 Fear of charging too much harms business.

16:59 Sourcing rates and time invested for content.

20:19 Use Instagram to connect and collaborate easily.

23:06 "Show expertise, create value, negotiate higher pay."

27:15 Build confidence to execute social media strategy.

30:32 Pitch Perfect community supports confident, successful pitching.

33:48 Macy shares tips for making money easily.

QUOTABLES:

"I was just very confused in the beginning. And then I found you, Julie, and I was listening to your podcast every day, every episode. And I was able to start getting more of a framework of what I wanted to do and how I could do it."

— Mayci Neely

"I have 5000 followers, but they're so loyal. And so I felt like my influence was super strong enough to where a brand should want to work with me."

— Mayci Neely

"So overall, it's been like a huge blessing because I know how to pitch brands, I know my worth, I know how to get what I want, I know how to get paid for my work.”

— Mayci Neely

GUEST RESOURCES:

Mayci Neely

IG | @maycineeley

RESOURCES:

[FREE] Want the step-by-step roadmap to grow your following, monetize your content, and land paid brand deals? Click here to join my brand new free class! This is perfect for you if you want to turn your social media into a profitable & fun career… even if you’re starting from scratch!

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppableso you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month!

KAJABI: Turn your skills into predictable revenue! Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

JUSTWORKS: Payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place! Start your free month now at justworks.com/influencer

‘TheCheeseGal’ Cortney LaCorte’s Leap from Shop Owner to Social Media Maven Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, we're diving into Cortney LaCorte’s journey from running a buzzing cheese board business in Nashville to becoming a full-time lifestyle and food influencer.

Cortney talks about the challenges business owners face, like managing a team, motivating employees during difficult times, and the inevitable encounter with impostor syndrome. She shares her experiences in transitioning her business and her strategies for creating authentic content that resonates with her audience.

We also explore the personal side of Cortney's life, including her love for food and travel with her husband, their upcoming trip to Italy, and the role he plays in their content creation. Plus, Cortney will offer insights on social media consumption, setting boundaries, and finding your authentic style.

KEY POINTS:

00:00 Navigating impostor syndrome, travel impact, future expansion.

05:09 Unique journey from local cheese gal to influencer.

09:01 Learn to grow following and land deals.

10:03 Discovering niche, attracting brands, opening brick-and-mortar.

13:54 Struggles with postpartum, business, and career decisions.

18:05 Accepting and embracing different life seasons gracefully.

21:39 Navigating imposter syndrome to create authentic content.

25:45 Testing lifestyle content, advice on content creation.

28:44 Travel's impact on content creation, intentional or natural?

30:24 Sharing travel experiences and personal style evolution.

34:28 Husband's cooking launched her into culinary space.

37:44 Dreaming of a lasting legacy in cooking.

QUOTABLES:

"It's giving yourself the permission to change your mind and know that's not failure. It's really just evolving. You're evolving."

— Cortney LaCorte

I think you just have to take inventory of, like, what is serving me right now, what is bringing me joy, and where do I really want to go in my life? And so when I came to that conclusion, I was like, no, I want to be in the “how to,” I want to show people how to make a cheese board."

— Cortney LaCorte

“When it comes to your content, try to film around what you're already doing versus doing things to film."

— Cortney LaCorte

GUEST RESOURCES:

Cortney LaCorte

IG | @cheesegal

RESOURCES:

[FREE] Are you a content creator ready to take your brand collaborations to new heights? Grab the Brand Deal Playbook and unlock the secrets to securing paid partnerships with confidence. You'll gain free access to pitch templates, essential questions, and expert strategies that will propel your content creator journey to new heights, including immediate and lifetime access!

[FREE] Want the step-by-step roadmap to grow your following, monetize your content, and land paid brand deals? Click here to join my brand new free class! This is perfect for you if you want to turn your social media into a profitable & fun career… even if you’re starting from scratch!

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

[JUSTWORKS, payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place] Start your free month now at justworks.com/influencer

Why You Should Use Video to Grow On Instagram + How To Do It Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

Today's guest is someone that I have long admired. She is such an inspiration to her community and dedicated to helping us all lead healthier lives. Jen Esquire is not like any fitness influencer out there. She found her niche in the fitness world as a doctor of physical therapy and uses her social media platforms to share educational videos on how to maintain mobility, increase strength, and prevent pain throughout the body. She is a former gymnast and Pilates instructor, and her vision is to empower others to move and live a pain free, active lifestyle.

Jen shares with us her personal evolution within the fitness industry, pinpointing how a deeper understanding of her audience's needs led to the birth of her widely acclaimed mobility program. Whether you are an aspiring influencer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to enhance your physical well-being, Jen's expertise and advice will leave you feeling motivated and ready to make intentional choices in your life and work.

KEY POINTS:

– Jen's journey in identifying her niche and creating a mobility program in response to audience engagement and feedback

– The significance of proper breathing techniques and beginner-friendly exercises for stress reduction and improving mobility

– Encouraging a playful and intuitive approach to exercise while being mindful of the body's needs

– Discussing the value of accessibility in fitness and Jen's provision of free and comprehensive content on Instagram

– The impact of authentic collaborations on social media visibility and growth

– Jen's book recommendation for business strategies and her perspective on the true definition of influence

– A peek into the Mobility Method and Optimal Body membership offered by Jen for personalized mobility exercises

– Jen's background in kinesiology, her discovery of physical therapy, and the inspiration drawn from watching patients achieve their potential

QUOTABLES:

"To find success, you must be willing to listen, adapt, and sometimes, re-invent your approach based on what your audience resonates with." – Jen Esquire

"The act of moving your body should bring joy, not be a chore. Listen to your body; it's the best guide you have." – Jen Esquire

GUEST RESOURCES:

IG | @docjenfit

RESOURCES:

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppableso you can leverage the power of your own influence.

Follow Julie on Instagram!

Must Haves This Month!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

[JUSTWORKS, payroll, benefits, HR, and compliance — all in one place] Start your free month now at justworks.com/influencer

How The Brand Accelerator Helped Janessa Storlie Earn $8k in One Month Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Janessa Storlie about her incredible journey of self-discovery and personal growth that led her to create a thriving online community: The Connection Chronicles.

In this episode, Janessa opens up about her struggles with loneliness, finding her authentic self, and the profound impact The Brand Accelerator program had on not only her business but her self-acceptance as well. She also reveals the missing piece that helped her effortlessly communicate her message, engage her audience effectively, and catapult her business growth.

If you're looking for inspiration on self-discovery, community building, and purposeful content creation, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to hear Janessa's incredible journey and insights on how to create content and community effortlessly.

[ENROLMENT OPEN!] Get ready to elevate your brand and boost your visibility with my signature online program, The Brand Accelerator! With almost a decade of online business experience and a proven track record of success, this program is your ticket to growing your audience and revenue. Enrollment is open for a limited time until Friday, March 1, and won't reopen for the rest of the year, so seize the opportunity now at https://juliesolomon.net/TBA

KEY POINTS:

- How Janessa clarified her personal brand and deepened her message through The Brand Accelerator

- The Brand Accelerator vs free resources: which is best for you?

- Biggest growth changes in Janessa’s business since joining The Brand Accelerator

- What is a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) and how can it help accelerate your business growth?

- How to continuously create purposeful content easily and effortlessly

- How finding her UVP helped Janessa with self-acceptance

- Who is the Brand Accelerator perfect for?

- What’s next for Janessa Storlie and her brand?

QUOTABLES:

“A personal brand is a manifestation of your authentic self fulfilling your life's passion and purpose, and impacting others in a really positive way.” - Janessa Storlie

Must Haves This Month!

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

RESOURCES:

Janessa Storlie | @janessajstorlie

Join the Connection Chronicles on Substack

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.

5 Simple Steps to Break Free from Self-Doubt and Unleash Your Alter Ego with Todd Herman Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

Today, we are diving deep into the concept of alter egos and how they can transform your performance and mindset. And I cannot think of a better guest to discuss this with than Todd Herman, renowned coach for elite performers, who has mastered the art of tapping into the power of your alter ego to overcome self-doubt, unleash your true potential, and achieve success in any area of your life.

Todd's expertise comes from years of working with athletes, leaders, and entertainers, helping them tap into their inner strengths and transform their performance. In this powerful episode, Todd discusses the importance of context and emotional resonance in building an alter ego, and provides 5 practical steps that you can implement today to activate your heroic self.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply looking to level up in your personal life, this episode will inspire you to harness the power of your creative imagination and become the best version of yourself. Tune in now and discover the secrets to unlocking your alter ego!

KEY POINTS:

- Dispelling common myths about coaches, affirmations, and motivation

- The origin of the Alter Ego and why it’s so effective in overcoming self-doubt

- Understanding and embracing your Heroic Self to achieve your biggest goals

- 5 simple steps to embody your Alter Ego

- How can we embody our Alter Ego and be authentic at the same time?

- How your Alter Ego can help you navigate trauma and become who you want to be

QUOTABLES:

“Most of the stuff that stops an athlete as they rise higher and higher is always that six inches between their ears.” - Todd Herman

“We all have this kind of definition of who we think we are. And when we take a look at the definition of who we think we are, a lot of times we're putting ourselves in a box that won't allow us to reach the success that we're striving for.” - Todd Herman

Must Haves This Month!

[HELLOFRESH, start the year off right with free breakfast for life!] Go to www.HelloFresh.com/influencerfree and use code INFLUENCERFREE for FREE breakfast for life!

[KAJABI, turn your skills into predictable revenue] Get a free 30-day trial at https://Kajabi.com/influencer

RESOURCES:

Todd Herman

IG | @todd_herman

FB | @toddhermanconnect

Twitter | @todd_herman

[ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence.