What do you do if you want to demonstrate your leadership potential in the Creator Economy?

Based on my experience, creators often overthink this aspect and try too much to be who they are not and will never be. Remembering who they are, what they stand for and what their core values are is crucial for vision cultivation. Once their vision is concrete, the rest, content / idea etc, will follow naturally.

Too many creators (and managers) try to be something that they aren't. Financial advice monetizes incredibly well, but if you're not a CPA, chances are that's not the field you know the most about. Many creators find their true calling when they seamlessly blend the topics they care and know about and a style of content that fits their lifestyle. Not everyone is cut out to be a vlogger, some influencers never even show their faces, and some creators upload movie-length creations that put Netflix to shame. Whatever your goals are with content, make sure they fit with who you are.

If a creator is growing and needs to build a team. Developing a strong vision of your content and business is the first step. You need to be able to communicate how you see your content in 2 years and have your team motivated and aligned to it. One advice: tell them a good story. Use your storytelling strengths and they will over perform. Good luck 🍀

Define your long-term goals and communicate them clearly to your audience or team. Show how your vision aligns with the trends and needs of the Creator Economy.

If you make content that is authentic to who you are and is based on your own interests and goals, you'll have a much better chance of coming off as authentic on camera. You may be able to "fake" a persona for a while, but it will inevitably lead to burnout. Content creation can be a very difficult job to begin with, and forcing yourself to play a character every time the camera turns on will make it even harder. Stay authentic and find a style that fits who you are.

Build genuine connections with your audience or community. Be transparent about your values, experiences, and expertise. Actively listen to feedback and respond thoughtfully.

To further showcase leadership in the Creator Economy, diversify your content across platforms. Expand beyond your primary platform to reach wider audiences and demonstrate adaptability. Additionally, collaborate with fellow creators to leverage their audiences and expertise, amplifying your reach and authority. Hosting live Q&A sessions or workshops can deepen connections and establish yourself as an industry leader. Remember, leadership isn't just about content creation; it's about empowering and inspiring others within the community.

Innovation is a constant gym in a content production team or MCN. Adapting to algorithmic changes, trends and new income sources. When interviewing the team and as a leader good change management need to be part of your vision and team strength. Good luck 🍀

Be ready to adapt at all times. While you may have a dream vision of what your social media brand will look like in 5 years, you will be forced to adapt to what your audience responds best to. That doesn't mean if you get 2 comments asking for faster-paced videos that you change everything, but use it as a guide that maybe you're including too much "fluff". Consider uploading a shorter video with more focus on the actual content. If your goal is to produce a longer video, make sure all of the content included is engaging and relevant to the topic, but be ready to listen to feedback. Not everyone online is a hater, and most people comment because they like what you do and want you to improve!

The leadership role can ne very different from the creative role that a creator initially started from. That is why some creators struggle with scaling up because the team and business management portion is not what they enjoyed when they began the journey (They much prefer the creative aspects of it) However, I find the educator role as a nice bridge towards a larger leadership role. It can also be a testing ground to see if it is something you will really enjoy.

The internet is a massive space with near infinite niches and verticals. Use that to your advantage! Start by spearheading collaborative projects that showcase your ability to unite and motivate diverse creators. Be proactive in offering innovative solutions and taking on responsibilities that go beyond your usual role. And don’t forget, effective communication is key—keep your team informed and inspired. Leading by example can make a real impact!

Seek opportunities to collaborate with other creators, brands, or organizations. Choose partners who share your values and complement your strengths. Foster a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute and thrive.

Continuously evaluate your performance and seek feedback from peers, mentors, or coaches. Identify areas for improvement and invest in your personal and professional development. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.