The DIY Entrepreneur vs. The Influencer: How to Keep it Real and Avoid That Influencer Stigma

 Today we’re going to  talk about a couple of buzzwords we keep hearing these days: "DIY entrepreneur" and "influencer." Now, I know some of you might think they’re just different ways to say “I’m self-employed and spend too much time on Instagram,” but trust me, there’s more to it than that. So, let’s break it down and figure out how you can build your brand without getting lumped in with the duck-lip selfie crowd. 

Think of the DIY entrepreneur as the MacGyver of the business world. These folks are rolling up their sleeves, doing everything from product design to customer service, probably while eating last night’s pizza. They’re the jack-of-all-trades who build their businesses from scratch, often starting with just an idea and maybe a garage that hasn’t seen a car in years.

Now, influencers are a whole different breed. They’re the ones who’ve turned their Instagram feed into a money-making machine. Their job? To convince you that you need that detox tea or those weird gummy vitamins. They’re masters of selfies, hashtags, and sponsored posts. Influencers make their cash by partnering with brands and pushing products to their legions of followers.

The Big Differences

DIY entrepreneurs are selling their own products or services. Think online training courses, speaking, coaching, direct sales, maybe even a brick-and-mortar shop if they’re feeling fancy.

Influencers make money by promoting other people’s stuff. Sponsorships, partnerships, affiliate links – if it pays, they’ll post about it. 

The DIY Entrepreneur’s to-do list includes everything from making the product to handling customer complaints. It’s a real juggling act.

Influencer’s days involve creating content, engaging with followers, and making sure their latest post gets all the likes.

DIY Entrepreneurs are building a business brand based on quality and customer experience.

Influencers are building a personal brand. It’s all about their personality, lifestyle, and how many likes they get on their brunch pics. Likes don’t matter as much for DIY Entrepreneurs. 

How to Avoid That Influencer Stigma

Alright, so you want to be a DIY entrepreneur but also want to avoid being lumped in with the influencers who’d sell their grandma’s secret cookie recipe for a brand deal. Here’s how to keep it real: 

Be the guru in your field. Share tips, tricks, and insider knowledge. Prove you’re not just another pretty face with a filter. 

Make sure your products or services are top-notch. Let your work do the talking. Customer reviews and success stories are your best friends here. Quality Over Hype

Authenticity is key. Be honest about your journey, the good and the bad. People appreciate a straight shooter over a sales pitch any day.

Engage with your audience like they’re actual people, not just followers. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and show that you care about more than just making a sale. 

Don’t just post about your products. Share behind-the-scenes content, personal stories, and even a few laughs. It keeps your feed interesting and shows there’s more to you than just business.

So, whether you’re a DIY entrepreneur or an influencer, there’s room for everyone in the digital marketplace. But if you want to stand out and avoid the influencer stigma, focus on being real, delivering quality, and building genuine relationships. Keep it authentic, and your audience will thank you. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your mom asking why you’re always taking pictures of your food.

Building a brand today is like walking a tightrope – one wrong move and you’re just another hashtag in the wind. But stay true to yourself, and you’ll carve out a spot that’s all your own. And remember, folks, always keep it real.