How to be an Influencer… even if it is by accident

Have you ever wanted how to be an Influencer? In 2020-2021 I became an Influencer, even if it was by accident.

But before I tell you my story, what actually is an influencer? An influencer, by definition, is a person with an ability to influence another to purchase products based on their recommendations. These promotions are typically done through one or more of the various social media services or platforms.

My journey to becoming an influencer started in the Fall of 2020. As a supportive parent, I started live-streaming video games with my then 13-year-old son. My main goal was to help and support my son as he worked to grow his audience. I also wanted to ensure the streaming environment stayed clean and safe for my teenage son, and I figured the best way was to play with him.

My strategy was successful, we created a wonderful gaming community, what I didn’t expect is over the last few months of 2020, my personality would resonate with the gaming community so much that by Christmas I had over 50,000 followers.

In late December I was approached by a representative from one of the world’s largest video game companies. They wanted me to represent their game as a North American influencer. All I had to do was keep playing the game, and they would begin giving free in-game items, merch, promotions, and trips.

Sounds good right?

At that point I had to focus. I wasn’t just helping my son anymore. I had established a brand, a presence as Dadventurer, a burgeoning influencer. Over the next 6 months, my platform expanded to over 300,000 followers on various platforms. Companies now pay me to try and promote products, and I am going on my first all-expenses-paid trip with the gaming company next week to New York City.

I couldn’t have dreamed this new life scenario up if I wanted to, but I am enjoying the ride. I have learned a few things to encourage you on your journey to becoming an influencer.

1. Be tenacious
   • People give up when the going gets tough. It’s when you push through when others would quit that you see the greatest growth and success.
2. Not every social media is the same
   • Find your community. Try every social media out, and learn your fit. You’ll find your community somewhere, if you keep looking hard enough.
3. You can do it
   • I am a 42-year-old influencer who plays video games. If I can do it, then you can too.
4. Being an Influencer is hard work
   • It’s not all fun and games. Promoting products takes time and effort. I spend most of my free time working on videos and graphics to promote my game and the products companies ask me to share.
5. Being an influencer is not a get rich quick scheme
   • Followers and subscribers take time to attain, and for many, it takes years to build a following large enough to attract sponsors and companies who will pay you to promote products. Put time in everyday, be consistent, research your audience, create great content, and people will eventually follow you.

I didn’t realize that 2020-2021 was going to turn me into an influencer, but I welcome and respect the role in my life. I want to make a positive impact on the world and in my community, and if being an influencer can help me do just that, then I’m going to influence my heart out. If you want to make a difference in the world, maybe the influencer lifestyle is for you too!