LANSING, Mich. — (August 12, 2024) — The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is partnering with Ourspace Creative to introduce a groundbreaking pilot influencer program, Influence Lansing. This 16-week program aims to empower eight aspiring social media influencers and content creators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize social media tools and expand themselves into viable growing businesses with important and effective online presence.
Rising along with the expanding digital economy, global spending on influencer marketing exceeded $20 billion in 2023, according to Statista’s influencer marketing market size worldwide survey. Recognizing the significant role influencers play in shaping consumer behavior, LEAP and Ourspace Creative have collaborated to create Influence Lansing. By equipping local influencers with tools to collaborate with brands, this program seeks to stimulate economic growth, create business, promote community initiatives, and foster a thriving digital ecosystem in the Lansing Tri-County Region.
"Influence Lansing is designed to make a substantial impact on our local economy by nurturing a new generation of businesses and influencers who can drive brand partnerships, community initiatives, and economic development," said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. "We are thrilled to witness the growth and success of the selected participants and I think, once again, LEAP is on the cutting edge of economic development and creating attraction techniques of talent."
The program received over 50 applications from across the entire three-county region, showing strong interest and desire for this initiative. Applicants represented a wide range of niches, including lifestyle, fashion, travel, business, parenting and more. The eight selected participants are:
- Amina Mohamed – Eaton County
- Nyshell Lawrence – Ingham County
- Nekeyta Brunson – Ingham County
- Nikki Thompson Frazier – Ingham County
- Rachelle Legrand - Ingham County
- Krysta Foster - Ingham County
- Christine McCallister - Clinton County
- Andrez Chuney – Ingham County
Becoming an influencer is not limited to celebrities or public figures. Everyday individuals, business owners, and creatives have the opportunity to leverage their unique experiences and perspectives to become influential voices. Personal branding allows individuals to showcase their authenticity, expertise, and values, establishing trust and credibility with their audience.
As consumers increasingly seek authenticity and genuine connections, influencers have emerged as trusted sources of information and recommendations. By building a strong personal brand and cultivating a loyal following, individuals can effectively market other brands and products to their audience, acting as powerful advocates, ambassadors and business owners with employees.
Influencers have the power to shape the perspectives of their audiences, which can be a significant win for our Region. Through storytelling, local influencers can make a difference here, for our state, and beyond.
The Influence Lansing program will focus on four key areas: business development, personal branding, brand deals and partnerships, and content creation and strategy. Participants will gain insights into starting and registering a business, crafting business plans, identifying target audiences, and negotiating contracts. Additionally, they will learn content creation best practices, storytelling techniques, and content strategy frameworks to captivate audiences across various platforms.
Through a comprehensive curriculum, Influence Lansing will provide participants with the necessary expertise to engage with their audiences effectively, create compelling content, and establish mutually beneficial partnerships with brands. By harnessing the power of social media, these aspiring influencers will have the opportunity to amplify their reach and make a lasting impact on the local community.
LEAP is committed to supporting the growth and success of the Lansing Tri-County region, shaping the future of influencer marketing and empowering individuals to thrive with their own businesses in the digital era where influencers can create and contribute to the region's economic prosperity.
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About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all — working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.
