Learn how to adjust when assertiveness in influencer marketing backfires. Find balance and reconnect with your audience effectively.

OK, this is possibly the strangest article topic I have come across so far on Linkedin. Let's assume someone's losing their assertiveness. I'd suggest asking themselves what the cause of it is and, like any problem, break it down to bitesize pieces you can tackle and answer. Another less conventional solution is to stand in the superman pose for 3 min. That usually does it for me.

What do you do if your assertiveness in influencer marketing is backfiring?

Assertiveness is a valuable trait in influencer marketing, but sometimes it can have unintended consequences. When your confident approach starts to repel rather than attract your audience, it's time to reassess your strategy. In the fast-paced world of social media, the line between being assertive and being perceived as aggressive or pushy can be thin. If you find that your assertiveness in influencer marketing is backfiring, it's crucial to take a step back and understand why, then make the necessary adjustments to realign with your audience's expectations and preferences.

1 Reevaluate Tone

When your assertiveness turns off your audience, the first step is to reevaluate your communication tone. It's essential to strike a balance between being confident and relatable. Take a look at your recent content and ask yourself if it might come across as too forceful or sales-driven. Influencer marketing thrives on authenticity and connection, so ensure your tone is approachable and genuine. You want to inspire trust and engagement, not drive followers away with an overly aggressive pitch.

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Márcio Lima, MBA

MBA Strategic Marketing Management | Marketing Manager | Educational Marketing - Gastronomic | Growth Hacking | Digital Marketing | Social Media | Partnerships | Branding
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Start by reflecting on how your assertiveness may be perceived by influencers and your team. Consider whether you are being too aggressive or not taking their perspectives into account. Next, seek feedback from influencers and team members to understand their concerns and perspectives. Apologize if necessary and communicate your willingness to collaborate and listen to their input. Adjust your approach to be more collaborative and supportive, focusing on building relationships rather than asserting control. By demonstrating empathy and flexibility, you can rebuild trust and improve your effectiveness in influencer marketing.

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2 Audience Feedback

Listening to your audience is key when adjusting your influencer marketing approach. Look for patterns in comments and direct messages that might indicate your assertiveness is not well-received. Engage with your audience by asking for their opinions on your content and what they'd like to see more of. This not only helps you tailor your approach but also shows that you value their input, which can strengthen your relationship with them and improve the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.

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Zachary Walker

VP, Social Media & Public Speaker, MBA Candidate
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Get an outside perspective. Ask your mentor, a trusted coworker, or someone who has worked with you in the past to provide a neutral look at your interactions with influencers.

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3 Content Adjustment

Once you've gathered insights, it's time to adjust your content accordingly. If your assertiveness is backfiring, consider softening your calls to action or diversifying your content to include more storytelling and less direct promotion. People often follow influencers for their personality and insights, not just product endorsements. By offering value beyond sales pitches, you can rebuild a positive rapport with your audience and maintain a strong presence in the influencer marketing realm.

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4 Collaboration Review

Collaborations with brands or other influencers should also be reviewed if assertiveness is causing issues. Ensure that these partnerships align with your values and resonate with your audience. If a collaboration feels forced or overly promotional, it can contribute to the negative perception of assertiveness in your marketing. Remember, successful collaborations should feel natural and add value to your audience's experience, not just serve as another advertisement.

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5 Strategy Pivot

Sometimes a complete strategy pivot is necessary. If after adjusting tone, content, and collaborations, the issue persists, it may be time for a more significant change. This could involve redefining your target audience, changing the platforms you use, or even rebranding. A pivot should be a thoughtful process based on thorough research and clear objectives. It's a chance to refresh your approach and come back stronger, with a strategy that resonates better with your audience.

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6 Personal Reflection

Lastly, personal reflection is an invaluable tool. Consider how your personal brand might be contributing to the issue and what changes you can make to improve your approach. Reflect on the core reasons why you became an influencer and ensure that your assertive marketing tactics align with those values. Authenticity is key in influencer marketing; staying true to yourself while also being mindful of how you're perceived can help you navigate the balance between assertiveness and approachability.

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Zachary Walker

VP, Social Media & Public Speaker, MBA Candidate
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Prioritize cultivating positive relationships with your internal team, clients, and influencers. This goes a long way when discussions don't always go as expected. And lastly, remember there's no "I" in team! So avoid using phrases such as "I feel...", "I believe...", or "In my experience..."

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sarah Adam

Head of Partnerships & Influencer Marketing, Wix | 15K followers
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OK, this is possibly the strangest article topic I have come across so far on Linkedin. Let's assume someone's losing their assertiveness. I'd suggest asking themselves what the cause of it is and, like any problem, break it down to bitesize pieces you can tackle and answer. Another less conventional solution is to stand in the superman pose for 3 min. That usually does it for me.

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What do you do if your assertiveness in influencer marketing is backfiring?

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2

3

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5

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1 Reevaluate Tone

2 Audience Feedback

3 Content Adjustment

4 Collaboration Review

5 Strategy Pivot

6 Personal Reflection

7 Here’s what else to consider

Influencer Marketing

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What do you do if your assertiveness in influencer marketing is backfiring?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Reevaluate Tone

2 Audience Feedback

3 Content Adjustment

4 Collaboration Review

5 Strategy Pivot

6 Personal Reflection

7 Here’s what else to consider

Influencer Marketing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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