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Posters and Pivots
The internet will forgive a bad post faster than it will forgive a bad pivot.
In a recent ConvoRoom conversation with marketing strategist Eric Ford, we talked about what it costs when brands or creators treat culture like a trend instead of a commitment. Here are some insights from that conversation.
Here’s the thing: Anyone can replicate a format. Not everyone can articulate a point of view. What separates creators and brands alike now is alignment. Who are you really? What do you actually stand for? And will you stand there when it is inconvenient?
Culture Is Not Tourism
We are in a climate where companies are reevaluating public commitments and reshaping messaging. Creators who build their businesses on partnerships need to be as informed as possible before aligning their names.
You cannot show up for the aesthetic and disappear when pressure rises. Audiences notice. They may still buy from you. But belief erodes.
When brands pivot away from previously championed values, the reaction is rarely neutral. Trust weakens because people assume alignment is durable, not seasonal. Before you sign a partnership, do your research. Talk to people. Read contracts carefully. Pay attention to company and leadership shifts. Protect your name.
Stop Obsessing Over Follower Counts
There is no magic number that qualifies you for a brand deal. What matters more than size is clarity. Do you know your lane? Can you articulate how your audience aligns with a brand’s goals? Are you building community or just chasing impressions?
The Future of Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is not dead. It evolved. The era of one-off splash campaigns is giving way to deeper relationships, ambassador roles, affiliate ecosystems, and creators who function as long-term storytellers. The future belongs to the aligned:
If you are a brand, don’t rent culture. Invest in people.
If you are a creator, don’t just chase a check. Build a voice.
Alignment outlasts algorithms.
Prayer Points for the Week
I pray that You would give us discernment to recognize true alignment and the courage to walk away from what only looks profitable but compromises our integrity.
I pray that You would anchor our identities so deeply in who You created us to be that we are not swayed by trends, applause, or temporary opportunity.
I pray that You would grant us wisdom in every partnership, contract, and collaboration, that we would build on foundations that can withstand pressure.
I pray that You would help us create work that reflects truth, depth, and excellence, not just visibility.
I pray that our influence, whether large or small, would be used to build trust, strengthen community, and leave a legacy that honors You and serves others.
See you next Monday,
If you’re reading this far… I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media.
FYI: I’m mostly active on LinkedIn these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.