Presented by Corine Werner
There’s been a recent decline in the number of MBA application submissions, with the top 10 US business schools reporting an average decrease of 4.9%; Harvard recorded a 15% drop in 2022. While the cause could be related to any number of things (the pandemic, financial woes, general government uncertainty), many have attributed this to a change in learning.
Specifically, students no longer want to spend hours in a lecture hall listening to a teacher when they can learn the same thing online with a popular influencer or mentor.
“Social Media Mentorship” has emerged as an easier-to-access alternative. Even college professors are taking part in the trend, transitioning their value to social media.
According to business coach Joe McCarthy, social media is becoming increasingly important for entrepreneurs, especially Millennial and Gen Z entrepreneurs, who are using it to generate sales and as a platform for learning more about business.
At the age of 14, Joe McCarthy started his own farm business and quickly realized the potential of leveraging social media for increased sales. Drawing from his own experience, he set out to help other entrepreneurs and personal brands create a presence on social media and start growing their businesses.
This work eventually led him to establish JEM Social in partnership with Grow With Us Agency—together they have helped thousands achieve success in business.
In the past 12 months alone, there has been an explosion of business gurus on social media providing mentorship and advice to the younger generations. While they all share valuable business tips and strategies that help young entrepreneurs succeed in their ventures, McCarthy believes many are missing one key thing: quality content.
“Recent data shows that “59% of the world’s population is on social media,” McCarthy says, “and 76% of these people use social media to find products they need from brands whose social media content they identify with.”
He says this is why it’s imperative that content is targeted and customized to reach a greater audience, as “that’s how you build influence and make an impact in today’s world.”
“Short-form content such as reels, shorts, and stories have become more popular in response to the demand for bite-sized pieces of content,” he says.
This has led some influencers to focus on more sensational aspects of content creation instead of providing meaningful information.
McCarthy is dedicated to continuing to provide high-value content even in the short forms, but it is by no means an easy task. Capturing years’ worth of valuable knowledge into a few seconds is proving to be quite a challenge.
“The goal is to give as much value in as little time as possible and this demands quite a bit of creativity,” he says.
But it would be ignorant not to notice the advantages as well.
“If young entrepreneurs were to depend on a traditional MBA to get all their business knowledge, they would probably have to be subjected to hours of content per time and this would likely result in diminishing returns for a number of these young people.
“But with short-form content, they tend to consume more knowledge over time, and can often be seen binging on value-laden content. For example, an average social media user can binge-watch my business content for an hour or more but won’t spend time listening to a 30-minute lecture.”
And studies support McCarthy’s theories, showing that young people tend to consume more information over time when it is broken down into concise forms.
“Our minds work in such a way that we believe we are spending less time when we watch five two-minute videos than when we watch one 10-minute video.”
Beneficially, social media influencers and mentors provide their followers with easy access to them via direct messages, comment engagements, and inner circles/mastermind groups. This level of accessibility offers unique opportunity for education and mentorship not available in traditional settings.
However, McCarthy warns that this also carries a lot of responsibility for influencers, as they are now tasked with being a mentor on an intimate level.
“In many cases, we make claims to our followers and these claims often relate to their business outcomes—not just to giving business knowledge. So, we become responsible for guiding them to business success with the knowledge we share. We have to walk the walk.”
And McCarthy does that. He says his business aims to provide more than just valuable information to next-generation entrepreneurs.
“We project ourselves in such a way that people can rely on our agency for mentorship. And we help people come up with ideas, bring such ideas to life, brand those ideas and grow them to the point of fulfillment.”
In the end, there’s no doubt social media has brought about a paradigm shift in the way we engage with audiences. It has also opened doors to new opportunities and created a more accessible platform for learning and growth.
Given this constant evolution, it is essential for individuals and organizations to adapt and stay ahead of the curve.
“Social media is a very powerful tool for making a difference, not just for your brand and business endeavors but for others as well. It is well worth exploring,” McCarthy says.
Presented by E-commerce Lifestyle
Will Basta is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and real estate investor who’s taking the e-commerce world by storm. As co-founder of Ascend CapVentures, a leading e-commerce investment management firm and logistics company, Will has an impressive portfolio that spans not only Venice, California, but the entire globe.
He’s also a man of many passions—from fitness and travel to water projects and the hospitality industry. So, how does this ambitious, multifaceted man keep it all together?
Inspired by personal experiences in the e-commerce industry and a drive to fix its broken model, Will and his business partner Jeremy Leung set out to legitimize Amazon investment opportunities and bring sustainability into the vision. The dynamic duo has since democratized investing in a new asset class, bringing value to clients and innovating in a fast-paced environment.
The e-commerce (e-com) industry backed by Amazon is expected to rise to over 1 trillion dollars by 2025, according to a recent case study conducted by Satistia & Bloomberg Intelligence Analysis.
To keep up with the demands of his businesses, Will prioritizes physical fitness. He logs 10,000 steps a day, soaks up sunlight every morning, and maintains a clean diet. His love for volleyball, surfing, snowboarding, and regular gym sessions keeps him in tip-top shape.
When he’s not shaking up the e-commerce world, Will is an avid traveler, having visited nearly 60 countries. He’s a snowboarding and surfing enthusiast who loves anything related to the sea. Exploring new food is also high on his list of hobbies.
“Independence, financially or otherwise, is another thing that has been instrumental in my success as an entrepreneur,” says Will.
Even when it comes to dating and relationships, Will says he values independence and a “no-preconceived-agenda” mindset. He believes that two people should complement each other rather than depend on each other. If the vibe clicks, he’s all about going with the flow.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Will has several projects in the works. He’s exploring boutique hotel and restaurant ventures overseas and is heavily invested in a clean water project in Karachi, Pakistan.
As the face of a large company like Ascend CapVentures, Will has faced his share of challenges. When the organization hits rough patches, the pressure falls on him. Yet, his passion for the end goal and his willingness to enjoy the entrepreneurial ride, no matter how rocky, has always seen him through.
Will cautions those entering the e-commerce industry: “Be patient, and always trust your gut.” With a fast-paced, process-oriented environment, it’s easy to let success go to one’s head and make hasty decisions.
Will envisions digital products and Amazon’s global expansion as the future of online business investing. Ascend is already testing markets in Canada, the UK, and Germany, with the goal of enabling clients to successfully sell their businesses globally. The company is also dabbling in Amazon’s digital product space.
Will’s goals include continued success for Ascend’s clients, expanding their offerings, and delving deeper into the hospitality industry. “I am also committed to making a positive impact on the environment and communities worldwide,” he says.
“On a personal level, I want to maintain a healthy work-life balance and continue to explore the world through giving back, travel, and adventure.” Will is not just a business-savvy entrepreneur; he’s also a philanthropist with a heart.
He believes that success goes hand in hand with giving back. As part of his commitment to social responsibility, Will is actively involved in various charitable initiatives that support education, clean water, and sustainable development projects. He encourages other entrepreneurs to find their own ways of making a difference and leaving a lasting legacy.
In his downtime, Will enjoys reading, particularly books related to self-development, business, and spirituality. His keen interest in exploring different cultures and learning new languages is fueled by his desire to constantly learn and experience new things. An art aficionado, Will says he also finds inspiration in attending gallery openings and art fairs.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Will understands the importance of networking and building strong relationships in the business world. He regularly attends industry events and conferences to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations. Will believes that surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals can fuel creativity, challenge perspectives, and pave the way for success.
“I believe one of the keys to success is the ability to find balance in all aspects of life.” Will explains that he recognizes the importance of setting boundaries, taking breaks, and investing time in self-care to stay productive and maintain mental and emotional well-being. Will ensures that he dedicates time to his relationships, hobbies, and personal growth, while also staying focused on his professional goals.
In the world of e-commerce and beyond, Will is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye on this trailblazer as he continues to ascend to greater heights and redefine what it means to be a successful entrepreneur. While Will continues to grow and scale Ascend CapVentures to a nine-figure ecommerce business, he is also adamant about giving back, and making a positive impact on his clients and his community.
To learn more about investing into e-commerce automation and Amazon FBA, you can check out Ascend CapVenture’s website, or reach out to them via social media. @ascend_cv
HBO’s upcoming music biz drama The Idol finally has an official release date, following the buzzy show’s Cannes Film Festival premiere next month.
Co-created by Euphoria‘s Sam Levinson, the series stars real-life pop superstar Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye as a charismatic nightclub owner who mentors fictional pop sensation Joceyln, played by Lily Rose-Depp.
The heavily-hyped show’s fourth official teaser trailer features all the sex, drugs and seedy pop drama you’d expect from the creator of Euphoria, including a lingerie-clad Depp grinding on her backup dancers, at least one character snorting cocaine and other heralding Jocelyn as a “truly fucking nasty, nasty pop girl,” all to the strains of Britney Spears’ 2007 banger, “Gimme More.”
Along with Depp and Tesfaye, the A24-produced series also stars Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son, and Hank Azaria.
The new clip reveals that The Idol will debut on HBO on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 9:00 PM ET.
The series will also be available to stream on the newly-expanded Max streaming service, formerly known as HBO Max. Watch the latest teaser trailer above.
Presented by Sara Smith
In the world of social media, there are those who have what it takes to be a star, and there are those who are posers at best. Los Angeles-based influencer marketing agency Unruly Agency can tell the difference between good influencers and great influencers, and they have filled their team with the latter.
They are very selective with whom they vet out and bring into their agency. The wait list to even have a chance to speak to their team is months out at a time.
What may not be immediately apparent is the fact that Unruly Agency has a collective reach far greater than any of its individual collaborators, with nearly 1 billion potential consumers in the audiences of their social media influencers.
If you were to consolidate the influence of every social media influencer in the United States, Mexico, and Canada who is not currently represented by the Unruly Agency, that reach would pale in comparison to the collective influence of the Unruly Agency roster.
Most successful organizations are defined by their leadership. There is a top-down element at work in most businesses; the personality, work ethic, and morals of an organization start with the people in charge and are reflected throughout the organization. The same dynamic is true for the strategies a company like Unruly Agency can deploy on behalf of its collaborators.
Tara Electra, Founder of Unruly Agency, has first-hand knowledge at her disposal when strategizing how her team members can maximize their brand and online reach. Before founding the Unruly Agency, Electra reached the heights of social media independently by working with some of the largest events and brands across social media.
The immense possibilities the internet could afford became apparent to Unruly Agency founder Tara Electra at a young age.
“I realized early in my career that every brand, app, festival, etc., wants to invest in influencer marketing to bring more credibility, awareness, and conversion,” says Electra.
“When I saw those opportunities, and when I quickly learned about the world of online monetization, I learned that those brands have no long-term value for the talent to promote constantly… I realized I don’t want to be the person between getting the brand deals for talent. I want to make the talent a brand themselves. That is how you can build something way beyond a short-term paid brand deal.”
The opportunities presented by the internet are practically boundless. There are certain ineffable qualities someone may possess that would contribute to “blowing up” on social media, and without that kind of “it” factor, success on social platforms is a non-starter.
However, for those who have “it,” you need to go much farther than mere exposure. This is where a top-tier group like the Unruly Agency can elevate influencers to heights that may have otherwise been unachievable.
The industry of social media influence is incredibly competitive. Online interest is extremely volatile—it is not a given that an individual’s online presence will be maintainable on a long-term basis.
When an influencer is actively commanding the attention of an audience, maximizing the opportunities for financial gain should be treated as something that is fleeting. These efforts to maximize profit and “strike while the iron is hot” are vital in a very immediate sense.
A primary separating factor that dictates whether an influencer is just getting by or truly thriving is the extent to which they are able to monetize their influence and reach. Brands are largely agnostic when it comes to whom they would like to promote their products or services. It all comes down to hard numbers.
Gaining influence is by no means simple, but what is significantly more precarious is translating online influence into a profitable and sustainable source of income. More often than not, influencers who are able to navigate this complex and ever-changing environment have a team of experts like the specialists at the Unruly Agency in their corner.
At Unruly Agency, influencers receive individual and exceedingly tailored advice on how to maximize their personal brand, but they also benefit from being a part of a collective. Unruly Agency is a brand in and of itself.
This collective branding takes form in a number of ways, including industry events, charity fundraisers, and even a team trip to the Coachella music festival and the establishment of the “Unruly House” in 29 Palms this past year.
Corporate partners of the Unruly Agency include Ciroc, Alto Rideshare, Deleon Tequila, Fellow Fine Dining, The Hakkasan Group, Lounge Underwear, Koi Restaurant Group, The Adventure Challenge: Scratch-Off Books, and Tao Restaurant Group.
Being a member of a collective has distinct advantages for a social media influencer. The relationship is, in many ways, symbiotic. This dynamic most essentially provides a variety of routes by which a fan can learn about and connect with a given influencer.
Recent studies show that 84% of aspiring social media influencers are women. This is a staggering divide, and Unruly Agency ensures the company is aligned with that, with an employee base composed of 90% women and a client base of over 85% females.
The population of the Earth is slightly more than 8 billion people, and the combined reach of Unruly Agency’s clients accounts for nearly one-eighth of that. The entire population of the United States, Canada, and Mexico is not even one half of 1 billion people. In effect, the Unruly Agency family of fans is the largest country in the world if considered as a population of people. The key dynamic to consider is the massive opportunity for cross-pollination.
This is the critical factor that draws influencers to the yolk of the Unruly Agency social media empire. No single person on Instagram has anything approaching 1 billion followers, so this level of reach is legitimately unparalleled by any other representation group in the industry.
The cross-pollination is extremely impactful. When members of the Unruly Agency team participate in agency-wide trips like the 2022 Coachella excursion, they can expect to reach an audience that is potentially far more expensive than their individual reach could achieve. And that’s the magic of Unruly!
There’s hardly an excuse needed to enjoy the crisp, refreshing experience that is a classic Gin & Tonic, an ideal way to cut through the first balmy, breezy days of spring. The G&T even has its very own holiday—National Gin & Tonic Day, on Sunday, April 9.
A new season beckons, and perhaps you’re looking to shift your bar cart into a higher gear with new takes on the G&T—no time like the present, right? The best gin serves as an ideal blueprint for cocktails that are flavorful and quite literally spirited, going beyond the typical Gin & Tonic.
Here, five bartender-approved takes on the G&T that offer tasty new twists on the iconic cocktail.
Add The Botanist Gin to a highball glass, adding ice and filling halfway with equal parts soda water and tonic. Garnish with a long lemon twist and a fresh sprig of thyme, expressing the lemon oils over the top of the drink.
It’s the “bright citrus notes and aromatic herbal undertones” that are enhanced by the thyme and the lemon twist, says Jason Cousins, National Brand & Education Ambassador for Bruichladdich Distillery.
“Splitting the tonic with club soda reduces the sugar and calorie content while providing more space for The Botanist’s botanical mix to shine through, making it the perfect choice for a refreshing and refined take on a spring classic.”
Add Rose Gin in an ice-filled wine glass. Top with tonic water and garnish with a slice of lime and a fresh sprig of mint.
With any Gin & Tonic, it’s the gin itself that makes the difference, said Ciarán “Rowdy” Rooney, head distiller for Glendalough Distillery.
“The best gin for a G&T is a small batch distilled gin with a juniper forward flavor that includes other botanicals that are ideally locally sourced,” she says. “This will ensure you get a classic G&T that tastes fresh, flavorful and unique.”
Rooney notes that Glendalough’s Rose Gin, featuring roses from her mom’s garden, is a personal favorite and was developed to honor her deep lifelong friendship with her mother—a fitting personal touch for any sipping among family and friends.
Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with cubed ice and lightly stir. Garnish with 3 thinly sliced rounds of cucumber and serve.
“The Supersonic Gin &Tonic is the modern classic strapped to a caffeinated rocket and shot off into a peculiar cocktail universe,” saysVance Henderson, U.S. National Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin.
“In this unique riff on a G&T, we’ve tapped into trending and popular coffee drinks like the espresso martini, the espresso & tonic, and the carajillo, and married them with the floral refreshment of a Hendrick’s & Tonic.”
In a mixing glass, add chilled Las Californias and tonic water, along with a spoon of hop marmalade. Stir and serve in a chilled wine or coup glass, garnishing with mint and lemon.
The magic of this G&T, along with the bite of hop marmalade, is the distinctive approach Las Californias takes with its gin, sourcing ingredients from both California and Mexico.
The distillery calls its Nativo variety an “evergreen gin distilled with endemic botanicals from both sides of the border that predate human interaction with the Las Californias territory.”
Add all ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice. Stir briefly, garnish with grapefruit wedge, and serve. Of Tanqueray No. TEN, the well-known gin distillery says it’s the end product of “passion and attention to detail in perfect measure,” with fresh citrus fruits that deliver an “exquisite citrus burst in every sip.”
Presented by Tom White
Investing can be a daunting task for many, especially for those who are new to the world of e-commerce or even cryptocurrency. The market is constantly changing, and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends and strategies. Additionally, scams and blown up predictions further exacerbate the fear, uncertainty, and doubt that plague many first-time investors.
But you don’t have to believe “gurus” without proof to back their claims up. Joining a social club like UIGISC can help you navigate this landscape profitably and help you invest safely in crypto, real estate, precious metals, and e-commerce, among others.
UIGISC is a social group dedicated to helping its members make the most of their investments and find financial freedom. The group is formed of like-minded individuals who share diverse ideas and strategies on how to make money with their money.
Instead of relying on guru-style investment advice, UIGISC’s members socially share ways they can make money with their money. With over a 100,000 worldwide, the group is quickly becoming a popular source for those looking to invest in promising industries.
One of the keys to UIGISC’s success is Rabu’s One-Third Rule, a principle developed by founder Rabu Gary that he claims has helped thousands of people become financially free. The rule is simple yet powerful: Don’t play with money you can’t afford to lose, invest the free cash you have in spaces you’re comfortable with, and break your profits into three categories: repayments, investment, and play. This rule has become a way of life for UIGISC members, and they’re seeing excellent results.
Commitment to elevating the community is another of UIGISC’s pillars. As a tremendously successful person himself, Rabu knows nothing changes when only a few people have financial freedom. Consequently, he has spent many years championing financial education and innovation.
This has earned him recognition from various places, including Congress and major news publications like Forbes. Nicknamed the Harriet Tubman of Financial Freedom, Rabu is focused on raising awareness about the role community plays in financial freedom and helping those in his to reach their goals.
As for the crypto space, UIGISC’s vision is to ensure every member understands the industry and how they can leverage it to propel their financial growth. To achieve this, they share the steps they’ve taken to get there and the lessons they’ve acquired along the way. UIGISC members understand that becoming financially free is a journey, not a destination, and they’re here to support each other every step of the way.
Another critical aspect of UIGISC is its world-class debit card. UIGISC’s debit card is worth consideration for anyone looking to make money on their money in e-commerce, forex, precious metals, real estate, or crypto. With a quick wallet-to-wallet transfer and low rates, this debit card is designed for buying, selling, and spending crypto. And with the Club UIGISC card, members can spend crypto with ease, anywhere, anytime.
Joining UIGISC is like getting access to a secret club of like-minded individuals who know powerful things the rest of the world doesn’t. With its focus on Rabu’s One-Third Rule, its world-class debit card, and its ever-expanding network, UIGISC is the real deal for anyone looking to invest in crypto and other exciting opportunities.
