Welcome to our first episode of 2021. Happy New Year!

You know an industry has come to some level of maturation when trade organizations begin to form. Last year, the American Influencer Council was started by a group of creators and brand marketers to try and bring some advocacy for creators to the industry. And one of the key players in that happening was AIC co-founder Qianna Smith Bruneteau. 

Bruneteau is a familiar name to those who watch social media case studies. She previously led social media teams at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and the U.S. Tennis Association. Bruneteau might also be the person with the most Shorty Award nominations in history. She’s won two and been nominated seven times. She was also one of the early practitioners of social media for Time, Inc., and Essence Magazine. 

Bruneteau wound up in publishing because she began her digital career as an influencer. A blogger to be more precise. Back in the day when social networks weren’t the primary publishing platform for everyone. That background as an influencer and content creator gives her a unique perspective working from the brand-side of the equation.

It’s that perspective that helped her see that a trade organization like the American Influencer Council was needed. We talked about the role of the AIC, what benefits it provides creators and touched on a lot of the issues that face the industry.

Give it a listen and share with someone who might benefit from what AIC has to offer!

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