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Interview with Hon Ian Gooding-Edghill Minister of Tourism – Barbados set to expand in 2024

The Welcome Stamp set up during the Covid outbreak from Barbados has been so successful that the Barbados Government has extended the program. There has been tremendous interest from those wishing to work remotely from a tropical destination. Not only can you bring your family, but you can also use it to influence your friends to come too which also boosts our tourism numbers, says Hon Ian Gooding-Edghill, Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados.

Speaking at World Travel Market, the minister is keen to not only update the travel industry as to what’s happening in Barbados, but also to understand how Barbados is performing as a destination compared to other Caribbean islands. He commented that Virgin Airways has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and British Airways are planning a wonderful platinum anniversary celebration. Barbados carriers currently fly out of Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow, so the Tourism Board is keen to strengthen other airline partnerships too.

The minister points out that they are not fully recovered from 2019 visitor arrivals, but he did share the spend has increased. The new Wyndham property has opened on the island with 417 rooms, giving thousands of extra room nights on an annual basis. They’re also other hotels under construction ready to open in 2026. And in relation to the MICE market, the Wyndham hotel is one of the largest conference facilities in the island.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT INFLUENCER BRAND PARTNERSHIP

Lived in Dubai for over 28 years, Naomi Dsouza is a foodie creator reviewing restaurants and posting content online. A dedicated professional she is super detailed in her communications with brands to ensure she gets the best outcome. In this episode we talk about her brand partnerships and why some brands get it and others simply don’t know how to work with influencers. Naomi also talks about the pre-quel and why engaging an influencer ahead of a campaign, during and post will create maximum output. Find her on Instagram @naomi_dsouza

WHY PASSION FOR BOLLYWOOD GREW AN AMAZING ONLINE AUDIENCE?

Join the "Grow Your Influence Online" Podcast as we delve into Ahmad Al Marzooqi's (@chai_with_ahmad) journey of bridging Arab audiences with Indian culture, earning the title of "Bollywood Wikipedia." Discover how his engaging interviews with stars like Tiger Shroff and Jacqueline Fernandez ignited a Bollywood craze among his followers!

Building on Excellence: Saluting Black Women’s Achievements

Building on Excellence: Saluting Black Women's Achievements

This Black History Month's theme, "Saluting Our Sisters," encourages us to pay special tribute to the invaluable contributions of women of colour to our city's life. From pioneering activists and cultural icons to contemporary trailblazers, these remarkable changemakers, challengers, and disruptors have made an indelible mark on their industries and society, enriching the UK's diverse cultural tapestry. Shannon Walker, award-winning diversity champion and founder of Comms Consultancy Social Disruption, shares a list of influential and inspirational individuals in the Black community to follow and celebrate this Black History Month and beyond.

Leading Influencer Marketing Expert, Gordon Glenister shares his shortlist

“Black women historically have been the backbones of their homes, society and the leaders of change. It’s an honour to build on the strong shoulders of women in the past and salute some incredible wave makers continuing to do great work today.”
- Shannon Walker

1. Shakaila Forbes Bell

Pioneer Shakaila is a formidable force in the world of fashion psychology. As an acclaimed author and pioneer in the field, she's made a profound impact, helping global brands understand their consumers better to producing ground-breaking research to address the under-representation of Black models in fashion media. Notably, Shakaila is the celebrated author of "Big Dress Energy" and holds the honour of being the world's first Black individual to achieve a master's degree in fashion psychology.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

2. Claudine Reid MBE

A frequent presence on top entrepreneur lists, Claudine Reid is an acclaimed businesswoman, renowned speaker, and a prominent figure celebrated for her exceptional contributions to the community across various sectors. Reid continues to inspire, setting a powerful example, leaving behind a legacy of enduring positive change and helping others realise their capacity for more.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

3. Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Dr. Aderin-Pocock is an award-winning British space scientist, science educator, and science communicator. Notably, she holds the prestigious role of Chancellor at Leicester University, making history as the first Black woman to do so.

Social Media Profiles: N/A

4. Hayley Mulenda

A globally acclaimed Multi-Award Winning International Speaker, Author, and Change Agent, Hayley Mulenda has impacted tens of thousands of lives worldwide with her compelling story of turning pain into purpose. Her uplifting Instagram page spreads positive messages of hope, love, faith and empowerment.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

5. Marsha and Chyloe Powell

Marsha and Chloe Powell are a testament to the transformative power of unity and sisterhood. These inspirational entrepreneurs turned their personal grief into a powerful force for positive change by founding "BelEve." Through this remarkable organisation, they empower girls to chase their dreams, reshaping the narrative of female leadership and offering a valuable support network of role models. The Powell sisters serve as a compelling reminder that unity and sisterhood inspire continuous drive and a relentless pursuit of success.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●Marsha’s LinkedIn Profile | ●Chyloe’s LinkedIn Profile | Company Website

6. Fisayo Longe

Fisayo Longe is the creative force behind the Kai Collective, a fashion brand designed to empower female confidence and inspire self-expression.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

7. Cydney Helsdown

Mum, content creator and “liberator” @cydenythelight is a passionate champion for self-acceptance, advocating for the liberation of women's bodies from beauty standards. With unwavering dedication, she strives to assist women in rediscovering their self-worth and embracing their authenticity, thus fostering an engaged, positive community of fellow mums and women, young and old, inspired to view themselves in a new light.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram

8. Irene Agbontaen

A global tastemaker and opinion influencer, Irene Agbontaen is a pivotal figure at the crossroads of fashion, music, and culture. Her extensive network and cultural relevance make her a highly respected figure in these industries.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile | ●Business Instagram

9. Khalia Ismain

Khalia Ismain is a passionate social entrepreneur who has recently assumed the role of Black Entrepreneurs Programme Manager at Lloyd's Bank. She is also the driving force behind Jamii, a groundbreaking online marketplace and discovery platform that empowers Black creators and makers in the UK.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

10. Kike Oniwinde

Kike Oniwinde is the CEO and Founder of The Black Young Professional Network, a dedicated leader empowering the next generation of Black professionals. Under Oniwinde's guidance, the network connects, educates, and inspires young Black talent, advocating for diversity and inclusion. Oniwinde's vision shapes a brighter, inclusive future for all young Black professionals.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

11. Antoinette Oguntonade

Property personality Antoinette is one half of Brickz with Tipz with her husband, a curated space that simplifies the complexities of property and finance in a relatable manner, welcoming individuals to navigate these fields with ease.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram

12. Jasmine Douglas

As the Founder of the online community "Babes on Waves" (BOW), Jasmine Douglas leads the Young Innovators program, connecting underrepresented individuals with meaningful opportunities and fostering positive change.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

13. (Dr) Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE

Highly sought-after as a speaker and presenter, (Dr) Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE is the co-founder of the award-winning social enterprise, Stemettes. She's been recognized as one of the most influential women in tech and continues to make impactful contributions in this field.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

14. Lydia Amoah

Lydia Amoah is a dynamic speaker, coach, consultant, and accomplished author. Her unwavering passion for fostering authentic, inclusive lives shines through every facet of her work. The eagerly awaited "The Black Pound Report," authored by Lydia Amoah, is a profound exploration of the UK's Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic consumer spending power, revealing untapped potential and profitable opportunities.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

15. Bianca Miller

Bianca Miller is an award-winning entrepreneur, renowned workshop facilitator, and internationally recognized professional speaker. She is the visionary founder of Hian skin and hosiery, making waves in the beauty and fashion industry.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

16. Ayesha Ofori

Ayesha is a multi-award winning investment manager, wealth adviser, and property specialist. She is also the visionary founder of the Black Property Network (BPN), a dynamic platform connecting professionals in the real estate industry.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

17. Izzy Obeng

Izzy Obeng is the visionary founder of Foundervine, a social enterprise specialising in digital start-up and scale-up acceleration programs. Her work since 2018 has significantly impacted the digital entrepreneurship landscape.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

18. Vanessa Kingori

Publishing powerhouse, Vanessa Kingori is a notable figure in the world of fashion and media. She is known for her role as a chief business officer at Condé Nast Britain and as a Vogue European business advisor. She has made significant contributions to the fashion industry and played a pivotal role in the business aspects of Vogue in the UK.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

19. Nina Lopes

Nina Lopes is an inspiring mother, content creator and resilient stage 4 cancer patient. Her moving journey is shared with her supportive Instagram community, providing hope and strength to many facing similar challenges.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram

20. Yvonne Bajela

Yvonne is the founder and principal of a UK-based venture capital firm, Impact X Capital. Her firm focuses on investing in companies led by underrepresented founders at the seed and Series A stages, helping to shape the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

21. Shannon Walker

Contributor Shannon Walker is an accomplished changemaker, distinguished for her recent inclusion in PRWeek's esteemed "30 Under 30" list for 2023 and her well-deserved recognition at the "Black Representation in Media (BRiM) Changemakers Awards." Her exceptional expertise lies in transformative 'people-first' digital and influencer communications, underpinned by a strong commitment to purpose and inclusivity, which she ardently champions through her company, Social Disruption.

Social Media Profiles: ●Instagram | ●LinkedIn Profile

If you’d like to talk about how to build or develop your influencer marketing strategy or how to connect with the right influencer marketing agency for your brand, get in touch. I’d love to chat.

Gordon Glenister is the author of a new book, Influencer Marketing Strategy. Learn:

  • How To Build An Influencer Strategy
  • What Makes A Great Influencer
  • About The Rise Of Clubhouse And Tik Tok
  • About Future Digital Trends For Connecting With A Digital Customer

Order your copy at: Gordon Glenister | Membership and Merchandise Specialist London

Find out more at: https://gordonglenister.com/influencer-marketing-strategy-book/

How Much Do Virtual Influencers Make Online?

Posting on social media has become a lucrative business, with top content creators earning millions. But there is a new trend emerging: virtual influencers.

These personalities have the same presence and power as regular influencers, but they only exist in the digital world.

RANT Casino calculated how much these virtual influencers could make in a year from sponsored Instagram posts alone.

How much could Instagram's most popular virtual influencers earn in a year?

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Lu do Magalu - £12.7 million

First in the rankings is Lu do Magalu: a social media star in Brazil with over 6.4 million Instagram followers, created by Brazilian retail brand Magalu. Originally focused on content such as unboxing videos and product reviews on behalf of the company, Lu now also shares her life and takes a stand on political matters, such as advocating for LGBT rights. Lu is no longer just a sales tool, but a fully fledged influencer.

As one of the most loved and well-known influencers in Brazil, this non-human icon could earn over £12.7 million per year on Instagram alone.

CB of Casas Bahia - £6.4 million

Second in the rankings is CB, another product of a Brazilian retail giant, this time Casas Bahia. Like Lu do Magalu, CB’s content is not exclusive to product advertisement for the brand; he shares his love of video games, movies, memes and more with his almost 4 million Instagram followers.

This animated virtual teen has the potential to earn over £6.4 million on Instagram alone.

Any Malu - £481K

Third in the rankings is Any Malu: a virtual influencer turned Cartoon Network star who has the potential to make over £481K from her Instagram presence alone. The animated figure from Brazil has over 3 million YouTube subscribers as well as over half a million followers on Instagram.

Originally created by production company Combo Estúdio as a marketing tool, Any Malu began making videos on YouTube and is now the star of her own animated Cartoon Network television show: O (sur)real mundo de Any Malu (English: Any Malu's Surreal World).

Noonoouri - £135K

Next up is Noonoouri: a digital style icon who has made waves in the fashion world. The animated character has worked with the likes of Dior, Valentino, MiuMiu, Kim Kardashian and more; a list that most real-life influencers only dream of. Noonoouri also brings awareness to social issues and advocates for animal rights to her over 400K followers on Instagram.

From her Instagram platform, Noonoouri could be making over £135K per year.

Leya Love - £119K

Next in the rankings is a virtual influencer with a bigger mission: Leya Love is an ambassador for the “World Awareness Movement” and encourages her 383K Instagram followers to embrace positivity and love the planet.

With the platform she has built from spreading her positive messages, the virtual activist and influencer could make £119K per year from Instagram.

Do you want to earn $12,000 per post on TikTok?

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Do you want to earn $12,000 per post on Tiktok?

With this in mind, Tipalti analyzed the streaming landscape of mid-2023 to reveal the highest-earning gamers on TikTok. 

You can view the full research here: Gamer Revenue Report

The Highest Earning Gamers On TikTok 

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Nikolarnreal name Nikola Anicic, is the highest-paid streamer on TikTok.

A  retired Serbian professional Apex Legend player who used to compete for Team Singularity, Nikolarn creates gaming content covering games such as Counter-Strike, Apex Legends and Valorant. He is also a prominent crypto enthusiast. A single sponsored post on Nikolarn’s TikTok could cost up to $12,690

Ibai Llanos Garatea, commonly known as Ibai, is the second highest-paid gamer on TikTok.

Ibai is an ex-content creator for G2 Esports, is co-owner of esports team KPO and regularly streams video games such as League of Legends on Twitch, as well as streaming sports commentary and “Just Chatting” videos. With 16 million followers on TikTok, a single sponsored post on his account could be worth $12,675.

British streamer and social media sensation TommyInnit has the third most valuable TikTok presence.

With a single post from his account being worth up to $9,635/ Real name Thomas Simons, TommyInnit is one of the youngest streamers in Tipalti’s report and has over 12 million followers on TikTok.

The study also looked at which gamers earnt the most on Instagram.

The Highest Earning Gamers On Instagram

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AuronPlay comes in first place with potential earnings of almost $50,000 per Instagram post.

With 18.8 million followers on the platform, the majority of posts offer a more personal window into the streamer’s life than his content on YouTube and Twitch, which has a greater focus on gaming and entertainment.

In second place is El Rubis, who earns a potential $46,984 per Instagram post.

Like AuronPlay, El Rubius uses his Instagram account as more of a personal blog in which he shares moments from his day-to-day life with his 17.7 million followers.

The streamer with the third most valuable Instagram account is Ninja, real name Richard Tyler Blevins, with a single sponsored post on the account worth over $32,700.

Ninja is arguably one of the most famous streamers out there, producing content for a range of videogames including Halo 3, Apex Legends, and Fortnite.

Further study insights:

  • The streamer with the highest potential earnings on YouTube is GeorgeNotFound, who could be making up to $44,300 per sponsored video.
  • Félix Lengyel, known on Twitch as xQc, has 11.80m subscribers and can earn up to $16,088 per video.

HOW DO YOU GET 65M FOLLOWERS?

Matt Keston (IG - @mattkeston) is from London, UK and the MC for Nas Daily (IG - @nasdaily) events on stage and online via zoom. Matt also manages all the freelancers who work at Nas Academy, a company set up by Nuseir Yassin (Nas Daily) in order to help people around the world learn how to make great videos! Listen to this podcast now for some amazing insights.

GROWING YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE FT. SHREYA PATTAR

Shreya Pattar, Known as 'The LinkedIn Girl,' she is a prolific e-book writer and creator who helps tech founders and business coaches gain the recognition and respect they deserve on LinkedIn and Twitter. If you're looking to create strong brand visibility and high engagement with authenticity on LinkedIn and Twitter, you must listen to her in this episode with Gordon.