The 'No Influencers' Sign and Why We Don't Hate Influencers

What do we really mean when we say, "I hate influencers" ? This week, I'm doing something a little different. Instead of our usual catch-up, I'm reading a Substack piece I wrote after a "No Influencers" sign in Nantucket sparked a much bigger conversation online. Sign up for my free Substack, The Mom Flow, here . ICYMI, here's a CNN recap of the sign that broke the internet. We unpack why the word influencer has become a stereotype, why creators are often dismissed in ways other professions aren't, and whether our discomfort is actually about women building businesses around their voices. I also share my perspective after more than a decade working on both sides of the industry, as a marketer running influencer campaigns and as a creator partnering with brands myself. Along the way, we get into why influencer marketing is so misunderstood, what brands are actually paying for, why we confuse visibility with vanity, and whether it's time to retire the word influencer altogether. If you've ever rolled your eyes at influencers, worked in social media, built a personal brand, or simply wondered why this profession sparks so much debate, I think you'll find this conversation fascinating. If this episode resonates with you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a friend, left a rating or review, or sent me a message with your thoughts. Your support helps this podcast grow and allows these conversations to reach more women who need them. Follow me on Instagram @erincsousa and subscribe to my Substack See you next week! xx, Erin Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!