The Stillman School of Business, in partnership with the Hall Social Lab, hosted a presentation titled “Reel Talk: Exploring the Impact of Influence” on September 30. This event focused on influencer marketing’s growing significance in business and the importance of personal branding on social media.
As part of the Stillman Speaks series, Professor Debra Lee Surface led the discussion, emphasizing the need for students to present themselves professionally on social media, combining creativity with future career aspirations. Surface outlined various influencer types, from high-profile “mega-influencers” to smaller “micro-” and “nano-” influencers, highlighting the strength of their relationships with followers.
Students expressed concerns about social media’s pressures, noting the ethical dilemmas in maintaining their online brands. Some acknowledged the opportunities social media presents for marketing, while others like Addison Mihas underscored the importance of aligning personal brands with professional values.
The Hall Social Lab was introduced to help students engage with social media marketing, allowing them to collaborate on content creation. Students also have the option to take Surface’s influencer marketing course, where they learn strategies for building personal brands and ethical campaigning.
Surface stressed the importance of understanding oneself as a brand in the job market, encouraging students to reflect their values in their online identities.
