Idalia Salsamendi- the Badass Business Strategist EVERY Influencer needs to know about

Tell us what you do. Give us your best elevator pitch!

(Whew! Here goes!) I'm the CEO of my own consulting company, Idalia Salsamendi INC, that focuses on business strategy for both influencers and brand alike, while also being the Director of Business Development for Chriselle INC (Chriselle Lim's company), while also co-owning LaHavane, a fabulous jewelry company with my mother, while also being founder/host of The Realization Podcast which brings vital (and for the most part hush hush) information about the industry out to the public in order to create progress. How's that for a quick elevator pitch? ;)

What kinds of products/ services do you offer? How is your business different & what ignited the spark?

My goal when working with any influencer or brand is not how they can get more, but actually how they can give more/back to society, and how to develop long-lasting professional relationships. I've found that working from a place of authenticity takes businesses further than one could ever expect. Don't get me wrong, at the end of the day we need to see a ROI and the monetary pendulum swing in the right direction, but my approach is about peeling the layers of the onion back to get to the core of my client's business. The spark was ignited when I was working at Next in NYC and realized I was a booking machine but not really digging into the humanity of the industry. That's what really fascinates me! My services really do differ depending on the client, but at the end of the day in this fast paced world of digital marketing, one always has to be evolving. That's where I come in, and the proof is in the pudding.

Since unfortunately I can't split myself into a million pieces and consult for everyone who asks for my business, a game-changer has been creating my online kits. These kits found on my website www.idaliasalsamendi.com divulge answers and tips+tricks to my most commonly asked questions. The three kits I have available online right now are 1) The Pitch Kit which teaches both influencers and brands how to create a successful media kit/ onesheet and also how to do a proper email pitch 2) The Contract Kit which goes into great depth on how brands and influencers can protect themselves legally when signing a partnership contract and how to communicate professionally and honestly while doing so 3) The Algorithm Kit which dives into the world of Instagram, its algorithm, and how it may be affecting your business. I seriously wish I had something like this when I started out in the industry! More to come!

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted?

Since I was a child, I've always wanted my own business and prepared myself every step of the way in ensuring I would reach that point where I was ready to fly solo. Motivation for me comes primarily from creating my company's ethos, and ensuring that I execute on that. I genuinely want to make the world and the industry I work in a better and more inclusive space.

Do you have a fixed work routine? Is it important to have one? Any tips for our readers?

Oh my! Everyone really has to have an acute understanding on how they can best operate in a work environment, but what I've found most beneficial for me is sticking to a strict work/time routine. So although I do not have to technically go into an office every morning as I once did at my agency jobs, I treat wherever I am in the world as my office. No sleeping in late, no afternoons off, no three hour lunch breaks, etc etc. I've found that I'm actually my strictest boss, and I hold myself fully accountable to that.

How do you generate new ideas to stay relevant on the market? Is it important to innovate in your space?

Read Read Read! Research Research Research! It's so important to get as educated as possible not only on what's going on in today's market, but also to peak back in history to see how other avenues of the marketing and advertising industry evolved. So I suppose my "new ideas" are actually an educated tweaking of older and successful ideas that can play into today's market. It's of the upmost relevance to innovate and evolve the space.

What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

The sacrifices have always been plenty and with consequence (both good and bad). However the key for me is realizing if the sacrifice is worth the outcome. For example, back in 2017 I found myself in the hospital seven times due to stress and clinical anxiety. Was the outcome worth it? No. It's of no value to me or those around me to be "successful" if I wind up with a life-threatening illness that came about because of the stress. But here's a healthy sacrifice: traveling for work. It takes time away from my family and loved ones, but I know the relationships I make and build through my travels are priceless. They've been the biggest game-changers both in my professional and personal life.

How far are you willing to go to succeed?

Perhaps first we have to define what success means for me: a healthy balance of work, family/friends, and charity. I think that any human being that works consistently and consciously to ensure they're living up to their highest calling is one that understands their deeper purpose for existence. And to ensure a deeper purpose for existence, you have to be willing to go as far as it takes.

What do you think about “company culture”? What are some of your tips on being a good leader?

For me company culture has to be a healthy blend of hard work and humanity. A good leader is one who is able to communicate efficiently and transparently to their employees in order to achieve communal excellence; one who is not stuck in their ways but rather open to hearing new innovative ideas for the betterment of the whole; one who leads by example; one who understands that the success of the company is in the sum of its parts; one who creates an environment of excitement and progress; one who is not afraid to roll up the sleeves and do the dirty/hard work; one who takes responsibility for their actions and holds others accountable for theirs.

What is one thing you find to be true that most people would disagree with?

"You can't have your cake and eat it too" - that saying makes my blood boil. You should eat your cake. That's why you worked long and hard to make it! Eat and share! There's enough to go around.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idaliasalsamendi/?hl=en

Website: https://www.idaliasalsamendi.com/?from=@

The REALIZATION Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-realization-podcast/id1425664644?mt=2