Marlon Gobel is an influencer in the fashion world.  He has shown at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and been covered by top-notch publications like GQ, and is also not-so-coincidentally an influencer in Kred’s Fashion Community.

Marlon started off his career as Director of Operations for Thom Brown. After 8 years of experience in the fashion world and studying art and design, he launched his own menswear collection in Fall 2010. He is known for his sense of humor both online and offline, and his excitement for fashion is contagious.

We spoke to Marlon about how he leverages his online influence and why social media gives small brands the chance to show their best face to the world.

What does being influential online mean to you?

In the fashion world it is very important to have influence online.  With opportunities for exposure in print media decreasing, an incredible digital presence can be better then an advertising campaign in the best magazine.

How do you use your influence to better your community?

It’s our job to help men and women feel more chic and sophisticated.  Once you show them how cool they can look on the outside, it is very easy to show them how cool they can feel on the inside.

How does being generous in social media enhance your network?

We believe the most influential people look good and dress well, and we love to share advice on how to do just that.  It keeps everyone coming back for more!  Every day is a chance to be more stylish then the last.

What do you do to integrate ‘real life’ with your online identity?

At Marlon Gobel we believe that every man should be a gentleman and have meaning in their lives. We follow the same guidance with social media. We don’t share anything unless it’s kind and smart, and we always throw in some humor!

What’s your advice for someone that wants to make a career in fashion?

Social media has evened the playing field. Small brands have the same opportunity as big brands to share their vision and style. You don’t need a billboard in Times Square to make a fashion statement or to start a trend. Your customers can have just as much Kred as an editor of a magazine.

Watch this video to view Marlon Gobel’s latest Spring/Summer 2012 collection:

MARLON GOBEL • Spring / Summer 2012 from MARLON GOBEL on Vimeo.

Justin Matthew is a Social Media Specialist and viral video maker for popular YouTube network HouseholdHacker, which has over 1.2 million subscribers and 167 million views for fun science education videos like “Defying Gravity” and “Boil Water With Ice!”  Follow Justin at @JMHHacker or read his social media tips at http://www.jmhhacker.com/.

Follow @JMHHacker

What does being influential online mean to you?

I love Social Media and am a member of at least 20 different platforms.  I help create, act, write and research viral Youtube videos that teach people about Science, Technology, Computer Tips, DIY, Gaming, Education and more.   Of course I use all our social media platforms to promote a new video or tweet a cool fact about science, technology, DIY culture or gaming.  We have one of the most popular Science shows on the internet with over 60 videos and 40 million views!  We also love to have fun with the occasional Prank.

The goal is to create content that helps people get smarter.  I have a blast doing my job and making a living on the internet, and I hope everyone finds my content interesting.  I love technology, science, art, gaming and much more. We appreciate all the support, so please don’t hesitate to say hello.

How do you use your influence to better your community?

It means everything to me. I spend hours a day trying to  help others.  I know that may sound routine but I can back it up. I started a second Twitter channel called @TheJmhhacker to support content creators.  I also founded a forum with the sole purpose of offering support and advice to each other.

How does generosity enhance your online relationships?

Generosity enhances every relationship.  It goes hand in hand with influence. I try to interact and care about everyone that contacts me and go out of my way to try to help them.  Without generosity, I would not be where I am today.

How do you integrate your real life experiences with your online identity?

I live offline the same way I live online: very competitively!  I won the Orlando tennis championship 5 times and now I use this as a platform to help and coach other players.

I don’t think it would be possible to live two separate lives: one online and one offline.  You are who you are!

What advice do you have for someone who wants to make viral videos their career?

Never give up.  The key to being in social media is being motivated and patient every day.  Always try new content and continue to fight until you become a master of it.  I also recommend setting a schedule each day for spending time online engaging with others to increase your influence.

James Kicklighter is an award winning director/producer whose work has been recognized by leading film publications around the world.  He established his production company JamesWorks Entertainment in 2005 at the age of 16.  Since then it has added web development and marketing/public relations divisions.

Ain’t It Cool News raved that James’ short film Followed “[is] directed with a delicate and gentle hand… The most unexpected horror surprise seen in quite a while.”   He has also produced several documentary films.  Film Threat said that Di Passaggio “captures all the imperfections of group travel in a foreign country, boiled down to the authentically naive reactions…[and] innocent perceptions of the world.”

Follow James at @jameskick, watch his zombie short Followed, and check out his full filmography at his personal site or IMDb profile.

What does being influential online mean to you?

I must admit that it is a feeling of great accomplishment because it has taken years to cultivate influence both digitally and offline, so it is important to maintain a positive image with people who support and trust me.  While I once would post personal things, I now try to be aware of the variety of audiences and belief systems that I speak to on a daily basis. We live in a large world with many cultures, so I treat everyone’s thoughts with dignity.

With influence, there is an added sense of responsibility. People observe my behavior, and I have to make sure that it is in keeping with how I would expect others to treat me. I try to be as nice to individuals as possible, though I sometimes go off on brands that have done me wrong to get more attentive customer service.

I learned a valuable lesson years ago that the best way to build trust is to be as honest and forthcoming as possible. That mentality helped me create influence. When a certain number of people start to trust you, then others join the bandwagon. To build that trust, I have to continue to treat my fans and followers with respect. Continue Reading →

@MrMikeStreet  is a Senior Director of Digital Marketing in New York City, and has developed strategies for brands like Time Magazine, Rémy Martin, Oscar de la Renta, Lexus, Turner Broadcasting, and BET Networks. He is also (as his Twitter Bio says) a lover of bourbon and a Superstar Blogger.

In this interview, Mike discusses how he uses his professional and personal influence to create technology career opportunities for people in Harlem.

What does being influential online mean to you?

Online Influence is the difference between being a Good Witch or a Bad Witch.  I use my powers for good!

But seriously, I focus on helping people simplify their lives through social media. I meet many people and business owners who are overwhelmed by social media, and find my tweets, blog posts and tutorials helpful. I use my online influence to help bring people to a zen-like relationship with social media.  I don’t want people to think of social media as a big headache.

How do you use your influence to better your community?

Online and offline I’m trying to use my influence to help people be laser-focused on their career and business path.

I’m the organizer of the Blacks in Technology Meetup in NYC.  I use my influence there to help African-Americans navigate technology and develop a successful career path. In March we hosted a Meetup with EA Games to help African-Americans get a “1-up” on a career in gaming.

I live in historical Harlem, and I work to bring tech uptown by hosting events that focus on technology.  In April we are hosting a Tech Demo night in Harlem, DEMO 4 UR LIFE, where local startups will have a platform to showcase their work.

How does generosity enhance your online relationships?

I strongly believe in giving as much as I can. You can’t expect people to pay attention to you if you are not a beacon of generosity. I try my best to paint my online life with unicorns, rainbows, and kittens so that when people interact with me they are having a positive experience.

How do you integrate your real life experiences with your online identity?

I’m exactly the same online as I am offline. I’m extremely cool, laid-back, and always willing to share out as much information as I can. A  lot of people have been nice to me and have helped me along the way, so I personally feel the need to give back as much as I can. If you see me on the street and need my help then I’m more then willing to lend an ear. I’m fun that way..LOL.  And if you buy me a bourbon you can really get deeper into my head.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to make social media their career?

If you’re trying to have a career in social media, then you need the following:

• Strategy First, Platform Second – I have interviewed and hired a ton of people over the years, so I know what companies are really looking for in social. Make sure you know how to speak to strategy development and social media build.
• Community Development – If you want to do well in this business, know how to build and manage a community. I’ve seen too many people come in for an interviews with no community management skills. This a base level skill set that you MUST have.
• Measurement and ROI – Learn how to measure and track EVERYTHING.
• Account Management – 90% of the job is building a relationship with your client. Learn how to make the client your best friend. I’ve had clients call me late at night and talk to me for hours and then pay me MORE money to help reach their goals. Account Management is the difference that will make your career successful.

Connect with Mike on Twitter at @MrMikeStreet, follow his blog or mail him at streetforce1 at gmail.com.