We recently connected with Samantha Zink and have shared our conversation below.
Samantha, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
When I initially launched my company as a side hustle, it was truly that—a side hustle. I juggled my nine-to-five PR job while laying the groundwork for Zink Talent. However, the pivotal moment came when I decided to fully commit to Zink Talent and step away from my secure nine-to-five position. It was undeniably a significant risk because, although I had clients, the income wasn’t enough to sustain myself in the bustling city of New York.
The decision was guided by an intuitive sense that it was the right time to make the leap. The backstory involves a dramatic exit from my office—I was so frustrated that I grabbed my belongings and left. We won’t delve into the details here, but it underscored the gravity of the risk. I had exorbitant rent and no substantial savings at that point.
Despite the challenges, I felt it was the opportune moment to focus on expanding Zink Talent. Leaving my nine-to-five meant I could allocate more time and energy to transform it from a side hustle into a more substantial venture, generating increased revenue. The thought process was clear: by dedicating myself fully, I could unlock the potential for greater success, as opposed to working on it only 30 percent of the time.
The initial period post-transition was undoubtedly a struggle, but I’ve always embraced significant risks in both my business ventures and investments. I firmly believe in the mantra of “high risk, high reward” and the idea that no risk equates to no magic. Confidence has been my constant companion throughout this journey—I always trust in my abilities and maintain a strong belief in myself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I own and run a talent agency called Zink Talent. I’m in charge of managing social media influencers primarily across TikTok and Instagram. What really excites me about my job is the fact that influencers and the entire social media landscape are the talk of the town. Regardless of whether you’re directly involved in the industry or just a casual social media user, everyone is on social media.
What sets it apart is that it’s a massive, ever-evolving movement. The dynamics shifts in the industry keep it from ever becoming stagnant. Being part of this significant shift in modern-day marketing is genuinely thrilling for me. I wouldn’t say I’m pioneering it, but I’m actively contributing to and leading a part of it.
Influencer management, like any job, has its risks. While I don’t foresee social media platforms disappearing anytime soon, there are uncertainties tied to the clients we work with and the current state of the world. For instance, during the pandemic, we had to temporarily halt our operations, affecting our revenue stream. Even now, with the ongoing global situation, some brands are cautious about collaborations.
Yes, it involves risks, but being at the forefront of the industry and witnessing this new wave of marketing coming to life is genuinely cool. It keeps things dynamic and ensures that every day brings something fresh and innovative.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Pitching I’d pinpoint pitching as a significant skill that has played a pivotal role in my journey. Whether you’re on the brand or PR side or delving into influencer management, pitching is a massive component, taking up about 90 percent of our daily efforts. It involves mastering the art of proper pitching, negotiating, and crafting pitches—it might sound trivial, but it truly is a skill.
The best way to develop this skill is through internships or starting from the ground up in a role where you can learn. I personally learned the art of pitching during my internship back in 2012-2013. The experienced professionals in the company taught me everything—from creating pitch lists to crafting pitches, finding contacts, and mastering professional email communication. It’s not something you can self-teach; learning from a seasoned pro is crucial.
2. Education in Social Media
Another crucial aspect is being well-versed and educated in social media. While it may sound straightforward, it’s imperative to know every influencer globally, understand the brands collaborating with influencers, and be aware of all ongoing campaigns. To excel, you need to stay ahead of the curve and comprehend the ever-changing landscape, enabling you to speak to everything with precision.
When it comes to being educated in social media, it’s a matter of passion. If you genuinely love it, you’re probably already immersed in platforms like TikTok and Instagram, following influencers and staying up-to-date. Age doesn’t matter; whether you’re 19 or 30, the key is having that genuine interest and being able to speak the language. If you don’t feel that passion, don’t force it—it might not be your thing.
3. Leadership Skills
And third, leadership skills play a vital role in influencer management. As the leader of my team and in a sense, a leader to my clients, there’s a substantial weight on my shoulders. The decisions I make impact both my employees and clients. It’s essential not to let emotions cloud judgment, staying clear-minded amidst external pressures. Leadership demands confidence in decision-making—no room for hesitation or second-guessing. It’s a skill that proves to be incredibly crucial in this role.
If you want to delve deeper into leadership, there are plenty of free resources available—books, podcasts, YouTube videos, and speeches. You don’t have to spend a dime; just immerse yourself in leadership podcasts, absorb the knowledge, and start implementing what you learn. There’s a wealth of information out there waiting to be explored.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Personally, as the leader, it’s crucial for me to capitalize on my strengths and continually develop them. However, where I lack, I make it a point to learn.
To run a business successfully, I believe you need strengths across the board in every area. While you don’t have to be the best at everything, having a working knowledge is essential. For instance, I can handle accounting, even though it wasn’t a natural strength of mine. Learning it was important for me to fully understand my business, and in case of any issues, I’m aware of how I want things to be managed.
I encourage influencers to manage themselves before getting professional management. It’s about knowing every aspect of your business, even if it’s admin or tedious. Wearing many hats in my company has made me a stronger leader. I ran everything solo for years, learning what didn’t come naturally. This advice extends to everyone, not just business leaders. Understanding and working in various areas makes you a more valuable asset.
In today’s work climate, having a diverse skill set is crucial. If you can’t find a job in your specific field, having multiple skills opens up other opportunities. Even if you don’t love a particular aspect, being aware of how to do it makes you more valuable to your employer. I lead by example, showing my employees that I can handle various aspects, making them more confident in their roles.
I emphasize getting out of one’s comfort zone. I make my employees run meetings to boost their confidence. Although they have designated roles, I encourage them to dabble in other areas. Having only one skill set can be limiting. I never want to be seen as someone who merely had an idea and hired people to execute it. Knowing how to do every aspect of my business makes me credible.
I acknowledge that when I hire specialists, they’re excellent at what they do. For example, my COO excels in accounting, and she has advanced skills in her field. While I may not know all her tricks, I ensure that I can handle base accounting independently. It’s about being prepared and not scrambling in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zink-talent.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthazinkovich/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-zink-3408a664?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
- Other: https://www.samanthazink.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-told-by-zink/id1648610931
