Liv Arnold
May 23, 2023
Kateryna Akulenko
June 5, 2023
The “philosopher’s stone” sought by all aspiring influencers, the elusive “thing” that makes you stand out from the crowd and lead people after you – Emily Ford calls it the “ITfactor” and claims to know how to find it. A motivational speaker and fashion enthusiast, she believes that knowing your true strengths and values helps to connect with different audiences and succeed both in business and in life.
How would you define “ITfactor”?
I would define having ITfactor as leaning into your true passion, strengths and what makes you uniquely you in your personal and professional life. I’ve spent the last 13 years learning how to love and accept myself, which includes the past experiences of my life that have caused me pain and shame, which has led me to heal, which has led me to peace and understanding. I’ve also learned truly what my strengths are and ultimately my “ITfactor” that makes me unique and I have baked that into my brand and everything I do.
I’ve spent the last 13 years learning how to love and accept myself, which includes the past experiences of my life that have caused me pain and shame
What is your best advice to entrepreneurs looking to grow their personal brand?
You need to work on keeping your brand presence real while also still positively representing your brand in an interesting and engaging way. This can feel like walking a tightrope.
In a world where everyone is only showing the highlights – carefully curated, beautifully lit and perfectly filtered moments — it’s easy to get trapped in the pitfalls of comparison and one-upmanship. Avoid this siren song and let your brand speak for itself through real moments.
I believe in showing the contrast: you educate your followers as an authority in a certain area while also showing that you are a real person with flaws, feelings and setbacks. It’s a win-win combination.
I’ve also learned truly what my strengths are and ultimately my “ITfactor” that makes me unique and I have baked that into my brand and everything I do
How does your ITfactor benefit your business and personal brand?
It makes you STAND OUT for all the right reasons. You are being YOU. Not a carbon copy, not a fake. You are owning all of you.
It also makes it easy to know who you are serving, what content you should put into the world and, ultimately, act in congruence with your true strengths and values. All in all, the “thing” that you’ve been hiding is normally the thing that needs to be shown to the world because it makes you unique and powerfully positioned.
You need to work on keeping your brand presence real while also still positively representing your brand in an interesting and engaging way
Tell us about the one thing that inspires you beyond your business ventures.
The thing that inspires me most is knowing the impact I’m making for the Kingdom of God. I know I have a huge audience and that I’m grateful for. However, I work to glorify God. I have an audience of one and my prayer is that I see Him clapping.
I believe in showing the contrast: you educate your followers as an authority in a certain area
You have a huge social media presence. Best tips on how to grow your business on social media.
1. Show up consistently. On your main feed and Insta stories. Why would anyone follow you if you don’t give them anything to follow?
2. Stand for something that is important to you! Bake your values into your content. Integrity is everything and that goes for content as well.
3. Get creative. You need to put some thought into your content creation. Create value, provide people with education, inspiration, entertainment and you will start to create traction.
4. Show us the real you. The professional you, the at-home-home-sweat-pants you, the highs, the lows. The Mom, the Dad. This is how you gain real trust. Being real and creating authentic content creates a deeper connection with customers, encouraging brand loyalty and taking the bond past sales. It’s about the relationship between the brand and followers, and by being real, that relationship becomes stronger, allowing brands to secure customers’ valuable attention and engagement.
This is something that truly will impact that entrepreneur that simply needs guidance and a true team of creatives to make their brand come to life
You are starting another business venture soon. We are excited to hear about this. Can you tell our audience what to expect?
Yes, I am launching Fortitude Boutique Agency. This is something that truly will impact that entrepreneur that simply needs guidance and a true team of creatives to make their brand come to life.
Photography: @_irma_lion_
Glam: @kristinawrightjewelry
Styling: @thenomadfashionista
Earrings: @ysl
Necklace: @luxestylinghaus heirloom
Jacket: @3publicrelations
Shoes: @calvinklein
PR: @say__media