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How do you stand out in a crowded field where everyone seems to be an influencer? The answer is simple: build real relationships, be genuine, and focus on providing value.
In this episode of The Coach Yu Show, I interviewed Seth Jordan, a model and social media influencer with 100,000 followers. He shared what it’s really like to work in the modeling industry and how he found success. Interestingly, Seth didn’t initially plan on becoming a model, but his journey took an unexpected turn that led him to where he is today.
At age 16, while walking through a Charleston farmers market, he was approached by a Wilhelmina New York scout who saw his potential. From there, the process began, eventually leading to a successful modeling career.
When asked what people don’t realize about modeling, Seth emphasizes that it’s not as glamorous as many assume. While high-fashion female models may experience a more luxurious side of the industry, his work has been mostly commercial, think Macy’s or American Eagle.
The pay can vary, Seth says an average job might be $1,500, and how you get treated depends on the brand. Some cover travel and accommodations, others don’t. But consistency in these types of gigs has been the key to Seth’s career.
One of the more memorable challenges was doing a test shoot in Miami, which involves paying a photographer to build your portfolio. In this case, the photographer asked Seth to do underwear shots on a crowded beach. Awkward? Sure. But having the camera on him helped him push past the discomfort. That’s the reality of working in this space.
Modeling is about developing a skill set, like acting. It’s not just about being naturally photogenic. Seth shared how he practiced poses and expressions in front of a mirror, always focusing on meeting the brand’s specific needs for each shoot. He grew up in a small West Virginia town with a population of only 4,000. Surprisingly, a few others from the same town also became models, including one now working full-time in Japan.
Transitioning from Modeling to Personal Branding
Seth eventually moved away from pursuing modeling full-time. The unpredictability of agency work led him to focus on building his personal brand. He started by creating professional digital shots and sending them to agencies. While being scouted gave him an initial break, he stresses that consistency and persistence pay off in the long run.
Over time, Seth learned that building relationships with agency bookers is crucial. He looked to successful models like Niels Visser for career inspiration, showing that modeling can be just one part of a broader personal brand strategy. One key takeaway from Seth’s experience: a simple smile goes a long way. Even when working in South Korea without speaking the language, being approachable and positive helped him form strong connections.
Seth’s transition to being an influencer began with small partnerships, such as promoting Quiksilver. He didn’t wait for sponsors to come to him, he reached out directly, built a strong portfolio, and leveraged analytics to show his value. Tools like Tribe Social gave him more control over finding and working with brands.
Today, anyone with a smartphone can become an influencer. With AI making content creation and sharing easier, success depends on authenticity. It’s not about the number of followers but how engaged those followers are. Even small, dedicated audiences can create meaningful opportunities.
Seth Jordan learned early on that building a community is crucial. Engaging your audience, responding to comments, running polls, doing giveaways, keeps people involved and helps maintain trust. If that connection is lost, it’s harder to get back. The algorithm rewards active, engaged communities, so focusing on meaningful interaction sets you apart from those just waiting for opportunities to come to them.
Content creation takes effort. Rather than sitting back and hoping brands notice you, take initiative. Research potential sponsors, develop a strong portfolio, and highlight your top-performing content. While a professional camera can help, even a smartphone is good enough to start. Authenticity and consistent effort help build credibility and influence.
Running a social media agency isn’t as glamorous as some might think. Most of the time, it’s about sitting at a desk, planning content calendars, tracking analytics, and making sure everything stays on schedule. While it’s possible to work from anywhere, the day-to-day reality is far from the carefree image often portrayed.
Finding Genuine Influencers and Building Real Relationships
Identifying genuine influencers comes down to looking at what they’re sharing. Are they providing valuable, actionable advice? Real experts show their process step-by-step instead of just posting flashy images or making empty claims. It’s about delivering meaningful content, not surface-level engagement.
Strong relationships form the foundation of long-term opportunities. By helping others, offering quick solutions to their questions or concerns, you build trust. Trust, in turn, opens the door to further opportunities. You don’t need to start big. Begin with your existing network. Reach out to someone in a field you’re curious about. Comment on their posts. Engage meaningfully and build relationships without expecting anything in return.
Being located in America is not a prerequisite for success. No matter where you are in the world, you can still build meaningful relationships and get noticed. The key is how you engage. Thoughtful, well-researched comments that show genuine interest make a difference. When you move beyond generic compliments or surface-level reactions, people will take notice.
Build rapport over time so we can get to know you better. There are dozens of people who recently landed jobs just by engaging in our Facebook group. Join our digital marketing Facebook group, there are 43,000 members in there. There’s more than enough opportunity for everyone. One person’s success doesn’t mean less for you. Instead, go ask that person, “What did you do to achieve success?” You could even interview them on Zoom and turn it into an article.
These genuine interactions are what set you apart, helping you stand out and build lasting connections.
Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu is a former search engine engineer who has spent a billion dollars on Google and Facebook ads for Nike, Quiznos, Ashley Furniture, Red Bull, State Farm, and other organizations that have many locations.
He has achieved 25% of his goal of creating a million digital marketing jobs because of his partnership with universities, professional organizations, and agencies. Companies like GoDaddy, Fiverr, onlinejobs.ph, 7 Figure Agency, and Vendasta partner with him to create training and certifications.
Dennis created the Dollar a Day Strategy for local service businesses to enhance their existing local reputation and make the phone ring. He's coaching young adult agency owners who serve plumbers, AC technicians, landscapers, roofers, electricians in conjunction with leaders in these industries.
Mr. Yu believes that there should be a standard in measuring local marketing efforts, much like doctors and plumbers need to be certified and licensed. His Content Factory training and dashboards are used by thousands of practitioners.