# Insights from Brandon Perlman of Social Studies, Inc. on Entrepreneurship
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
In a recent discussion, I had the opportunity to speak with Brandon Perlman, the visionary behind Social Studies, Inc., an innovative influencer marketing agency that he founded in 2015. Originally called The Gramlist, the agency emerged as a solution for identifying relevant social media voices, evolving into a platform that connects businesses with influential figures across digital landscapes. Brandon's unique approach pioneered the utilization of micro-influencers long before the term became mainstream.
Brandon's impressive background includes roles as an editor for prestigious magazines like InStyle and W, and co-founding StyleCaster Media Group, which became a leading women's lifestyle portal. In addition, he launched Departures.com and served as Director of Digital Marketing Strategy at Hearst Digital Media, where he developed numerous successful digital media programs.
Brandon currently resides in Aspen with his fiancée, finding time to enjoy skiing amidst his busy schedule.
Here’s a quote that encapsulates his philosophy: “Act decisively. No one can make decisions for you.”
Section 1.1: From Magazines to Entrepreneurship
Brandon describes himself as an "accidental entrepreneur." His journey began in the magazine industry, where he honed his expertise in content creation and quality production within luxury sectors. This foundation paved the way for his first startup, StyleCaster, where he recognized the potential of the burgeoning blogosphere and its creators.
As social media platforms gained traction, bloggers transitioned into influencers, leading to increased brand collaborations. After StyleCaster's acquisition in 2014, Brandon found himself advising peers on influencer marketing strategies, prompting him to develop "Gramlists"—curated lists of niche micro-influencers. This initiative ultimately led him to establish his agency, evolving from a consultancy to a fully-fledged agency within a few short years.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Humorous Challenge
Section 1.2: Overcoming Early Hurdles
Brandon shares candid insights about the challenges he faced in the early stages of his business. Initially focused on selling influencer lists, he soon discovered that clients often needed additional support, prompting him to expand into managed services and agency operations.
Chapter 2: Lessons Learned
In reflecting on his journey, Brandon emphasizes the importance of resilience. He views challenges as part of the daily business landscape rather than insurmountable obstacles. Having a strong network and articulating problems clearly has proven invaluable in navigating hurdles.
Section 2.1: The Role of Humor in Business
One particularly memorable incident occurred when Brandon injured his leg while heliskiing, requiring nine months of recovery. Despite the challenge, he remained committed to in-person meetings, leaving a lasting impression on colleagues as the determined entrepreneur who hobbled across town on crutches.
Subsection 2.1.1: Key Takeaways for Young Entrepreneurs
Brandon advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on several critical lessons:
- Maintain organized and clean data from the outset to prevent future complications.
- Be selective with meetings to maximize productivity.
- Recognize the vital role of content and SEO strategy in business.
Section 2.2: What Sets Social Studies Apart
Brandon attributes his company's success to a commitment to quality and independence from outside capital. He believes that genuine connections with influencers cannot be fully automated, emphasizing the human aspect of marketing in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
He advises industry peers to empower team members to specialize in specific areas, fostering a collaborative environment to prevent burnout.
Chapter 3: Acknowledgments and Philanthropy
Brandon expresses gratitude towards key individuals in his life who have supported him throughout his journey, including his fiancée, father, mentor, and dedicated team.
He is also passionate about philanthropy, focusing on modernizing traditional institutions and supporting the arts, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.
Section 3.1: A Vision for the Future
Brandon envisions a movement aimed at helping older generations navigate technology, recognizing the significant gap in support for this demographic as they embrace digital tools.
To stay connected, readers can follow Brandon on Instagram at @BrandonPerlman and @socialstudies.io.
Thank you for joining us for this inspiring conversation!