The “tried-and-true” path to financial success, which requires tiresome nine-to-five jobs and gradually working one’s way up the corporate ladder, is increasingly being deviated from by younger generations. The idea that there’s more than meets the eye to this conventional financial system is gaining popularity among Millennials and Generation Z. Student loans, increasingly high home values, and other difficulties faced by young generations when they enter the workforce and beyond lend credence to these ideas.
As a result, many are seeking alternate sources of income in order to “beat” the economy and achieve financial success. Younger generations are increasingly turning to investing and entrepreneurship to supplement their income beyond their day jobs. Technological advancements, such as FinTech and growing industries like e-commerce, internet streaming, and social media marketing, have helped to promote these channels among the tech-savvy younger generations.
Bryson Bernarde, an Instagram influencer turned agency owner, exemplifies this type of Gen-Z success story. From his humble beginnings growing up in rural Wisconsin, Bryson grew into the leader of his own digital marketing agency originally inspired through his work as an Instagram influencer.
Prior to his climb to success, Bryson sees the hardship of his previous experiences as the primary means by which he developed the mindset that led to his achievements. Bryson, not unlike many who have endeavored into the business world, spent much of his early years learning through the school of hard knocks. His start in the world of social media was marked by countless hardships, including ventures that took off before being dismantled by the very thing they were built upon: the algorithms of online sales channels and social media platforms. Rather than a single big break, it’s been a collection of learning experiences, successes, and hurdles that have built the agency that stands today. One of the most important lessons Bryson has learned from his experiences is the power of perspective in one’s daily life. For example, he has continuously approached his previous troubles with the perspective of “What can I learn from this?” rather than “Why me?” Even after nearly a decade in the game of marketing, Bryson strives to maintain such a mindset.
Bryson acknowledges that another key contribution of his early business experiences is the constant and unwavering desire for success and fear of failure that drives him to this day. His experience gaining it all – and losing it just as quickly – left an indelible effect on his perspective, leading him to regard failure and success as two sides to the same coin. Today, he leads a team of five as they help local and national brands dominate social media within their own industry and become trusted, recognized, and unforgettable online.
If you want to follow Bryson’s journey and the growth of his agency, United Social Media Marketing, you can follow them on Instagram @unitedsmm, and on his personal profile @imbryson.
