The Lovely Shay Lawson: Attorney to some of your favorite Celebrities and Influencers

Shay Lawson

Everybody wants to be an influencer. But many don’t know all that comes with the title “Influencer”. What makes you want to influence? Do you just want to make money? Or do you really feel you are capable of influencing and being of value to the companies that will pay you?

Influencer:

    •    A person or thing that influences another.

Shay Lawson & Client Taye Biggs

Marketer:

    •    a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media.” influencers can add serious credibility to your brand”

Some assume that LIKES are enough to get a check, but I’m here to tell you that it isn’t enough. It requires a lot more than posting a picture. Becoming an influencer should be taken seriously.

 So, after you pitch to the brand and they feel you’re what they’re looking for, the next step is to sign the contract. But before you sign your name on the dotted line, you want to be sure to contact Intellectual Property Attorney.

I wanted to interview someone that really understood the business and legality of becoming an influencer. I interviewed the lovely and eloquent Shay Lawson. She is an intellectual property attorney. Intellectual property is a category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect.

Lawson has been in the field for 10 years. She is passionate and wants people to win and succeed in their businesses.

Me: What advice do you have for those that want to become an influencer?

Shay:

Build your Consistency and be intentional while making sure your value is obvious. More importantly, have real engagement because likes & follows aren’t apart of the negotiations.

Me: How do influencers get paid their worth!

Shay:

I’ve spent almost a decade honing my negotiation skills to get my clients not just what they deserve but what they are truly worth. I don’t mind passing the wealth on to my readers.

In order to negotiate top dollar for my clients, I sit down with each one and help them find the answer to the magic equation.

If I asked you your value would you be able to state it clearly in a sentence or two?

The ability to clearly communicate your value is what turns offers for ‘exposure’ into checks!

Here are a few examples to help you in understanding what I mean by clearly articulating your value:

    1.    I am a fashion blogger. When I post my outfits on IG,  at least 200 people click the links to brands I’m wearing. My audience member is 18-23 and female.

    2.    I am a music producer. When I produce songs,1 out of 5 people has a mega-hit. My typical client is an R&B or Pop singer.

Me: What should an influencer do, if they can’t afford an attorney at the moment?

Shay: Utilize what you can for free. On my website, I offer free advice and templates. Also, follow the Instagrams of attorneys and check out their websites because of the free resources and tools that they may provide.

Me: What’s your style aesthetic?

Shay: I have a classic style! Clean lines and simplicity!  Victoria Beckham would be my style inspiration. And I also love the black & white looks that Janelle Monae wears.

Me: If we looked in your handbag, what are 3 must-haves?

Shay: Hand sanitizer, pen, and my lip gloss. But it’s got to be the thick kind, like the tube you can get from the hair store.

Me: If I asked your husband 3 adjectives to describe you, what would he say?

Shay: Tenacious, Dependable and assertive.

Me: With so many people, stealing other’s content for their own use. What do you suggest to let people know you’re the original creator?

Shay:  I suggest watermarks on your photos. Utilize tools that will stop someone from copy n paste. Lastly, make sure when your photos are being used, that you’re tagged as the source.

Me: Who motivates you?

Shay: I’m a huge fan of Ryan Leslie.

Me: What are some words of wisdom, that you would like to share?

Shay: Never doubt or devalue yourself.

Never think you’re too small to be stolen from. Ask for help!!

Shay has so much insight, from her experience with celebrities and your favorite influencers.  I wish I could have continued our conversation. If you’re ever stuck or uncertain on how to protect your brand, or etc. please continue to follow her https://www.shaymlawson.com/

Instagram: shaymlawson