In this week’s Industry Spotlight I go International. That’s right chaps, the word is out and Mr. Luca is in public demand.

On the day that twitter turns five years old, it’s only fitting that this connection was built using the power of twitter.

Back in 2010 (that’s last year), I came across a lifestyle blogger based in Montreal, Canada. As we all now know, with twitter it is easier than ever before to seek, find and connect with people from all walks of life.

Now here is a tip. Although twitter makes it extremely easy to contact anyone and everyone, remember that everyone else also knows how easy it is to do so. Therefore if you are looking to make contact with someone who may have a large following, use your initiative, with some research, find their email address and send a personal email where you have a much better chance of getting the response you want.

So that’s what I did; I sent out an email to this Canadian blogger named Marcus Troy, explaining in brief, who I was and how I was impressed by the personal brand he had created for himself.

Marcus has a fantastic personal brand. A fashion enthusiast with an obvious passion for style and image (traits which are immensely important for online branding). His story is unique and inspirational to anyone wanting to build a brand and a business online and he is always willing to discuss further opportunities with anyone who shares a common interest.

Without further ado, Mr. Marcus Troy is this week’s Industry Spotlight:

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Marcus Troy and I am a lifestyle/fashion blogger and a cultural participant.

How did you get into this industry?

I’ve spent years in the fashion industry and blogging became an extension of who I was. I started off share passion and it turned into this amazing forum for engaging and connecting people. I enjoy sharing thoughts and ideas and engaging my audience.

Was this how you had planned things to go or are you capitalising on opportunities and simply rolling with it?

I did not plan this out it sort of just happened a few years ago when I co-founded an online magazine. Things just evolved into this multimedia platform.

We’re in a new era where anyone can create opportunities for themselves. Do you agree?

I believe we are all capable of creating new opportunities for ourselves. Some of the most influential people are just one click away. You can write a blog post that can change your life. You can create a video that goes viral and next thing you know you are sitting on Oprah’s couch. Technology has helped people connect in ways that would have taken forever to happen.

Would you rather have 100,000 twitter followers to market to or an extra £10,000?

I would rather have the money. With resources you can create opportunities, ideas that will get you the 100,000 followers eventually. I don’t think people have figured out how to turn their 100k followers into money. You might have 100k followers but it does not mean you are an influence to them. If you are able to activate your 100k followers and drive them to a product or a service you could probably monetize your twitter.

What one thing can you not live without?

My family.

If you wasn’t in this field, what would you be doing?

I would be in fashion retail.

With so many talkers and gamers out there claiming to be experts and influencers. Do you consider yourself a smooth talker, a real talker or a don’t talk to me i’m not a talker?

I would classify myself as a talker (meaning I like to talk) I don’t don’t like to talk for talking sake though. Some people talk because they have a hole in their mouth. I like to turn talk into action and into tangible things. I don’t like to consider myself an influencer…I believe I have the ability to influence but I rather other people call me influential than claiming it myself.

Name three people who have inspired you in your life.

My father

If you were a superhero, who would you be?

I’ve always been fascinated with Super heroes as I love the double identity aspects. I think I would want to be superman.

What does the future have in store for you?

I wish I knew.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to young creative minds, what would it be?

I would suggest to be patient, don’t be obsessed with growth. Allow things to develop organically and the journey will last a longer time.

Head over to Marcus Troy’s website where you can check out all the projects Marcus is working on right now. To stay up to date with Marcus and his quest for world domination, follow him on twitter.

The Marcus Troy iPhone app is available now. Click here to download for free.

Engagement and Interaction… Engagement and Interaction… Engagement and Interaction! It’s all i keep hearing from Mashable content recyclers.

“Social Media is Engagement and Interaction and by utilising Web 2.0 in accordance to your audience you can build a reputable network and substantial ROI.”

The old boring word known as ‘Communication’ is dead. Revitalizing buzz words such as Engagement and Interaction are leading the way and a whole universe of confused brands and businesses are throwing money at rogue ‘Digital Marketers’ to explain to them what these words actually mean.

Want to know what it all really means? Here’s a simple tip that i won’t charge you a ridiculous day rate for:

It means you have to LISTEN to your audience when they speak, REPLY when comments are posted and RESEARCH available tools that are relevant to your campaigns.

I understand that not everybody is savvy with the online media world, so if you still want to pay me to teach you the fundamentals of new age words that you don’t understand; then drop me an email and i’ll be more than happy to assist. Ca-ching!

Evolution of Communication from Sophia Hadjikyriacou on Vimeo.

With new methods fast approaching, the question is what’s next?

Props go to @iAmSilverFox for the heads up!

I have thought about the quote above for years and have repeated it many times when speaking in discussions about power, respect and success.

This got me thinking about what it is that we actually strive for…

Here is my analogy of Striving To Achieve in reference to The Layer Cake.

Why Am I Doing This?

“The art of good business is being a good middleman.”

On my About Page it says“I have come to realize that my desire to achieve is linked hand in hand with wanting to help others achieve.” That may sound pathetic and cheesy, but my last blog post had over 30 Twitter retweets, meaning it helped some of you enough or was a good enough of a read for you to share with your friends.

Anthony Robbins states in this video that there are six human needs to help us to find self-fulfilment on our journey:

• We need Certainty
• We need Uncertainty
• We need Significance
• We need to feel Connection & Love
• We need to Grow
• We need to Contribute Beyond Ourselves

Am I Getting Anywhere?

“I mean, it’s like selling anything: washing machines, handmade shoes, blow jobs. As long as you don’t take the piss, people will always come back for more.”

The feedback i have begun to receive from writing, has given me the motivation to continue to share the knowledge i have collated in the industry with the hope that it will help you on your journey. This is in fact my chance to ‘Contribute Beyond Myself’… and it is this that gives me the reason to continue trying to help others.

Bear in mind, i am no way an expert or a specialist (although thanks to those who have said i am lately).
I created this with an understanding that i wanted to lay the basic foundations so that:

• I understand myself the journey i am taking.
• I can share my knowledge with those that may find it useful… Sharing is caring and all that.
• I am creating a personal archive to look back on.
• I am striving for personal success.

Am I Heading In The Right Direction?

“Everyone wants to walk through a door marked “private.” Therefore, have a good reason to be affluent.”

Take a moment to think for a second about your plan. Have you laid your foundations or are you just going all guns blazing with no armour? Seriously… think about it.

Am I Willing To Do Anything To Reach My Goal?

” If you have to kill a person, never ever tell a living soul.”

The ladder to achievement is always based on taking a hefty amount of shit.
Remember Andy Dufresne swam through a tunnel of shit to come out clean on the other side. Confused who he is? Shame on you… Click here!

Am I Becoming Someone I Don’t Wanna Be?

“You know why people like you can’t leave this business? Because you make too much money for people like me.”

Some of you don’t mind taking shit all day (Pause), not like it’s a bad thing, as contentment is your own level of self-fulfilment. Others will take no shit and will spend their lives either hustling, bumming around or pretending to themselves that they are a success.
Well, whose gonna tell you differently eh?

Playing Your Part In The System

“It is vital that we work to a few golden rules. Always work in a small team. Keep a very low profile. Only deal with people who come recommended.”

So where do we find common ground for those that are on their way up trying to reach the next level?

I’ll give you my example. I work full time; i understand that for me to touch the sky, i have to be able to afford to fly. Money doesn’t grow on trees remember…

I answer to a series of people who can rain a storm of shit on me if they want, and regardless of how many people i know in the industry, how many followers i have on Twitter or how many projects i work on; i do need to be employed.

I know that success is a slow climb and by playing my part in the chain of command i am able to slowly piece together my journey to the top of the ladder.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

“But as some roman general once said: If you seek peace, plan for war.”

If you have an idea of what it is you want to become, make sure you have a plan of how you are going to reach it.

Make today become the first day of the rest of your life…

Be Proud of Yourself

“I’ve checked you out, son. You’re a smart lad. But you keep very, very bad company.”

There is no shame in working to raise collateral, it is down to you how you manage your finances and your time so that you can progress.
It is the weak that get locked in to an establishment so long that their dreams become non-existant and they become part of the office furniture.

Have a Plan… and Stick To It

Everyone knows those graduates that spend years at University pushing for that top end degree, then when they graduate they can’t find work.
They finally manage to get a job in an industry irrelevant to their field and BAM… five years passes and what’s happend?

They have become a Customer Services Supervisor!

WAHEY………. SCORE! Enjoy paying that student loan back!

If you stick to a basic plan and are passionate about your dream, you will never get complacent with a dead end job as you will always know what you are capable of.

Note down where you see yourself in 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months.
Then break that down even further…

• How are you going to get to your 3 month goal?
• Who do you need to contact?
• What do you need to set things up?
• Do you need to raise any finances?

Well I’m honored. But for me this is all over. I’m getting out. What was true then is true now. Have a plan. Stick to it. So I’m sure you must have lots to discuss… but I have no business being here. I’ve got someone to meet. Adios, amigos.