#IndustryInsights - Damien Broderick
This week at YellowMachine, we got chatting to the lovely blogger of fashion, lifestyle and all things manly, Damien Broderick. He gave us an insight into how he deals with the challenges of being a man in a mostly female dominated industry.
How did you first get into the industry?
I had a couple of friends that were bloggers, so I tried to find Irish male bloggers and found that there weren't many, and those who did exist were not very consistent or up to the same standard as the women. So after a lot of researching and picking of brains I decided I would go for it.
Can you describe a typical work day?
I wake up at about 8am, answer social media comments on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. Then I answer emails and after breakfast I'd try get a work out in. After that, I sit down at my desk and do some site management and make sure my website is running and looking as it should. After all the admin stuff I go about creating content for my social media platforms and try to engage as much as I can with the lovely people that follow me. Then I make sure I'm on track for any deadlines, and of course check the diary so I don't miss any events I said I would attend.
What motivates you?
I'd like to think I motivate myself. My followers motivate me too. If I slack off they aren't shy of letting me know. Also the female bloggers that dominate this industry (and rightly so!) motivate me. They are ahead of the curve and work very hard, and I'd like to get to that level as a male blogger, so as to raise the bar for men in this industry. Also, my ambition to be the best I can be I think motivates me. My girlfriend isn't shy about telling me when I'm doing good or when I can do better. I hope, one day, for her to give up her day job and for me to support her and buy her nice things, doing something I love and enjoy. That's the dream.
How do you integrate social media into your career?
This year I left my day job for a number of reasons; wanting to push myself in this industry being one, and my health was another. Social media is my job. I'm advertising my brand at all times across my multiple platforms. It's a huge part of connecting with people and brands, and getting my brand image consistently out there.
What has been your biggest career achievement to date?
Being nominated multiple times in two different awards ceremonies was a nice achievement, considering I have not even been blogging for a year yet. Also working with brands like Primark and M&S; it was great to even be noticed by them. But I’d say having the opportunity to work with Louis Copeland, ‘The Godfather’ of Irish tailoring, was my biggest achievement to date. That was a dream come true.
Have you any advice for people thinking of entering the industry?
Do your research; find out what's good and why it's good, and what's bad and why it's bad. Try find a gap in the market. There are thousands of beauty and fashion blogs and a million other blog types. If you're writing about the same thing everyone else is, find a way for your brand to stand out. The reason I use the word brand rather than blog, is you need to not see yourself as a blogger but as an entrepreneur, and a CEO. Find your brand image and identity and stick to it. Never be afraid to say no. Even if it's turning down money. Your integrity is the most valuable thing you have and your readers will notice that.
Is there anyone that influenced you to take this career path?
I met David Gandy a few months before I started my blog 'Damien Broderick' and he told me I should be working in fashion. People like Adam Gallagher from @IamGALLA, a huge blogger and entrepreneur with over 1.7 million Instagram followers. These are two men of different generations in the fashion industry that have made their name in different ways.
Where do you hope to see yourself / your business in 5 years?
In five years I would like to see my name to a product, or a range of clothing. Darren Kennedy has done it with Louis Copeland, Paul Galvin with Dunnes Stores and David Gandy with M&S. I'd like to put my hand to designing a range for a brand. In 5 years I want to be more international and busier than I could ever imagine.
What do you do to relax and unwind after a long day’s work?
I enjoy putting my phone down, having a nice cup of tea or a glass of wine and watching some TV. Or having some dinner with my girlfriend at our favourite restaurant. If I could, I would drive to relax, but unfortunately due to my heart condition I'm not allowed to drive so my poor girlfriend has to put up with me.
Don't forget to check out Damien's Twitter and Instagram and give him a follow.
YM