I’ve been a paid influencer for a long time. Working with Dell, Microsoft and other brands many years ago. More recently my clients include Verisign, Rocket Lawyer, Zoho and others. I’m definitely not George Foreman, but most of us won’t be and there’s STILL opportunity.

In the world of influencer marketing, few success stories are as legendary as George Foreman’s. In 1999, Salton Inc., manufacturer of various household items, paid a staggering $137.5 million in cash and stock to George Foreman and his partners for the rights to use his name and likeness in their products. While Foreman wasn’t the first celebrity endorser, his partnership with what would become known as the George Foreman Grill stands as one of the most lucrative and influential deals in modern marketing history.

So what can today’s aspiring influencers learn from Big George?

Related: How To Hire an Influencer to Market Your Business

Be Authentic and Likable

George Foreman transformed his public image from a fearsome boxer to a friendly, approachable personality. His warm smile and genial demeanor made him relatable to everyday consumers. This authenticity resonated with audiences and made his endorsements feel genuine rather than transactional.

As an influencer, your personality is your greatest asset. Audiences can detect insincerity from miles away. Cultivate an authentic presence that reflects who you truly are, and you’ll build a following that trusts your recommendations.

Fame Isn’t Everything – Engagement Is

Yes, Foreman was a globally recognized boxing champion, which certainly helped his endorsement career. However, today’s influencer landscape proves you don’t need worldwide fame to secure lucrative partnerships. What matters more is an engaged following.

Brands increasingly value micro and nano influencers with smaller but highly engaged audiences. These influencers often boast higher engagement rates and more intimate connections with their followers. Focus on building genuine relationships with your audience rather than simply accumulating followers.

Be Clear About Compensation

Influencer compensation comes in many forms – cash payments, free products, all-expenses-paid trips, or a combination of these. When Foreman negotiated his deal, he clearly understood his value and what he wanted in return.

As an influencer, be transparent about your worth and expectations. Research industry standards for your niche and following size. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but also be realistic about what you bring to the table. Remember that building long-term relationships with brands can be more valuable than one-off payments.

Maintain Trust Through Honesty

Foreman’s endorsement worked because consumers believed he genuinely stood behind the product. If you don’t believe in a brand or product, don’t promote it – period. Your credibility is your most valuable asset, and once lost, it’s nearly impossible to regain.

Always disclose sponsored content according to FTC guidelines and platform policies. Your audience will respect your transparency, and brands will value your integrity.

Find Your Perfect Product Match

The George Foreman Grill aligned perfectly with Foreman’s personal brand as a health-conscious athlete. This natural fit made the endorsement believable and effective.

Seek partnerships with brands that align with your personal values and content themes. When there’s a natural connection between your personal brand and the products you promote, endorsements feel like helpful recommendations rather than forced advertisements.

Consistency Builds Trust

Foreman didn’t just lend his name to the grill and disappear. He consistently promoted it for years, becoming synonymous with the product. This consistent association strengthened both his personal brand and the product’s market position.

As an influencer, consistency in your content, posting schedule, and brand partnerships helps build trust. Audiences come to know what to expect from you, and brands can rely on your established persona.

Develop Expertise in Your Niche

Foreman’s background as an athlete gave him credibility when promoting health-focused cooking equipment. His endorsement carried weight because people trusted his knowledge about healthy living.

Develop and demonstrate expertise in your chosen niche. When you become a trusted authority, your recommendations carry more weight, and brands will seek you out for your influence.

Build Cross-Platform Presence

Foreman’s marketing success extended across multiple channels – TV commercials, print ads, and in-store promotions. Today’s successful influencers similarly maintain presence across various platforms.

While you don’t need to be everywhere, strategically expanding to multiple platforms can increase your visibility and appeal to brands looking for comprehensive marketing partnerships.

Think Long-Term

Perhaps the most important lesson from Foreman’s success is the value of long-term thinking. Rather than chasing quick paydays, he built a sustainable partnership that continued generating revenue for decades.

Focus on building lasting relationships with brands that align with your values. These partnerships often prove more lucrative and sustainable than one-off sponsored posts.

The Bottom Line

George Foreman’s remarkable success as an influencer wasn’t just about his fame – it was about authenticity, strategic partnerships, and consistent delivery. By applying these principles to your own influencer journey, you can build a personal brand that resonates with both audiences and potential brand partners.

The principles that made Foreman’s endorsement so effective remain relevant. Be genuine, know your worth, protect your credibility, and form partnerships that make sense for your personal brand. Follow these guidelines, and you might just cook up your own recipe for influencer success.