#1 Mario Porrovecchio: 'An activity that began as a game, social media is now my second home'

The Sixth Power is the new weekly column dedicated to emerging or already established influencers. Each week there will be a new interview with an influencer. Let's start with the story of Mario Porrovecchio.

From today, Hostelsclub's blog hosts a new column dedicated to influencers, entitled 'The Sixth Power'. We are going to hear what they have to say, listen to their stories and discover their way of life. Many people would love to be like them, and influencers are one of the latest and most coveted professions. Their following, in some cases, exceeds the influence of the Heads of State. The Californian Kourtney Kardashian with 67.3 million followers has more followers than the number of votes that led Donald Trump to the post of President of the United States of America in 2016. The Italian Chiara Ferragni, before getting 15 million followers on Instagram and a worldwide fame, was just a beautiful blonde girl. They're millionaires, but what exactly do they do? We'll find out, giving a voice to travel bloggers in particular. It is certain that their ability to influence is such that international brands rely on them by covering them with gold. Ten years ago, brands turned to televisions and newspapers, columns of modern media power. Now they rely on them. Television was called the fifth power, but is the sixth power influencers? From this question, the title of this column was born. There will be many good tips for those with attentive ears. On the other hand, it seems that it doesn't take much to become an influencer: a social profile, a little work and lots of imagination.

#1 Mario Porrovecchio: social media is my second home

Let's start this adventure by telling you the story of Mario Porrovecchio, known by the Instragam public as a fashion and travel blogger. His is an exemplary story, chosen among the many that we received, because Mario is halfway between those who have made it and those who are working hard every day to expand their networks, which Mario does through travels, meetings and an hard work leading him to improve his creative research. It's a story that started as a game, he explains but was carried on with determination and courage. For those of you looking for advice, it's a story that is not to be missed.

Credits: Mario Porrovecchio.

How did you start?

In 2014 I started my Instagram profile purely for fun, publishing some outfits created by myself, a bit of everyday life and some fashion inspirations. A sort of personal diary. In 2016, my account had the best feedback from both Italian and foreign audiences, with an increase in followers, likes and comments.

And that's how you contacted the first sponsors?

Yes, the initial recognition gave me an extra boost to plan the first attempt to contact some sponsors. It was a successful attempt without major problems and was naturally towards small, new brands, with the idea of growing them through my persona.

Credits: Mario Porrovecchio.

How important is the quality of the images? Do you take your photos?

The quality of the images is everything. Goodbye cellphone, goodbye selfie. I have a camera at my fingertips or various photographers ready to capture my looks or first events.

And then?

This went on until I was contacted by a well-known influencer agency in Italy a couple of years ago, who asked me for exclusivity for a medium-long term period.

Credits: Mario Porrovecchio.

What role did the agency play in your growth?

Within a few months, I received a dozen projects, one more beautiful than the other, with brands of a certain level and increasingly interesting budgets. And it was here that I realized that my method of creating quality content on social media and by approaching the public in a polite and always available way, you could get wonderful results.

Credits: Mario Porrovecchio.

How much time do you spend on your influencer business?

I dedicate several hours a day to take care of my social media, Instagram in particular. Social media is my second home.

What relationship did you establish with your followers?

I can ask my followers for advice about any problem. The help me with my choices. And it's wonderful not to feel alone in some circumstances. I also have a website www.corvus88.com, where I can insert more detailed articles about my looks or my travels.

Credits: Mario Porrovecchio.

Can we say that this activity has become a profession in all respects?

For over 3 years I have been part of the world of representation in the field of clothing, following some Turin showrooms in the Spring / Summer - Autumn / Winter collections, samples and sales to stores. Currently, I feel very accomplished in my choices, joining two jobs that I love greatly.

And what do you imagine for the future?

I am positive, and I have all the elements in my favour to be so, but who knows what the future holds for me. We'll see!

This section will be translated into the main languages among the 26 of our blog. If you are an influencer you want to tell us your story write to us, we will evaluate your proposal and perhaps the prosecution of The Sixth Power will talk about you!