Oprah “paved the way” as “the original celebrity influencer.” Before influencer marketing took off, Oprah swayed purchase decisions across industries, helping to sell 55 million books through her book club alone, according to estimates from a Fordham University professor. Sales of items on her Favorite Things list skyrocket, and she’s even credited with garnering one million votes for Obama in the 2008 Democratic primary election. How does she stay relevant? By being “thoughtful and mindful” while relating to her fans as friends (similar to today’s online celebrities). (Racked)
