As an influencer” I have a different way of approaching life, my sport, my career, etc. Here is some insight to my outlook as an influencer.
1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?
I am originally from Cape Cod, Ma where I first learned to ride BMX. I moved out of my parent’s house at the age of 17 and moved 13 hours south to Greenville, NC to train with the best in the world, including Dave Mirra. I became a pro as a teenager, traveling the country on the Dew Tour before I moved to NC, but then improved my skills after moving to NC, got invited to X-Games, started traveling the world, obtaining sponsors, and so on.
At the age of 21, I fell training one day and hit my head, which led to an MRI that saved my life. The MRI showed a brain tumor taking up most of the left side of my brain. I returned to competition 10 weeks or so later and made top ten in the UK. While in India 2 years later I would learn a routine MRI scan showed 2 new tumors. They were treated with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery and I was back riding 7 days later.
I have progressed so much since the diagnosis but in March of 2013 I blew out my ACL and meniscus at a contest. I rode for 2 years without an ACL and in November of 2015, I had reconstructive surgery that put me out 4 months. I returned to competition 6 months post surgery and placed top ten overall in the world for the UCI BMX World Cup Series. After returning home from finals in China, I started the Josh Perry Foundation as a way to support others with brain tumors, injuries, and other brain disorders. I recently was diagnosed with 2 new tumors now on the opposite side of my brain but am mentally at the place that it won’t affect me as long as I choose not to. I am preparing for this upcoming season as well as getting my foundation off the ground.
2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?
I have become passionate about nutrition, fitness, brain health and protection, the law of attraction and fostering a positive mindset, and reading books about nutrition, brain health, and other athletes that have overcome adversity. I post photos and videos to share my riding, inspirational stories/messages, fitness, healthy food, fashion/lifestyle, and anything relevant to my story.
3) How did your Instagram name come about?
It’s my name and my sport. There wasn’t much thought put into it. “@JoshPerry” was taken so I added “BMX” to it.
4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!
I use “Snapseed”, “Phonto”, “Square App”, and the tools in Instagram. I don’t get too crazy with editing and try to keep it as clean as possible.
5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?
I don’t really look for Instagram for inspiration. I mostly follow my friends, brands I support, and other athletes I like. I use Instagram to promote myself but also to quickly look through for updates on events and athletes, as well as entertainment.
6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?
Whatever it is that they are most scared of but want to do in their life. I find people are too afraid of doing what they truly want because they think they need to do what society dictates rather than what they are drawn to. My life to get to where I am now was very unacceptable in terms of not going to college, getting a job, getting into debt, having a family, etc. I instead went after my dreams and something that was fulfilling and challenging. I want people to be happy and the truth is the majority of people hate what they do every day for work. I find the most common reason is fear. Fear of failure, criticism, hard work, the unknown, what others will think, etc.
7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?
Sharing my passion for life and perspectives with others is my favorite part of being an influencer. I get to share my passions, experiences, perspectives, and knowledge to help inspire others to follow their dreams, live a healthy life, and do what makes them happy.
8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?
Everyone has a story and reason as to why they do what they do. Being authentic is easy, just be yourself. Don’t try to please others by what you think they want to see, post what you want in a way they may be attracted to it but is still true to you and your brand. People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.
9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?
I suggest people understand their goal with their content, why they are posting, what story they are trying to tell, and what they are trying to influence. You don’t want to flood people with irrelevant content and content that is low-quality just to post something.
10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?
I like the mutual passion towards something that I and the brand share. I don’t support brands that don’t support the same goal, vision, or passion. Being able to partner together to reach more people helps both parties accomplish their goal of spreading their message. Brand awareness is key.
-Josh p.