Photo Courtesy of Kristina Kajic
Kristina Kajic built phase one of her first social selling company, Bella Grace Global, from her laptop. Now, in phase two, she’s teaching thousands of others to grow their customer bases by optimizing social media through influencingU, an educational platform that’s redefining success in digital entrepreneurship.
Social selling is a $167.7 billion* channel globally, and Kajic recognized early that success in this space requires more than just product knowledge—it demands a comprehensive understanding of digital entrepreneurship and insight into how ever-evolving social platforms are functioning. Her innovative approach allows entrepreneurs to understand how to first create and engage a following on social media, then transform them into customers using social media’s most effective best practices. These practices are shared in approximately a dozen languages by social media influencers who are actively succeeding on social platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, Facebook and LinkedIn. This education allows platform subscribers to leverage the knowledge into a revenue and enables platform sales representatives to have a sustainable business model powered by continually updated, Live education.
A Vision Rooted in Education
Kajic’s journey into social selling began with a crucial observation: while platforms were abundant, proper guidance was scarce. “I realized that people weren’t just looking for products—they were looking for guidance, for a roadmap to turn their social media presence into a business,” she says. “That’s when I knew that education had to be at the core of what we do.”
The educational platform she developed stands out for its comprehensive approach to digital entrepreneurship. Beyond basic social media marketing, it addresses aspects like audience psychology, content strategy, and advanced monetization techniques. This methodology has proven particularly effective for newcomers to social selling, with platform users reporting an average 60% increase in engagement within their first three months.
The Industry Context: Social Selling in 2024
The timing of Kajic’s innovation couldn’t be more significant. According to the WFDSA,* about 60 percent of people want to have their own business, and nearly one in four are in business now or expect to be within a year, and it’s estimated that social selling’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 percent is creating unprecedented growth. This expansion has created opportunities and challenges for new entrepreneurs trying to establish themselves in an increasingly sophisticated market.
In the United States, where InfluencingU’s parent company, Bella Grace Global, is headquartered, social selling has become a dominant force in retail. An estimated 70 percent of brands now use platforms like Instagram and TikTok for direct sales, marking a fundamental shift in how businesses connect with consumers. However, this shift has also highlighted a critical need for structured education and mentorship—a gap that Kajic’s platform specifically addresses.
The Platform in Action
The InfluencingU educational platform distinguishes itself through its practical, results-driven approach. The curriculum includes specialized modules covering essential areas such as content creation, audience targeting, and sales strategies but goes further by incorporating real-world case studies and hands-on exercises.
What sets the platform apart is its emphasis on measurable outcomes. Users progress through training that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. The platform’s community features facilitate peer learning and networking, creating a supportive ecosystem for growth.
In recognition of her meaningful contributions to social and direct sales, Kajic was recently awarded the prestigious Global Recognition Award. This honor celebrates her significant impact on the industry and highlights her ability to empower individuals while inspiring innovation. She also received the Titan Award for her achievement in business development.
Staying Relevant
Kajic acknowledges the challenges of building an educational platform within the swiftly evolving domain of social selling. The industry’s reliance on ever-changing algorithms and consumer trends means that staying ahead requires continuous innovation.
“The biggest challenge is keeping the platform relevant,” she explains. “We’re always updating our modules and strategies to reflect what’s happening in the industry.” This adaptability ensures the platform remains effective, even as the social media landscape transforms.
Kajic sees immense opportunities for growth in the future. The company opened in 27 countries of the EU, Canada, and Australia in 2024, with plans to expand into Asia and South America in 2025. Kajic intends to focus on education and inclusivity, making sure that the platform’s impact will continue to grow, even far beyond its current markets. By combining education with social selling, Kajic transforms the approach to entrepreneurship in the digital age. Her platform goes beyond making sales but also creates opportunities, builds confidence, and fosters connections.
*World Federation of Direct Selling Associations
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