Tell Us Who You Are!

I’m Alex Bushman, the founder and CEO of the Bushman Group, a community and impact agency.

I find ways for influencers and content creators to use their platform for good. People forget that influencers are just people! They have passions beyond what they’re posting on social media. I also helped Who Wore What founder Danielle Bernstein start her philanthropic company arm, We Gave What.

Nowadays, influencers are passionate about building community and building their platforms for impact. The Bushman Group helps influencers tap into what that means for them and their audience long-term.

You can keep up with me and my community-building on Instagram!

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM → Wake Up, Manifest! 😎

Honestly, sometimes my anxiety wakes me up! But overall, I’m not too early of a riser. When I wake up, instead of making a to-do list, I make a list of the best things that could happen today. (I learned it from this great podcast!)

So it’s not: At noon I have a call with this potential sponsor. It’s: At noon I secure this sponsor.

Honestly, even in just the last few weeks of doing this, I’ve noticed a big difference in my overall mood and the outcome of the work I’m doing. It’s like manifestation!

8:30 AM - 9:15 AM → Walk It Out 🚶

I’ve fallen off the workout train, but I’m gentle with myself! I try to go for a walk every morning and hit around 10,000 steps each day. On my walk, I usually get a smoothie called the Daily Detox with carrots and spinach from a cafe in my neighborhood.

10:00 AM - 6:30 PM → Let’s Go Work, Girls 🧑🏼‍💻

When it comes to working, my day-to-day is very different. I have some weeks where I’m meeting lots of people for coffee, building connections, and attending social events all day. 

Other weeks, I’m focused on more computer-heavy work, especially since I’m managing multiple platforms of mine at once—like Good Ole Girls Club and Girl Dinner NYC. 

I also manage the community arm of Makeup by Kelli Anne on Geneva, so I’m always checking in with the girls on there in the morning and at night. 

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM  → The Party Never Stops 🎉

After work hours, I attend events throughout the week. I’m in a very *yes* phase of attending events right now, agreeing to go to everything I’m invited to as a way to immerse myself in the space. I’m just soaking it all up! 

I also love supporting my friends. So when they have events, I make sure I’m showing up for them. (They’re always there for me, after all!)

10:00 PM → TY, But No Thank You! 😴

When I’m in my “no” phase, I try to be honest about my energy levels. If my social battery is running low and my mental health is waning, I send a message to the person who invited me, like: My battery is so low and I’m exhausted after this week! I really need a night on my couch. 

New York is a crazy place. There’s events every day. You can’t do it all, so finding that balance is so important. If I still want to be there in spite of it all, my strategy is: Arrive early, then leave early. 

You’re a proponent of sending DMs! How should people shoot their shot over DMs when it comes to work connections?

Yes! Just send the DM! I’ve made so many connections this way, and people can tell when you’re really passionate about meeting them. Try a message like: 

Hi X! I’m the founder of X. I’m launching this X, which aims to do X. You inspire me and I love your content. I know my community would be inspired by you too. 

If they don’t respond, it doesn’t mean they don’t like you. People are busy! The timing isn’t always right!

As a new founder, it’s easy to feel scared. How do you find confidence in a moment of fear?

Before a big moment, like a presentation or sending off materials to a potential collaborator, I repeat this affirmation: 

I tell myself three things I did to prepare for this moment. It’s a helpful reminder to be confident in the work you put in.

What’s your advice for founders who want to create a social impact aspect of their business?

Think about what really matters to you. When you’re coming from a place of being genuine, that’s when your social responsibility actually resonates with people and your generosity spreads. You also have to remember: You can’t do it all. Focus on the way you can make a tangible impact, then go from there.