“Sponsored” – Generally, this is how the social media platforms visibly categorize a share when we tag our product or shop.

Every platform does it a bit differently, but this is the essential message to the viewer.

As a bootstrapping entrepreneur with a start-up, I am in the doing-everything phase. Creating videos, doing the accounting, developing product, you name it, I am doing it.

It got me to thinking. Should entrepreneurs that do their own product shares in social media and online shopping get their own tagging category? It seems there are more accurate ways to identify the creator that is also themselves the entrepreneur.

SPONSORED? Who’s SPONSORED??? Not me. That word sounds like someone has invested, gave money, is giving money or even maybe some kind of mentoring- whatever you want to consider it- it’s not happening here.

I’m on my own. That’s great. No complaints. I am lucky- I get to help others with what I know, live my vision and endeavor at my passion and mission.

Owners sharing their own product online should have their own social media tagging category. What’s out there now is all about protecting the consumer- that makes total sense. BUT Something feels lacking. Is the current structure missing an important nuance that would protect the consumer and properly recognize and support a big driver in social and the economy?

Are you in the same situation? Thoughts?