I had the great opportunity to speak with Marketing and Content Powerhouse, Sharon Haden of Social Savvy Consulting Group about her rise to success in the social media marketing world.
Q: Tell the Flyy Fam a little bit about yourself and your background
I'm a shoe loving, ramen noodle eating, social savvy marketing advisor. I've been a marketing consultant for 7 plus years while juggling full-time jobs, and two years ago I make the investments to turn my freelance gigs into a digital marketing agency. My business, ImSocialSavvy.com helps women in business find the sweet spot between content and marketing.
Q: That sounds awesome. What makes your business stand out from the rest?
I believe that my coaching approach to marketing consulting supports women's economic empowerment. I equip women-led businesses and organizations with the tools, knowledge and resources to approach business growth with a marketing mindset.
Q: What inspired you to take the first step in your business/project? I've always been an entrepreneur, but burn out from my job at the FBI pushed me to take the leap.
Q: What has been your most proud moment in your career thus far? Quitting my job for the second time. When I asked my manager the process of resignation, she looked at me in disbelief. She truly thought I wasn't going anywhere. Three years later, I haven't looked her up to beg for my old life back!
Q: WOW! That takes a lot of courage and bravery! So what is a day in your life like as an entrepreneur? On a daily basis, there's lots of social media scrolling and checking, then double checking my task lists, emails and daily work product. I can be forgetful, so post-it notes, planners and task reminders help me stay on top of love, life and business.
Q: Haha, I totally understand the need for post-it-notes and to-do lists! What new projects are you working on?
I've always wanted to vlog, so I'm working on that. Also in the process of hiring new team members, redesigning my website, and creating some new free goodies for my blog and newsletter subscribers.
Q: Very nice! Moving right along into the travel portion of the interview, can you tell me about some of the places you have traveled to?
Well, there's Portland, Oregon - where I had the best ramen of my life. Vancouver, CA, Los Cabos, Mexico, Havana, Cuba. Washington, DC, L.A, Phoenix, Atlanta, Gatlinburg, TN, Panama City Beach, FL, Naples, Fl, Sarasota, FL, Miami, Pittsburgh, PA, Boston, Omaha, NE, Boise, ID, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Kaui, Pescadero, CA, Half Moon Bay, CA, Las Vegas, Santa Barbara, CA
Q: What was your experience like as a black woman abroad?
I've felt more internal struggle than outward disapproval. Because I imagine others might treat me differently as a woman of color, I have a tendency to put myself on guard. In some cases, it's an opportunity to show others my culture. I love that about traveling. Leading about example
Q: What has been your favorite trip so far and why?
Havana, Cuba for my birthday last year. I mean this place was breathtaking- just being in a place that is largely untouched.. you can't even use debit cards there and their internet is spotty..
Q: Tell me more about this solo trip to Mexico... were you scared to go out of the country on you own?
I have come to the point in my life where I am not waiting on anyone. If I want to go somewhere, I go. If I want to do something, I do it. I was a little apprehensive at first, but I quickly made new friends and I had the time of my life!
Q: Where would your dream destination be? Somewhere, anywhere in Ireland. I'm a big Nora Roberts fan and the rolling hills and lush landscape she describes in many of her books draws me in.
Q: What is one thing about you now that would make your younger self happy? My younger self would be so pleased at how I handle stress and anxiety these days. I used to burn myself out, pleasing others, overcommitting to things--now I'm just as busy, but carrying that weight like a pro.
Q: What advice would you give someone who aspires to follow in your footsteps, but is afraid to take that first step? Don't overthink it. Ideas are great, but execution is better. I remind myself of this daily. I just launched a client social media account with only a Google form to lead back too, while we worked on the website. 15 subscribers and 500 followers in 15 days. Had I been afraid to suggest taking that leap, my client would be 500 followers and 15 subscribers behind. :-)
Q: How can we support you?
I would encourage everyone to stop by www.ImSocialSavvy.com and think about how developing a marketing plan can help you increase sales and bring more traffic to your site. I have made my eBook, Get Your Content Together, available online for anyone interested in creating content that sells. You can also check out my recent blog post that talks about the 6 Challenges that Female Entrepreneurs Face. Finally, if anyone is interested in setting up a consultation with me to discuss a marketing plan for your brand click here.
Thank you so much Sharon for your time and for all of the awesome resources you shared with the FlyyFam! We are looking forward to collaborating with you in the future!
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