Giving Thanks for Social Media Marketing
A year and a half ago, I hit a wall.
A social media marketing client of mine gave me notice. Work from other clients was stable, but not enough to keep me afloat. My confidence plummeted and all I wanted to do was climb back into myself never to see the light of day again. I figured it was the end of my career as a social media manager and time to get a “real” job—a Monday – Friday, 9 – 5 gig.
I figured it was the end of my career as a social media marketing manager and time to get a “real” job…
But a friend said no and convinced me to stay the course.
She knew the value of social media for small businesses and knew I had so much to offer small business owners who don’t have the time, knowledge, or inclination to do it themselves. This beautiful woman was my champion, my cheerleader, and my coach to make it happen. She talked about my options, where to look for leads, and above all she told me not to give up.
I begrudgingly listened…
That was 20 Months Ago…
That was 20 months ago. Since that time, several new social media marketing clients have come my way: the first of which came from my girlfriend who insisted I never give up on my dreams. All of them understand the value of social media, but none of them care to tackle it themselves. They are thrilled that I have added them into my roster and my ego buoys up when I realize that isn’t just me shooting sunshine up my own behind.
I still have days when I wonder why I do what I do…
Don’t get me wrong. I still have days when I wonder why I do what I do. When I get bogged down in details and hours disappear in a blink. I struggle to come up with topics to write about. My bank account suggests that a more lucrative job might pay more bills. Not to mention potentially come with better stability and benefits. Why am I wasting my time hiding in my house?!
Simmer down introvert…
Life of a Social Media Marketing Manager
Thankfully, most days I am pleased as punch that I get to work from home and make other companies shine via the light of the web. I get to share the best of what hardworking business owners do and how they make a difference in the world. That might be as simple as sharing a day in the life of a roofer, or capturing a day when a company gives back to the community. I don’t care what people do for a living; I just want to share the best of who they are and what they offer. Having clients who are hardworking professionals, makes my job easier.
So today, I am thankful for the people who help to get me where I am, the friends and family who believe in me, and the clients who trust their image to me. I am proud of the moments when clients tell me how many people compliment their social media feeds. I am in awe on the days when I get to see my clients in action and appreciate what they do for a living. When I get invited to events, I am humbled that my presence is requested and do my part to be present for myself and my clients. Even if that means going home exhausted by a strenuous day of peopling (I really do prefer small groups, but can socialize when need be). Not even going the extra mile for a client gets me down. My job is to make them happy and if they trust I will do everything in my power to do that, that means I am winning.
And doing it all from home? Oh ya, that is the sweet spot…
Do What You Love and Never Work a Day in Your Life
Would I recommend social media marketing as a career for others? Probably not. Clients are always busy with their own jobs, so don’t always have the time to check in with me. Even if that means I get to share what their business life looks like to the general public. Attaining images is usually the hardest part and we all know that a picture is worth a thousand words. Even my words. And the pay truly isn’t as glamorous as you might think. But I get to work at my own pace. I get to meet a wide variety of interesting people. And I get recognition for a job well done; usually when I need it the most.
To me, that is worth more than any amount of money people might shower upon me (Although, I love bonuses…)!
