As entrepreneurs we all know how important it is to build an effective social media presence to engage with customers and get people talking in the most powerful way about our businesses and brands. Yet for many people, it’s hard work and very time consuming. That’s where Tania Shedden, founder of Sweet Social Studio, has the solution.
LoA chatted to Tania Shedden this month to find out more about her recipe for social media success.
What does your company do?
Welcome to our wonderful world. We are a social media agency that is sweet, smart, fast and likeable. A world filled with sweet social connections that create conversations you’ll like and share. We are not your average social media agency; we believe every brand deserves its own unique twist on a tried and tested social recipe. We want to tell your story and give your clients the opportunity to contribute to your brand by sharing their experience.
"We are a social media agency that is sweet, smart, fast and likeable. A world filled with sweet social connections that create conversations you’ll like and share."
What inspired you to start your company?
Circumstance. It expands boundaries, pushes you to become better than who and what you are. I strongly believe in forced circumstance. After years of experience in a corporate environment I realized that I'm busy passing through life and not living life. The realization that the biggest thing that can go wrong is my idea not working - and how bad can that be? Because tomorrow brings along another opportunity to try again. Investing in myself by attending a coaching session I realized where my true passion lies, and that innovation and constant change is what makes me happy.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
It all starts with a perfect recipe, passion and a little bit of love… Recipes that work well are tried and tested over time and deliver outstanding results that linger in one’s memory long after all is said and done. This is exactly what we are all about at Sweet Social Studio. 12 years of experience in global markets have helped us understand that modern day consumers find comfort in supporting a brand that’s active on social media. Why you ask? Simply put, any company willing to give their consumer a “public voice" is a company that believes in its product. There is no greater litmus test for brand confidence than this! We only work with the best ingredients having learnt that the finest recipes are made up of few components. This means our team is small by design, a key ingredient needed to drive personal relationships and focused intuition as our key differentiator. Relationship + intuition = the power to change any normal recipe into something truly extraordinary. Combined, they create an experience that tells your story in an authentic “Sweet Social” kind of way, delivering on all fronts from customer engagement through to brand awareness and alignment to your business and marketing goals.
"We believe every brand deserves its own unique twist on a tried and tested social recipe. We want to tell your story and give your clients the opportunity to contribute to your brand by sharing their experience."
Tell us a little about your team
My team is officially just me. However we are a consortium of small business owners who collaborate on all types of projects to be able to assist clients on all levels of communication. The "team" on and off consists of Social Media, Web Design, Digital Marketing, PR and Corporate Affairs consulting specialists. We are a team of individuals with experience all over Africa and long term focus within global companies. BUT above all a small team with a passion for people, creative flair and an outcome driven approach to life.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey has been the biggest gift and blessing I could ever have received. Every morning brings new opportunity along with it and I often just stand and breathe in the freedom that comes with running my own business. To me this was a journey that's always been just too scary, as I come from a family where you study, find a job and stick around until your retirement is up for discussion. Stepping out of what I've known for so long, to just follow my dream, has given me the confidence to know I'm even better than I thought. I can add value to other people's lives through sharing my knowledge and experience. The entrepreneurial journey is not for everybody, but it's one of the best, most interesting journeys you could choose.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
As time is my most precious commodity, and you can return or refund something but you can never get your time back, I plan to spend it wisely. In a way that I have enough time for my family and friends, but also time to make an investment in changing the face and belief of women in Africa.
"My entrepreneurial journey has been the biggest gift and blessing I could ever have received. Every morning brings new opportunity along with it and I often just stand and breathe in the freedom that comes with running your own business."
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Your future and destiny is in your own hands. The freedom that comes with being able to work anywhere and at any time. Believing you have the capability to make a difference in the lives of other women and entrepreneurs by being an example through mentorship and inspiration.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Just do it, believe in yourself and in what you offer. You should be your own biggest fan, if you don't believe in yourself nobody else will. Failing is also part of growing, learn from experience and try again. Positivity and doing what you love creates that natural spark that lights the fire within to succeed.
Contact or follow Sweet Social Studio
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | EMAIL tania@sweetsocial.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
These days, social media can be a powerful tool in the entrepreneurial toolbox but it needs to be worked at daily, week in and week out. Building a successful social media strategy and campaigns takes specialist knowledge and skills, not to mention time and effort to ensure they pay off. That’s where Tania Shedden and her team at Sweet Social Studio are on hand to help other businesses to connect and engage with existing and future customers. Tania’s focus is on providing the specialist insights, knowledge and expertise needed to handhold businesses through the social media maze. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa