It’s quite inspiring to meet people who are able to not only go after their dreams early, but to also make them become their reality and encourage others to do the same.
That’s why we have chosen social media guru Shama Hyder as our One Person… Lots of Ripples for this week.
To many, Hyder is known as either the ‘Millennial Master of the Universe’ or the ‘Zen Master of Marketing.’ She founded her now multimillion-dollar marketing and digital PR firm, Marketing Zen Group, with just $1500 when she was in grad school at the University of Texas at Austin.
Only 24 at the time, Hyder says she originally planned to start a general consulting agency. But, she decided to follow her passions instead, which were all things social media.
Since her company launched it has averaged 400% growth annually. For her success, Hyder was named as one of the “Top 30 Under 30” Entrepreneurs in America by Inc. Magazine in 2013, and was honored at the White House as one of the top 100 U.S. companies to be run by a young entrepreneur by Empact100.
Hyder: “There has never been a better time in history to be young and have a chance at success. Young people today have the tools, the resources, and the backing to do whatever they really feel strongly about doing. (Photo courtesy of The Marketing Zen Group)
Additionally, she’s been featured everywhere! From Entrepreneur Magazine to The New York Times to being a regular media expert featured on various shows on Fox Network. She is also a bestselling author, her 2010 book, The Zen of Social Media Marketing: An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz and Increase Revenue, has been the No. 4 seller about web marketing on Amazon.com since it was published.
But, she is not just about work; she also loves to get back and encourage young people to not shy away from going after their dreams or embracing their entrepreneurial spirit. She was apart of a delegation of businesspeople from the U.S. and Denmark that traveled to Egypt to educate young entrepreneurs.
The 29-year-old proves that great things can come from following your instincts and your passions. She also demonstrates the importance of helping others, especially youth and young adults, to begin go after their passions early in order to change the world. That’s why we wanted to feature her in our ONE PERSON…LOTS OF RIPPLES this week.
RIZZARR INTERVIEW
1. What initiated your interest in this subject?
I was always passionate about technology and communication. Going the digital route seemed like a natural extension of those passions. The more I studied social networking in graduate school, the more enamored and sure I was of its future. It was only a matter of time before my career emerged at the crossroads of the digital age and business.
2. What are some of the challenges that you faced as you tried to go after your dreams and your passions? And how did you overcome them?
I think there are always challenges – that’s the nature of life. If you really love what you do and aren’t obsessed with the end goal, you take challenges with a grain of salt. The worst thing you can do is “overthink” your challenges. The best advice I can give is to take it day by day, and know that when you absolutely need the answer, you’ll find it within your greater wisdom. It may sound “soft” but it works!
3. How do you feel that these experiences have shaped you as a person and your ideas about how youth and young adults can change the world?
There has never been a better time in history to be young and have a chance at success. Young people today have the tools, the resources, and the backing to do whatever they really feel strongly about doing.
Hyder: “Passion is great, but you have to also match passion to a natural demand in the marketplace to make it a viable business.” (Photo courtesy of The Marketing Zen Group)
4. Who has played a major role on your life and in your development?
My husband, Arshil Kabani, who I started dating when I was just 18. He really taught me to believe in myself, and always pushes me to be a better version of myself.
5. Why do you think more people should be aware of this area that you are interested in, and how do you think that could change the world?
They don’t have to follow my interests! In fact, I recommend they follow their own passions – whatever that may be.
6. What are you hoping that people will take away for your passions in this subject?
Passion is great, but you have to also match passion to a natural demand in the marketplace to make it a viable business. Otherwise, it’s a hobby. And, there is nothing wrong with cultivating a hobby, but if you want a viable business, you need both the passion and the demand.
7. How you do plan to continue to use your life to change the world? And what are you hoping to accomplish in the future?
I plan to take it day by day. The best way to approach the future is to be fully prepared and totally unplanned. You have to be able to take advantage of opportunities as they arise, and I hope that I am able to take advantage of opportunities which help be better the world.
8. What advice would you give to anyone who is struggling as they pursue their dreams?
Hard work is a given, but the struggle is optional. Don’t focus on just the end results. Your dream should be the journey as much as it is the end goal, because chances are that as soon as you accomplish one thing, you will want another.
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