#WIB-Q&A With Daniela d’Hotman de Villiers Owner Of Savvy Social
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. Savvy Social helps businesses grow through the savvy use of social media and digital marketing tactics.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I started Savvy Social in March 2019. When I was working at TFG, my passion for Digital Marketing and social media grew and I loved how it was something that could be accessible to any business-no matter how small or big. I loved coming up with the strategy, campaigns and content and working with the designers to bring the concept to life. It was during this time that I decided that I wanted to use what I had learnt along with my passion for it to help businesses who didn’t have the time or know how to market their business on social media. With a laptop and WIFI, I was ready to start offering my services.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. My role in the business is sales, client management, strategy, training and copywriting.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I first studied at UCT where I qualified with a BA in Media, English and History and then I did a Postgraduate Diploma at Red & Yellow in Marketing, Advertising and Communications.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. I borrowed R1500 from my mom to buy an email and website package and that was it. I was fortunate to get my first client very quickly so this kickstarted my cash flow and I could grow from there.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. There is no average workday but if I had to describe it, it would be reading up on the latest social media trends, reviewing the work of my social media coordinator and Graphic designer, briefing strategy and new client projects in, meeting with new potential clients and my current clients.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. I have recently had a baby (he is 12 weeks old) so work life balance is a challenge right now and with COVID, I am also working from home mostly. I try balance my home life and work life by physically and mentally switching off work at a certain time each evening. There are also some days where I need complete focus where I work from a coffee shop and make sure I am present during that time and then when I come home I am intentional about being present in the moment with my baby and husband. I try fit the odd run in here and there when I can.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. I am driven by newness, innovation and my curiosity to constantly learn more. I am inspired by people’s stories and learning from others-I’m obsessed with motivational quotes, autobiographies, mentorship and words of wisdom.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. I have my best ideas when I am running on the Promenade-I find that running really clears my head and gives me the opportunity to come up with great ideas and action plans.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. We use social media, of course! 😉 We run Lead generation Ads on Facebook and Instagram and also create funnels with lead magnets for the purpose of growing our email database. I also do free webinar training. This is a win-win as it adds value as well as builds the Savvy Social brand and its credibility.
11. What is next for your business?
A. In my business, ‘what’s next?’ is always a question we are asking and there is never only one thing especially because of the fast-paced, ever changing world of social media and digital marketing.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. I would say don’t wait ‘until the time is right’-it doesn’t need to be perfect before you start. Just start, you’ve got this. One small step at a time will move you closer to your goal. Be bold and brave-I won’t say don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, because you will be afraid but do it anyway. Then once you jump in and start, always be learning. Entrepreneurship is about lifelong learning: learning from your mistakes, learning from your achievements, and learning about yourself and others.
Contact info:
Mobile: 0832687094
Email: daniela@savvysocial.co.za
Website: www.savvysocial.co.za