1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. OMM – Online Media Management, AKA #OMMSocial, is an award-nominated digital marketing agency based in Johannesburg, South Africa – specializing in disruptive online media marketing solutions. From conception, we have worked with various brands, locally and internationally, resulting in highly successful marketing campaigns.
Sectors we have worked with include restaurants, accounting, female empowerment, alcoholic beverages, auto dealers, hospitality, sporting, cellphone accessories, real estate, retail, and education. We are a team of 12 young creatives hustling to take over the digital world. We have no boundaries, we’re a little rebellious and totally obsessed with the digital marketing space.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I started OMM in 2013, part-time, while I was in a corporate job. From the very first day at my very first job, I knew that I had more in me than just an average 9-5. It was tough, working a full day job and then coming home to work on your own business. It was worth every minute (and every sleepless night).
3. What is your role in the business?
A. I am the Operational Director at OMM. My current role includes operations, client management, and new business development. I love managing my team and growing the business.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I received a cum laude in Town and Regional Planning at the University of Pretoria. My digital marketing skills are self-taught, through online courses, YouTube and mentors.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. My business was self-funded, I was lucky enough to have a supporting partner who offered backup in case I needed it.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. Workday? More like work life. My business is my life, my baby. I usually wake up at 6 am (nope, I’m not part of the 5 am club) and start the day with a cuppa earl grey tea and checking emails. From 9 am I have catch up meetings with my team, do some admin and probably push out a few proposals. In the afternoon I would go see some clients and then I head home. I end my day with either a spinning session or yoga, dinner with my husband and doggo and a little Netflix (YES, you can be successful and still watch Netflix). Decompression time is vital to ensure you are energised the next day.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. Good question, it has and still is a work in progress to find a balance. I take it day by day. I try to ensure I keep weekends work-free (where possible) and also do one thing a day that’s for me, me time.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. I truly think my independence drives me, I love working for myself. I am also very passionate about female empowerment, hence 80% of my team are women.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. I usually have my best brainwaves outside of office time – while I’m driving, bathing, watching Netflix and sometimes even while dreaming.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. Most of our business development has come from word of mouth, our standard of work sells us. We also ensure we have a great social media presence – give us a follow @ommsocial.
11. What is next for your business?
A. This year we are focusing on launching our Social Media training division (yay!), our internship programme as well as grow OMM’s sister company, Zeff Kong.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. Discipline is key and don’t let anyone break your stride. I had many people tell me when I first started my business that I wouldn’t succeed and here I am… #KeepOnKeepingOn
Find Claudia: https://www.ommsocial.co.za/