We recently connected with Jacki Garfinkel Sousa and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jacki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
I’ve been really lucky that all of my clients have been through connections and word-of-mouth. Then again, as Oprah says, luck is just preparation meeting opportunity. First, the preparation: I’ve made serious efforts over the past two decades to grow my network, prove my skills, and be someone that other people want to work with. Then came the opportunity: When I was first looking to change jobs (before deciding to start my consulting business), I was connected with a coworker’s family member. Her company offered me a full-time role, but after much deliberation I decided that I wanted to focus on starting my own company and be my own boss. I let the company know that I would no longer be interested in a full-time job, and they incredibly said that they so wanted to work with me that they’d let me do it freelance, on my own terms. That position not only gave me the financial runway to start my own consulting company, but it most importantly gave me the confidence that I could make this new career work.
Jacki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m the mind behind Social Mojo Consulting, a company born from my passion for blending creativity with analytics to elevate businesses on social media. After nearly a decade at Nickelodeon, shaping the social presences of beloved brands like SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and an earlier chapter honing my skills at NBC, I knew it was time to step out on my own and bring my expertise to a wider array of businesses. That’s why, in 2022, Social Mojo Consulting came to life.
What sets me apart? It’s the mix of creativity and analytical prowess I bring to the table. I love a well-crafted meme and a detailed spreadsheet equally. My client portfolio is diverse, from a national sports team to a global human rights organization, to a charming pie shop in Brooklyn, and many more in between. This breadth of experience means every social media strategy is bespoke, data-driven, and completely unique.
My suite of services are designed to not just elevate a brand’s social media presence, but to fundamentally transform it. From crafting bespoke social media strategies that resonate with your target audience to launching groundbreaking campaigns that captivate and engage, I approach each challenge with a creative and analytical mindset. Beyond these, I offer in-depth analytics reporting to track and refine your strategy, organizational design to optimize your team’s social media efforts, and Social 101 training sessions that empower you with the knowledge to succeed. Additionally, I provide mentorship for those looking to navigate the complex social media landscape, process development to streamline and enhance your social media operations, and much more. Think of me as your social media architect, ready to guide you through launching, rebranding, or simply refreshing your company’s digital presence.
One of my favorite aspects of my journey so far is the trust and rapport I’ve built over the years. The fact that my client roster has been exclusively built through connections and referrals is a testament to the dedication I bring to each project, striving not just for success, but for meaningful (and fun!) collaboration.
Launching Social Mojo Consulting was a pivotal personal decision. I made a pledge to myself to balance the rigor of business with my two biggest inspirations—my kids, affectionately nicknamed Monkey and JoJo. Social Mojo isn’t just about getting your brand’s mojo back; it’s a nod to my two boys, allowing me to pour unparalleled passion into my clients’ projects, while still getting all the LEGO-building time with them.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Two main things have helped me build my reputation: I deliver great results, while also creating a work environment that my clients genuinely enjoy. I’m committed to working hard and producing positive outcomes, but I always say that if we’re going to clock in a ton of hours, we should have a blast (and lots of coffee!) doing it. Of course, it’s not just about making work fun; it’s about fostering an atmosphere where both creativity and productivity thrive.
At the end of the day, it’s the care and passion I pour into each project that truly makes a difference. I really do care… about my clients, their businesses, and driving them towards success. I’m not just here to check boxes; I’m here to truly revolutionize your social, cheer on my clients, and maybe share a meme or two along the way.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
Keeping in touch with clients and fostering brand loyalty is something I take to heart. Several of my clients have turned into friends over the course of our projects, thanks to the fun we have working together and the deep mutual respect we develop for each other’s work and vision.
Even after we’ve crossed the finish line on a project, I don’t just disappear. I make it a point to check in quarterly or biannually, depending on what makes sense for them and their business. It’s really not just a courtesy call; it’s about staying genuinely interested in their progress and being there when they need guidance or just want to bounce off ideas. And my clients know they can always reach out to me at any time, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve worked together.
At year’s end, I also love to send a personalized holiday gift. It’s my way of showing appreciation. These little touches ideally go a long way in keeping the relationship alive and ensuring that when they think social media strategy, they think of me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.socialmojoconsulting.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackigarfinkel/