We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shareiff Robinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shareiff, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As a Marine Corps Veteran with over two decades of professional IT experience, I am deeply committed to leveraging technology to safeguard digital landscapes and empower the next generation of tech professionals. My background as a web developer and photographer enhances my approach to IT solutions, blending creativity with technical expertise. Through education and consultation in Cyber Security, I aim to bridge the gap between complex technological challenges and practical, effective solutions. My mission is to inspire resilience and innovation, ensuring that organizations can thrive securely in an ever-evolving digital world.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My technical expertise in web development and IT consultancy blends creatively with my musical talents, where I’ve taught piano, trumpet, saxophone, and vocals for over 18 years. I’ve mixed major records for The Caffey Group music firm and have written songs that secured placements with high-profile clients like Lipton, Barbershop 3, Pizza Hut, Netflix, and Sony.

I am proud of my dual capacity to lead and innovate across these industries, ensuring secure, sustainable systems in IT and pushing creative boundaries in music. For clients, collaborators, and students, I offer a unique combination of rigorous technical skill, creative artistry, and a commitment to excellence in every project and educational endeavor.”

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

“Starting a business is no small feat, especially when juggling multiple passions and responsibilities. My entrepreneurial journey began while I was fully employed in the IT sector. Driven by a profound commitment to excellence and innovation, both in technology and music, I knew that to truly realize my vision, I needed to build something of my own.

Every day, after fulfilling my duties at my full-time job, I dedicated my evenings and weekends to nurturing my business ideas. This wasn’t just about saving every extra dollar from my paycheck—though that was certainly a significant part— it was also about investing in relationships and trust. I understood early on that the success of my ventures would heavily rely on the confidence and trust of my potential clients.

To build this trust, I traveled extensively, meeting potential clients wherever they were. Whether it was a late-night session in a music studio or a strategic meeting in a corporate boardroom, I was there, ready to listen and demonstrate how my services could meet their unique needs. Importantly, I offered a comprehensive package: creating bespoke music for their businesses, building robust website platforms, and providing IT consulting advice to enhance their social presence. This holistic approach allowed me to integrate my skills in unique ways, tailoring my offerings to the specific needs of each client.

The initial capital for my businesses came from these tireless efforts—saving diligently from my IT job and reinvesting every profit from early client engagements back into the business. It was a cycle of hard work, strategic reinvestment, and steadfast commitment to my goals. This approach not only funded the beginnings of my businesses but also laid a strong foundation of trust and reliability that continues to support my operations today.”

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

“In the world of entrepreneurship, flexibility and adaptability are just as crucial as dedication and expertise. A defining moment in my career came when I was approached by a local music studio struggling to make an impact online. At that time, I had been diligently working at building a dual career in IT consulting and music production, a combination that uniquely positioned me to address their needs.

The studio, known for its vibrant music but lacking in digital strategy, needed a comprehensive solution that went beyond traditional marketing. Recognizing the opportunity to merge my two passions, I proposed a holistic approach: enhancing their online presence through both technical and creative avenues.

Firstly, I revamped their website, transforming it from a static page into a dynamic, engaging platform that not only showcased their portfolio but also allowed for seamless interaction with clients and fans. This included integrating social media feeds, a booking system, and a blog where they could share news and updates with their audience.

Simultaneously, I worked on creating exclusive music content that captured the essence of the studio’s brand. This content was not only used on their new website but also distributed across digital platforms to generate buzz and draw in a broader audience. Additionally, I advised them on optimizing their online content for search engines and provided ongoing IT support to ensure they remained up-to-date with the latest digital trends.

This pivot not only rejuvenated the studio’s business but also reaffirmed my belief in the power of integrating diverse skills to solve complex problems. By blending IT consulting with music production, I helped the studio establish a compelling online presence that resonated with both new and existing clients.

The success of this project was a testament to the importance of adaptability and the value of leveraging one’s full skill set to meet client needs. It encouraged me to continue seeking innovative ways to combine my expertise in technology and music, ensuring that each client I work with can achieve their fullest potential in the digital age.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.launchpadtechnologies.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shareiff_robinson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shareiffrobinson/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shareiff-robinson
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shareiffrobinson2178
• Other: https://www.shareiffrobinson.com

Image Credits
Kenney Ellison