We recently connected with Sharmila Hall and have shared our conversation below.

Sharmila , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

SMB Global Marketing (SMBGM) didn’t start as a grand plan—it started as something I loved doing in my spare time. Back in 2021, I was freelancing while working a full-time job. I offered services like website design, SEO, and branding to local businesses and even worked with a few international clients right from the start. With over a decade of experience working with global companies, I already understood the unique challenges businesses face when they want to grow—whether it’s standing out in their local community, connecting with multilingual audiences, or reaching new markets.

What I didn’t expect was how much I would fall in love with the work. I loved sitting down with business owners, hearing their stories, and helping them solve problems that felt overwhelming to them. The late nights and weekends working on different marketing projects didn’t feel hard—they felt exciting. I knew I was onto something when I realized this wasn’t just a side hustle anymore. It was my passion, and I wanted to give it my all.

A little over a year ago, I decided to take the leap and turn my freelance work into a full-fledged agency. The first year was all about figuring things out—refining our message, understanding who we could serve best, and deciding what SMBGM should stand for. While my long-term vision has always been to specialize in multilingual and multicultural marketing, I started broader, offering services to local businesses to help them strengthen their local online presence. That process taught me so much, and over time, I realized our true niche was helping businesses connect with diverse and multilingual audiences, both locally and internationally.

When I first started freelancing, my website was simple—just enough to get the word out. But as I transitioned into running an agency, I invested in a complete overhaul to reflect the bigger picture. I wanted it to show not just what we do, but why we do it: to help businesses grow by bridging cultural and linguistic gaps and creating authentic connections with their audiences.

Looking back, every step—freelancing on weekends, working with my first clients, and taking the leap to start the agency—has been part of an incredible journey. I’ve learned so much along the way, and it’s only made me more committed to SMBGM’s mission: helping businesses connect with the people they want to serve in a meaningful, culturally relevant way.

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

At SMBGM, everything we do is about helping businesses tell their stories in ways that resonate deeply with their audiences. When I transitioned from freelancing to building an agency, it wasn’t just about scaling up—it was about creating something that would truly make an impact.

Our work focuses on multilingual and multicultural marketing because I’ve seen how powerful it can be when businesses connect authentically with diverse audiences. But that focus didn’t happen overnight. In the beginning, we provided a wide range of services like website design, SEO, branding, and local marketing strategies to small businesses. This broad approach gave me the opportunity to work with clients from different industries and backgrounds, helping them solve real problems: building visibility, improving their online presence, and connecting with customers they hadn’t been able to reach before.

What sets SMBGM apart is the combination of technical expertise with a deep understanding of cultural nuance. It’s not just about designing a website or running an SEO campaign—it’s about crafting strategies that feel personal and relevant. Whether we’re helping a local business reach a multilingual community in their city or working with a company to expand into international markets, we always take the time to understand their audience and what will truly resonate with them.

For example, we don’t just translate content—we localize it, tailoring messaging to fit cultural norms and preferences. That extra step makes all the difference in helping businesses not only reach their audience but also build trust and loyalty.

What I’m most proud of is seeing the transformation that happens when our clients succeed. Whether it’s a small business finally connecting with the right customers or a company breaking into a new market, knowing that we played a part in their growth is incredibly rewarding.

If there’s one thing I want readers to know about SMBGM, it’s that we care deeply about the businesses we work with. We’re not just here to deliver services—we’re here to help you grow in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable. Every client is unique, and we approach each project with fresh eyes, tailoring our strategies to their goals, challenges, and audience.

At its core, SMBGM is about creating bridges—between businesses and their customers, between cultures, and between ideas. Our mission is to make those connections as seamless, authentic, and impactful as possible.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me, it’s been all about networking. I’ve joined groups, attended events, and consistently looked for opportunities to connect with new people. Networking is about building genuine relationships, and I’ve found that when people see your passion and the value you provide, referrals and collaborations naturally follow.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed to “do it all” to succeed. Early on, I felt like I had to handle every detail myself—from admin to client work—and it left me stretched too thin.

Over time, I realized that delegating and bringing in support isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. By outsourcing certain tasks and focusing on what I do best, I’ve been able to grow SMBGM and deliver even more value to my clients. Letting go of the “do it all” mindset has been one of the most impactful changes I’ve made.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smbglobalmarketing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smbglobalmarketing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smbglobalmarketing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smbgm/