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

Summer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Starting Buzz Bee Social Media was a journey born out of a desire for greater flexibility and a passion for diverse creative expression. Back in 2019, I was working at the United States Polo Association in Wellington, Florida. Although I loved the work, I craved the freedom to explore a variety of subject matters and the autonomy of being my own boss. This longing led to a pivotal decision that would change the course of my professional life.

The Idea of entrepreneurship occurred during my college years at Marshall University, where I earned degrees in Business Management and Marketing, and minored in Entrepreneurship. The idea of starting my own business always intrigued me, but it took some encouragement from the team at Gordo Web Design to make that leap. They were not just supportive; they were instrumental in the setup phase. From designing a great website to guiding me through the digital aspects of launching a business, their expertise was invaluable. This support was the catalyst I needed to transition from the idea of Buzz Bee Social Media to its actual creation and execution.

By June 2019, just three months after leaving the USPA, Buzz Bee Social Media officially launched. As remote work was completely feasible for our operations, we didn’t rush into getting an office space. This flexibility helped immensely in those early days. Our first client came through a referral, setting the tone for our business model based on trust and quality.

However, the real turning point came in 2020 when we managed to secure a contract to handle social media for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Bahia Honda State Park. This opportunity significantly boosted our reputation and showcased our capability to handle high-profile accounts.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. In the beginning, impostor syndrome was a real hurdle. Every day felt like a test of my resolve and capabilities. But with steady, daily work and relentless networking, we gradually built a name for ourselves. Each successful campaign and satisfied client added a layer of confidence and validation to our efforts.

Looking back, the process from the initial idea to launching Buzz Bee Social Media to growing into a sustainable business was intense but incredibly rewarding. The early days were all about taking one step at a time, learning from each experience, and always pushing forward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I entered the digital marketing industry after majoring in Marketing in college at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, which provided me with a solid foundation in business strategies and consumer behavior. Prior to launching my own venture, Buzz Bee Social Media, I worked for the United States Polo Association. This experience was crucial as it allowed me to hone my skills in a dynamic environment and understand the importance of tailored marketing strategies. Driven by a desire for greater autonomy and a passion for exploring various creative avenues, I founded Buzz Bee Social Media.

At Buzz Bee Social Media, we are a full-service company specializing in organic social media strategy. The core of our operations is exceptional client communication. We believe that clear and consistent communication is fundamental to a successful partnership. From the outset of our collaboration, we focus on maintaining open lines of dialogue, listening carefully to understand our clients’ goals, and aligning our strategies with their vision.

We recognize that each company we work with has its unique identity and objectives. At Buzz Bee, we reject the notion of one-size-fits-all solutions. Our commitment to customized approaches is evident as we delve into the nuances of each business—understanding their industry, target audience, brand voice, and ambitions.

Our adaptability extends to the way we embrace the individuality of each client. As businesses evolve, industries shift, and goals change, we remain agile and ready to pivot our strategies and tactics to meet new challenges. This flexibility has fostered long-term partnerships with our clients who value our dedication to their growth and success.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Referrals have turned out to be the best way for Buzz Bee Social Media to bring in new clients, and it all comes down to the great relationships we build with our current clients and the vibrant network of passionate professionals we’re part of. We make sure every client feels heard and valued, and we work hard to exceed their expectations. This leads to our clients not just being happy with our work but becoming active promoters of our services.

When our clients are thrilled with the results, they naturally want to share their experience with others. It’s like when you find a great new restaurant or app and can’t wait to tell your friends about it. That’s how our clients feel about us. They know that anyone they send our way will get the same top-notch treatment they received.

Plus, being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about what they do as we are creates a never-ending stream of opportunities. Whether we’re at industry events, local meetups, or just chatting online, we’re always making connections. Everyone in this network is driven, and they know the kind of quality work we deliver, so the referrals we get from them are not only plentiful but also highly targeted and trusted.

In this way, maintaining strong, friendly relationships and being actively involved with a community of motivated professionals has built us a self-sustaining referral machine. It’s about more than just business; it’s about creating a community where everyone benefits.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team effectively and keeping morale high really comes down to a few key practices that make a big difference. First, always listen to your team. It’s crucial to create an atmosphere where everyone feels heard, not just during formal meetings but in everyday interactions too. Understanding their ideas, concerns, and feedback helps them feel valued and more connected to their work. Secondly, give them room to be creative. Allowing team members to explore new ideas and approaches not only leads to innovative outcomes but also keeps the work environment dynamic and engaging. Additionally, clear and consistent communication is vital, especially if your team is remote. Make sure you’re not just sending out updates, but also responding promptly to any questions or concerns they might have. Finally, fair compensation cannot be overlooked. Ensuring that your team is paid well for their efforts is fundamental to maintaining morale and motivation. By focusing on these areas, you create a supportive and stimulating workplace where everyone can thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://buzzbeesocialmediamarketing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buzzbeesocial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buzzbeesocial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzz-bee-social-media
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/buzzbeesocial