We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sydney Chakalos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sydney below.

Sydney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Back in early 2015 my in-laws (at the time boyfriend’s parents) asked if I would be interested in managing their social media for their restaurants for extra income each month since I had a background in marketing. Being a recent college graduate, I jumped at the chance for some extra cash, especially since rent was expensive in the DC area. I started to research everything that I could about marketing a small business on social media and how to grow their restaurants. I found that I had a knack for it and they were seeing growth rates that were higher than other small businesses. I then had my dad’s friend reach out about his small business, and before I knew it I had 5 clients in addition to my full-time job.

Fast forward to 2019, I was doing well in my full-time job and was about to get promoted, but I felt a calling to start my business and take a chance on me. Although my job was very stable, I did not feel fulfilled and like I was doing what I was called to do. I had a big passion for local businesses, coming from a family full of entrepreneurs. In July 2019, I officially started my LLC and set a goal to leave my job by February of 2020. I gave my two weeks notice in early February of 2020 with the determination to make my business work. I wanted more freedom with time and money. I wanted the value of my work not to be subjected to managers who didn’t really know me or what I did everyday. I wanted to make a bigger impact for other small businesses. One month later, the world shut down due to the pandemic and I worked day in and day out to help my existing clients navigate the pandemic and other small businesses. Despite the pandemic, I kept all of my clients and have now grown to managing 13 social media clients and doubled my 9-5 salary.

Great appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce your business and what you think distinguishes you from others in your industry.

I come from a family of small business owners and it’s always been a passion of mine to support them as they keep the local economy going. I fell into my passion for social media and marketing by chance when I was given the opportunity to manage the social media for my in-laws’ restaurants. I found myself intrigued by the data behind social media and using those insights to help them continue to grow.

Building your brand is a marathon, not a sprint. It is the mission of Marathon Marketing & Branding to empower small businesses to thrive and amplify their impact by using social media with intention and data-driven decision-making. I think what differentiates us is our human approach to social media. We understand that there are humans on the other side of the phone screen that are craving connection and not a fancy template design. I always tell potential clients, “My goal isn’t for someone to say you must have hired a marketing company. My goal is for someone to say you’ve really stepped up your marketing.” We use design thinking and data to craft messaging that grabs attention, connects with their communities, and ultimately brings in more customers.

I also think our clients love us because they can tell the level of care that we have for them and that we truly want to see them succeed. I’m most proud of the impact that local businesses can make as a result of our work and the impact that our work has on them. Their business growing means more dollars into the local economy and the ability to pour into the community more.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that “experts” or “gurus” don’t have all the answers, and sometimes you have to lean into your own intuition. When I first started my business, I thought I had to do things the exact way that the experts were doing them to be successful. I ended up getting burnt out. When I started to grow my business in a way that felt right to me, that’s when I felt most fulfilled and grew.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In January of 2021, I had all of the momentum in the world going for me. My Facebook group had hit over 600 members. I had a full roster of clients. I had hired my first contractor. I was preparing to launch an online course. Then my world was rocked when I experienced a miscarriage. Something that I was not mentally prepared for and was very uneducated about how common they are. I felt like my world had crashed and I didn’t have the motivation to keep showing up. I pumped the brakes and took a step back for me and my mental health. I identified what the bare minimum was that needed to be done and outsourced where I could. I’m proud of myself for taking the time I needed for myself and jumping back into my business when I was ready even if it meant having to work to gain that momentum again.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marathonmarketingbranding.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marathonmarketingbranding/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarathonMarketingBranding/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneychakalos
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/marathonmarketingbranding/

Image Credits
Vision Balm Photography