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

Hi Sydney, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success, to me, isn’t just about hitting numbers or reaching milestones—it’s about creating a meaningful impact and building something lasting. As a growing business owner, I’ve learned to look beyond the metrics and instead focus on the relationships I build with my clients and the lessons they teach me. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized that success often comes in the form of those small yet powerful moments—like seeing a client’s confidence grow as their brand takes shape or witnessing how the work we’ve done together helps them reach their goals.

One piece of advice that has stayed with me since childhood is something my dad always told me: “If you find something you truly love to do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I’ve found truth in that, but I’ve also come to realize that success, even when doing what you love, requires consistent effort and intention. It’s not always easy—it takes perseverance, adaptability, and a lot of hard work to get where you want to be and maintain it. But the effort feels worthwhile because it aligns with my passion.

I vividly remember working with one of my first clients, a small wellness studio. They came to me feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to communicate their brand’s value online. Together, we created content that not only resonated with their audience but also aligned with their purpose. By the end of our time working together, they shared how much clarity and confidence they’d gained in their brand. That experience reminded me that success isn’t just about growing my own business but about empowering others to grow too.

For me, success means finding fulfillment in the work itself and staying committed to making a difference, no matter how small. It’s a balance of striving for growth while staying grounded in what truly matters.

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.

My name is Sydney, and I’m the founder of September Social, a boutique social media agency that specializes in helping small businesses navigate the ever-changing world of digital marketing. My journey into this industry began with a passion for creativity and storytelling, combined with a desire to help businesses build authentic connections with their audiences. I’ve always believed in the power of great content to not only capture attention but also build meaningful relationships, and that belief is at the heart of everything I do.

At September Social, I offer a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. These include social media management, strategy development, content creation, email marketing, and newsletter services. I also provide specialized packages for video content and user-generated content creation. Each service is designed to free up my clients’ time so they can focus on what they do best while ensuring their online presence is polished, professional, and effective.

The problems I solve for my clients often stem from overwhelm and lack of time. Many of the small businesses I work with are run by individuals who wear many hats. They know the importance of social media but don’t have the bandwidth to manage it themselves. I step in to create cohesive strategies and engaging content that not only drives growth but also stays true to their brand voice and values.

What sets September Social apart is my commitment to a personal, collaborative approach. I take the time to deeply understand each client’s goals, audience, and challenges, and I’m as invested in their success as they are. My work is as much about building trust and relationships as it is about metrics. I’m proud to say that my clients often view me as an extension of their team, not just a service provider.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the lasting impact I’ve been able to make on the businesses I’ve worked with. For instance, seeing a client’s confidence soar as they gain clarity in their messaging or watching their engagement increase because of the content we created together—it’s those moments that truly drive me.

For anyone considering working with me, I want them to know that I’m all about creating content that not only looks good but also works. I focus on data-driven strategies that leave a lasting impression, prioritize authenticity, and help brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Whether it’s crafting a strategy from scratch, managing day-to-day posting, or creating stunning visuals, my ultimate goal is to make your business shine and free up your time to focus on what matters most to you.

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

One of the most important lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that not every business out there needs me or even wants me—and that’s okay. On the flip side, I’ve also realized that I don’t need every business out there, either. For a long time, I thought success meant signing every client who inquired about my services, especially when I was first starting out. But through experience and trial and error, I’ve learned that client alignment is key to not just my business’s growth, but also to my overall fulfillment and peace of mind.

Early in my journey, I took on clients simply because they could pay my rates or boost my revenue, even if something about the partnership didn’t feel like the right fit. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the true cost of signing a misaligned client far outweighed the short-term financial gain. Misalignment often leads to friction, burnout, and a lack of joy in the work—and that’s not the kind of business I want to build.

As I’ve grown, I’ve become more intentional about who I work with. I’d much rather partner with a client whose vision and values align with mine, even if they’re on the lower end of a retainer amount than work with a higher-paying client who feels like a struggle. The satisfaction of working with aligned clients—who appreciate the process, trust my expertise and truly connect with my approach—has proven to be far more rewarding.

If you’re a new business, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and feel the need to say “yes” to every opportunity. But one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that true success isn’t just about quantity—it’s about quality. Building relationships with clients who are the right fit leads to better results, more meaningful work, and a stronger foundation for long-term growth. It’s a lesson I’m grateful to have learned, even if it took some bumps along the way.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe one of the biggest factors that has helped me build my reputation within my market is having a strong and unique brand. Standing out in a crowded industry requires more than just offering great services—you need to present yourself as an authority and someone people can trust. Recently, I invested in a full brand and web design, and the transformation was incredible. It took my business from feeling cookie-cutter to something that is unique, powerful, and personal. That shift has not only helped me create a stronger impact but also allowed me to build trust with potential clients. When people see the effort and intentionality I put into my own brand, it reassures them that I’ll bring the same level of care and expertise to theirs.

Another key element has been the power of case studies and sharing my clients’ words and experiences. No one wants to invest in a service that doesn’t come with a track record or proof of results. Whether it’s showcasing a successful social media strategy or sharing client testimonials, these stories allow potential clients to see the real value of my work and envision what I could do for them. It’s like providing the “reviews” for a service-based business, which is just as important as it is for a product-based one.

Ultimately, building my reputation has been about more than just delivering great work. It’s about showing up with consistency, building trust through my brand and client success stories, and creating a presence that makes people feel confident investing in me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.septembersocialmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/september.social/