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

Yumiko, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think the word successful is very broad and has different meanings for everyone. As a French citizen living in California and being in business for close to 7 years, my definition of success has changed dramatically. I thought success was having a big company, a beautiful office, a large staff in the company, working 7/7, helping others, and making great money. This was related to the illusion of The American Dream, like most foreigners in this country, that’s what we usually go after. We move here for better opportunities, to make a change, and to hopefully be successful with those endeavors. My view on success has changed since then but I believe that there are certain common traits and habits that can contribute to achieving success in general such as determination, perseverance, passion, consistency, resilience, discipline, and emotional intelligence.

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

My background sets me apart from many professionals in the Marketing industry, as it encompasses a diverse range of disciplines. I obtained my B.A. in Sociology and pursued an M.S. in Applied Criminology, establishing a career in law enforcement and criminology. However, due to the constraints imposed by my French citizenship, I was compelled to change course. Interestingly, back in my home country of New Caledonia, I initially studied Marketing, Communication, and Management, which had always been my true passion before relocating to America. Eventually, I found my way back to my original field of study, delving into Marketing.

Following a few obstacles and working for employers who lacked a progressive mindset, I made the pivotal decision to establish my own Social Media Agency, known as FDT (French Dream Team). It was in 2017 that I recognized the influential potential of social media in assisting business owners and entrepreneurs. I soon realized that most entrepreneurs lacked the time, expertise, and inclination to manage their online presence effectively. This realization became my mission—to support these individuals so they could focus on their true passions, working on their businesses rather than in them.

Today, I take immense pride in the growth I have achieved as a business owner and the remarkable impact FDT has had on our clients’ businesses. Building strong relationships has been an integral part of our journey. I must emphasize that this path has not been without challenges. Growth is often accompanied by pain, although it is seldom discussed openly. However, I firmly believe that this discomfort is an inherent part of the growth process.

Speaking of growth, I am thrilled to announce that FDT has expanded its services beyond Social Media Management. We now offer comprehensive solutions such as Branding, Web Design, Printing, Content Creation, and PR. Our client base extends nationally and internationally, and our primary objective is to provide expert advice, guidance, and management of our client’s online presence.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

FDT’s current reputation-building strategy revolves around two key principles: consistently delivering high-quality work and actively listening to our clients. The act of listening holds immense importance to us. At FDT, we pride ourselves on being a “people” company, where our clients are not mere numbers but valued individuals. Cultivating enduring relationships with our clients has always been a top priority. We are committed to providing our utmost effort and expertise to ensure their success, recognizing that our own success is intimately tied to theirs. In an industry often fixated on numbers, we prioritize the essence of quality and forging meaningful connections. By upholding these values, we believe we can outpace many others and establish long-term success.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the lifecycle of any company, the need for pivoting often arises. FDT is no exception. We swiftly recognized that our clients not only appreciated our work but also desired additional services beyond what we initially provided. They sought a comprehensive solution—a one-stop shop to fulfill their diverse digital marketing needs. Consequently, we made a recent strategic shift, transforming FDT into a 360 Digital Marketing Agency. This pivot enables us to offer a complete range of services, catering to every aspect of our clients’ digital marketing requirements. By embracing this holistic approach, we aim to provide a seamless and comprehensive experience, fulfilling the evolving needs of our valued clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fdtvision.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/fdt_vision
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/fdtvision
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fdt_vision
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/fdt_vision