In episode 22, I chat with Shinjini about her journey from introvert to multi-media personality, how she built her large social media following, and what’s next for her company the Das Media Group.

This episode is also available on iTunes and Stitcher Radio.

I’ve faced a fair amount of struggles. What has been consistent is my resilience and ability to move forward with a smile.

Background

Shinjini is the Founder and CEO of the Das Media Group, a digital strategy consulting firm. She’s also a global millennial influencer with a 67K+ social media following, a regular keynote speaker, and a multi-media personality, having contributed to Huffington Post, been profiled by Forbes, and interviewed by ABC, CBS, NBC, INC. Magazine. And the list goes on…

Journey from introvert to professional speaker / multi-media personality

  • Desire to break out had been latent in her for a very long time. Throughout school and early career, she focused on day-to-day that she almost forgot about this desire.
  • Eventually decided she was done with what others wanted her to do.
  • Started in public speaking through speech and debate in high school – started winning and realized this might be her thing.
  • After college, knew she wanted to speak professionally.
  • Got signed to an agency after getting a few speaking/writing opportunities on her own.

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Building social media following

People will come back to content that they relate to… that they feel is real.

  • Agency wanted people with somewhat of an established audience, so her social media following helped her get signed.
  • Realized when joining twitter that she needed a voice.
  • Needed to translate her in-person joy and energy to an online medium.
  • Built a very empowering, encouraging voice.
  • Proactively reached out to influencers, authors, speakers, etc. and told them she loved what they do, encouraged them, etc.
  • Two takeways for her: 1. Identify a brand voice 2. Exude happiness.

Advice she gives millennials

  • You have to take time for reflection – spent time reflecting and realized she wasn’t happy in a traditional job.
  • Made a list of what made her happy: 1. Global influence 2. Being in a position to create change 3. Speaking.
  • Be happy – find what makes you come alive.

You have to create the life that you want. The world will not give it to you.

Dealing with negative people

  • Experience as an introvert means she’s comfortable being alone, happy by herself and with herself.
  • People often comment on her ambition and unapologetic confidence – she takes it as a positive thing.
  • She promotes herself to ultimately help and empower other people.
  • Uses joy and happiness to diffuse any negativity.

You will not succeed in this business if you’re not a self-promoter.

Das Media Group

First question “was what am I really good at that could generate revenue?”

  • Content generation in an authentic way was something she realized did well.
  • Built her understanding of social media and brand building by building her personal brand.
  • A lot of small business have no idea how to leverage social.
  • Looking to stay small and specialized on content and social media strategy –huge demand for this.

Starting place for helping businesses with social strategy

  • First need to identify a brand voice. Consumers can’t connect with you without it.
  • Go through very reflective exercises – what are their strengths and not-so-strengths, what makes them unique.
  • Important to avoid always asking for something – consumers don’t want to constantly be sold to.

People and brands need to GIVE… [consumers] need to feel heard, they need to feel appreciated, they need to feel loved.

Thought leadership opportunities

  • Always have to be on if doing public speaking, writing op-eds on various topics, etc.
  • It takes a lot of work to continue feeding yourself knowledge. It’s not revenue-generating, but it is an investment.

My rule is two hours of feeding, one hour of production.

Juggling the many investments in business, speaking, thought-leadership, etc.

I am the sort of person that wants everything.

  • Balancing it all has been a challenge.
  • As the brand grows, expect to grow a team, but at the same time will still be making all of the strategic decisions.
  • Will have to prioritize time based on key strategic goals for the year.
  • In 2017 want to increase digital presence – e.g. more video Q&As.

I do want it all and I’m very aware that I’m signing up for a lot of work.

Sacrifices

  • She’s never “off.”
  • Social life has taken a bit of a hit, moreso in the beginning.

Championing substantial women

  • Felt insubstantial at Georgia Tech – decided she didn’t want to feel this way again.

  • I’m all about beauty and fashion but I’ve built that on top of a foundation…Your foundation has to be strong.

  • Women need to be producers, not just consumers.

Advice for others

  • The world is better with women leaders – need to champion strong women.
  • Create a full well-rounded life.

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