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Would this deter you from starting a SMMA?

by jimmyholmes22
8 replies
Hi guys

I am very seriously thinking of investing a lot of my time and some of my money in setting up a SMMA over the next number of months. I am new to the industry, so am prepared to put in the effort to at least be able to say 'I gave it my best.' Currently I am teaching in an low tier International school in Vietnam, and I actually love my job, so I am not trying to escape a career i feel shackled to. It would just be nice to earn more money to return home and visit firends and family on a more regualr basis.

After researching a few other different areas, mainly Afiliated Marketing and Amazon, it feels like SMMA would be the more rewarding option for me to explore. I used to work in sales, so have good experience in that side of things. However, the fact that I reside in Vietnam means there will be no opportunity for me to attend face to face meetings. I envisage this could be a problem when trying to close deals with clients. Is this a gamebreaker? I would love to hear some more experienced members' views on this. It would be great to receive some suggestions on how to best overcome this obstacle.

Thanks for reading my post (first time poster)

Happy New Year

James
#deter #smma #starting
  • Profile picture of the author DABK
    There are people who would want a face-to-face meeting. So what?

    There are people who would rather not and people who do not care.

    Just set your funnels so the first group self-selects itself out.

    I. E., explain early on how your process works: skype meetings, or whatever method you choose.
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  • Profile picture of the author savidge4
    Originally Posted by jimmyholmes22 View Post

    Hi guys

    I am very seriously thinking of investing a lot of my time and some of my money in setting up a SMMA over the next number of months. I am new to the industry, so am prepared to put in the effort to at least be able to say 'I gave it my best.' Currently I am teaching in an low tier International school in Vietnam, and I actually love my job, so I am not trying to escape a career i feel shackled to. It would just be nice to earn more money to return home and visit firends and family on a more regualr basis.

    After researching a few other different areas, mainly Afiliated Marketing and Amazon, it feels like SMMA would be the more rewarding option for me to explore. I used to work in sales, so have good experience in that side of things. However, the fact that I reside in Vietnam means there will be no opportunity for me to attend face to face meetings. I envisage this could be a problem when trying to close deals with clients. Is this a gamebreaker? I would love to hear some more experienced members' views on this. It would be great to receive some suggestions on how to best overcome this obstacle.

    Thanks for reading my post (first time poster)

    Happy New Year

    James
    Lets start with this...Im assuming SMMA = Social Media Marketing Agency?

    Ill assume I am correct... so lets start with the basics... what do your personal Social accounts currently say about how proficient you are in this field?

    A "portfolio" is the gateway to opportunity here... even personal accounts will show / demonstrate your abilities, so you will want to leverage those.

    Looking here: ( Google my Business Supported countries ) https://support.google.com/business/.../6270107?hl=en we see Vietnam is covered. So why not start with close to home... Start with the school you are teaching at... your favorite place to eat, maybe your favorite shop of whatever kind and help them grow their accounts and donate your time in exchange for EXPERIENCE. This would be a win win correct?

    It has already started... but in the coming months there are going to be some major shifts within the region of the world you live in... as Manufacturing etc exits China, Vietnam is actually a bit of a hotspot right now... So YOU are thinking clients abroad and I would suggest looking for clients next door.

    NOW you want to develop proof of concept as it were... show that you know your stuff... personal accounts and maybe some of the other accounts I mentioned above. Create your AGENCY website and document the journey... as it pertains to your personal accounts, and the other pro bono accounts.

    Hope that Helps - Best of Luck!
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    Success is an ACT not an idea
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    • Profile picture of the author jimmyholmes22
      Cheers friend. My girlfriend is actuallt Taiwanese, so that might help with managing the language barrier with Chinese clients. I am going to take the plunge and buy one of the courses online, im just trying to make sure i choose right one for me. Thanks again
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  • Profile picture of the author IGotMine
    Just set your funnels so the first group self-selects itself out.
    This.

    Most of your potential clients will be small to medium-sized businesses. Large companies have in-house set-ups.

    Most people understand the global nature of the Internet and won't expect someone to fly halfway around the world or drive across town for a conversation that can easily be had on the phone or Skype.

    First, investigate your competition. Their sites, onboarding process, fees, etc. Then advertise on social media offering a free consultation.

    Use the "whale bait" concept - demonstrate so much value that your "small" fee will seem like a no-brainer.
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  • Profile picture of the author 1Louis
    Hey James,

    It's perfectly fine to have a SMMA business without meeting Face-to-face.

    I run a SMMA, and I've met about only 20% of my clients in-person.

    But I have a very important tip:
    - Invest in a good home-setup for meetings - your microphone and webcam quality need to be perfect.

    This is what will separate you from other low-level agencies.

    Good luck James.
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