Social Media Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Odette Peralta of The Social Savvy Is Helping To Change Our World
Embrace Change: The digital landscape evolves rapidly. Adaptation is key, much like navigating through changing weather conditions to reach your destination.
As a part of our series about leaders who are using their social media platform to make a significant social impact, we had the pleasure of interviewing Odette Peralta.
Odette Peralta is a renowned digital marketer with over seven years of experience in the field. She holds a New Media degree from Molloy University and a Certification in Technology Entrepreneurship from HarvardX. Odette has gained global recognition as one of the Top 100 Marketers and Influencers.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Certainly! My journey into the world of digital marketing and content creation has been an exciting and evolving one. It all began during my college years when I pursued a degree in New Media at Molloy University. This program exposed me to the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of digital media, from graphic design to video production and web development.
As I delved deeper into my studies, I realized that what truly fascinated me was the power of storytelling through digital mediums. I found myself drawn to creating content that could connect with people on a meaningful level. It was during this time that I started to experiment with video production, social media strategies, and digital marketing campaigns.
One pivotal moment that solidified my career path was when I had the opportunity to intern at a local marketing agency. During this internship, I gained hands-on experience working on real client projects, creating content, and analyzing the impact of our campaigns. It was here that I saw the potential of digital marketing to not only drive results for businesses but also to tell compelling stories and make a significant impact.
This experience ignited my passion for the field, and I knew I wanted to build a career centered around helping businesses thrive in the digital age while creating content that resonated with audiences. That’s what led me to found The Social Savvy and embark on this journey of leveraging social media, video content, and digital strategies to make a positive impact in the digital world.
I believe that the power of storytelling can bring about change, and I’m excited to continue exploring new ways to do just that through digital marketing and content creation.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?
One of the most intriguing and fulfilling journeys in my career was the creation of “The Savvy Studio,” an influencer marketing agency that specializes in connecting influencers with brands. This venture emerged during a pivotal moment when I recognized a common struggle faced by many influencer agencies: the challenge of seamlessly aligning influencers with products or services.
At “The Savvy Studio,” we saw an opportunity to bridge this gap. Leveraging the extensive network and clientele of The Social Savvy, our digital marketing agency, we decided to launch a specialized platform that always has work available. Here’s how it works: Since The Social Savvy serves clients who require high-quality video content, The Savvy Studio focuses on recruiting influencers who excel at creating engaging videos. This unique synergy ensures a constant flow of projects, where influencers collaborate with brands seamlessly.
The approach has been a game-changer in the influencer marketing industry. Unlike traditional agencies that often struggle to find the right match for influencers and products, we’ve streamlined the process, creating a win-win situation for both parties. Brands get authentic and compelling content from influencers, and influencers have a consistent stream of opportunities to showcase their creativity and influence.
This endeavor has further strengthened my belief in the power of innovative solutions within the digital marketing realm. It’s a testament to the potential for synergy and collaboration between different aspects of the industry to address common challenges and create opportunities for growth and success.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I was first starting my career in digital marketing, I was incredibly eager to make a lasting impression on clients during our meetings. In one particularly important meeting with a potential client, I had prepared a detailed presentation filled with charts, graphs, and statistics. I thought it would be a brilliant idea to showcase my expertise by projecting my laptop screen onto a large conference room screen.
Everything was going well as I started the presentation, and I was feeling confident about my grasp of the subject matter. However, just a few minutes into the presentation, my laptop decided to install a series of updates. Without any warning, the screen went blank, and the room was filled with awkward silence.
I desperately tried to stall, cracking jokes and making light of the situation while frantically attempting to cancel the updates. Eventually, we got back on track, but it was undoubtedly a memorable moment of humor in an otherwise serious meeting.
The lesson I learned from that experience was the importance of being adaptable and maintaining composure when things don’t go as planned. No matter how well-prepared you are, unexpected hiccups can occur. Instead of panicking, it’s crucial to handle these situations with grace and humor. Clients and colleagues appreciate professionals who can navigate through challenges and maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of technical mishaps. It taught me that sometimes, a good laugh and a dose of humility can help break the ice and build stronger connections with clients and team members.
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to offer some advice for those considering a career path in the challenging world of digital marketing and content creation: Failure is an inherent part of any creative and innovative field. It’s essential to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning rather than insurmountable obstacles. Each mistake provides valuable insights that can lead to better strategies and solutions in the future. The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving with new technologies and trends. Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. Invest time in acquiring new skills, staying updated with industry developments, and experimenting with different approaches. Online courses, workshops, and networking events can be valuable resources. Remember that every successful digital marketer has faced obstacles and failures along the way. These experiences are part of what makes us resilient and ultimately leads to growth and achievement. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks; use them as stepping stones toward your goals.
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?
We work with influencers who are advocates for various social issues, giving them a platform to share their messages effectively. Whether it’s promoting environmental sustainability, mental health awareness, or social justice, we use our network to amplify voices that need to be heard. We believe in the power of education. Through our content, we strive to inform and inspire our audience about important social issues. This includes creating informative videos, articles, and social media campaigns that shed light on various topics, from climate change to gender equality.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?
Certainly, one story involves a recent campaign focused on mental health awareness. We collaborated with an influencer who openly shared their personal mental health journey. Through our content, we aimed to raise awareness and reduce stigma. The influencer’s video resonated, prompting viewers to open up about their own experiences and seek support. This highlighted the impact of authentic storytelling in driving change.
Was there a tipping point that made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?
During the campaign, we received a heartfelt message from a follower who had decided to donate to the cause after watching our content. This demonstrated the power of using social media for social good. It inspired me to shift my focus towards creating content that not only engages but also brings positive change to people’s lives.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Communities can actively support social causes by spreading awareness through their own social media platforms. Encouraging collaboration between organizations, influencers, and policymakers can lead to more impactful initiatives. Politicians can advocate for policies that incentivize corporate social responsibility and social impact initiatives.
Why do you think social media in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
Social media has immense potential to create social change and positive impact for several reasons. It allows messages to reach a vast and diverse global audience instantly, transcending geographical boundaries. Social media amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and individuals who may not have had a platform otherwise. It enables the formation of communities and networks of like-minded individuals passionate about specific causes. Social media educates people on various issues, helping them become more informed and empathetic. Social media provides real-time updates during crises and disasters, aiding in relief efforts. These factors collectively empower social media platforms to drive social change and create a positive impact on humanity.
What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?
I’ve been using strategic content creation, collaborations, and engagement to promote this cause. My tips: Be authentic, build a genuine community, leverage partnerships, and use data to refine your approach. Remember, consistency and persistence are key.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- Impact of Consistency: Consistency in content and messaging is crucial for building trust and recognition. It’s like laying a strong foundation for a house; it takes time, but it’s worth it.
- Importance of Authenticity: Authenticity resonates with audiences. It’s like speaking from the heart; people appreciate and connect with genuine stories and intentions.
- Embrace Change: The digital landscape evolves rapidly. Adaptation is key, much like navigating through changing weather conditions to reach your destination.
- Value of Networking: Building relationships and collaborations can open unexpected doors. Think of it as exploring new paths; they might lead to exciting opportunities.
- Patience Pays Off: Success often takes longer than expected. It’s like nurturing a plant; with care and patience, it eventually blossoms.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would like to inspire movement to influence positivity in the digital realm.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a power lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can stay connected with us by following @thesocialsavvy or @CEOdette or visiting our website www.thesocial-savvy.com
This was very meaningful. Thank you so much!
Social Media Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Odette Peralta of The Social Savvy Is Helping… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.