Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Branding & Buzzing Founder Sean Beckingham, who has this to say about his transition from magazine art director to social media pro: “How many times did you read a magazine today? How many times did you check Facebook?”…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
We believe everyone has a story. We make friends for our clients, not ads. Branding & Buzzing brings together like-minded influencers, brands and fans starting on social media and rich in real life experiences
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I was a magazine art director. How many times did you read a magazine today? How many times did you check Facebook?
I have always been fascinated with the way people consume their content. In my past career as a magazine art director I watched people pour over the pages of my magazines, commenting about the content wanting to go out and buying the items inside.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best part: Keeping the social in social media.
Worst: Keeping up with email.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Watching my son grow up and missing it, not being able to be the father I want to be
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Here – larger agency, more clients.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I am on career #3. I saw the other two career opportunities and industries they were in die off due to the Internet and social media. Knowing what to do next is the hardest.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
When you don’t feel like you are going to work and just living your life.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Still waiting.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Be prepared to do the work you promise your clients. Ideas are everywhere – success is in the execution.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
We eat out for work a lot. 20 pounds later a lot. I eat at La Carnita (Toronto) once a week – great beer, best tacos, fast service, and the trick is to sit at the bar
When you’re not working, how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Walking around Toronto.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
I live in the best city in the world. Why leave?
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Lose Yourself – Eminen.
I really don’t listen to hip-hop or Eminen, but when I first started the agency I played that song every day on my headphones as loud as possible. The lyrics “You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime” gets me charged every time.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Arborist – I love trees.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Of course! Given most of our clients are asked to support charities, we often get involved in theirs.
What to you is notable?
When people see you and know who you are.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#NOTABLE
Image credit: Adrian Fiebig
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.