Today we’d like to introduce you to Hassan del Campo.
Hi Hassan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Like all good stories, my journey to becoming a digital marketer was unorthodox. However, I credit my success in marketing to navigating nontraditional spaces; a career path that prioritized my interests and curiosity rather than a by-the-book approach.
I had always considered myself somewhat of a creator and an unofficial denizen of the creative community. From designing women’s belts from recycled materials to building out a website commemorating a Freedom Riders anniversary, I jumped at any opportunity that would lead me to results-based creative projects. As a result, I became the ad-hoc “marketing guy” – a role that I usually welcomed.
But, the defining moment was when the coffee shop I co-founded closed. Not coincidentally, I acted as the marketing manager for Manifesto Cafe, the boutique restaurant and coffeeshop founded by two colleagues and I in 2015. As an owner/operator, I was tasked with building our brand, growing our digital footprint, and establishing community relationships. When the business dissolved, I realized I very much enjoyed the creative freedom that Manifesto Cafe offered… It inspired, encouraged me to spend the following years freelancing as a social media manager and consultant for small businesses. I turned to “How I failed as a coffeeshop owner and Why You won’t”, a workshop I designed, as a way to brand myself. A website and a self-published marketing e-book later, I found myself (double entendre) waist-deep in entrepreneurship – procuring contracts with businesses and organizations I admired.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Whenever you elect to take the road less traveled, you expect it to be paved with gold. In my journey, I came to realize the biggest obstacles were my flaws. For every client, I landed there were two strong potential clients I left on read. I saw past my laziness to understand that I needed systems and automation if I was ever to become successful. This includes forecasting where and when your weaknesses are most vulnerable and responding proactively before the problem reaches the surface.
I’ve lost clients for taking too long to circle back with an SOW. Not because of procrastination but for not having a template. I’ve also put my own reputation at risk choosing the wrong business partner. Or relying too much on assumptions and opinion rather than knowledge and data.
In my opinion, bumpy roads should be welcomed. If you have the audacity to become an entrepreneur, you’ll use your creativity to always fail forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Social Mediums is a marketing agency that offers solutions and resources to mission-driven organizations and businesses. Much of the business deals with social media marketing, but we’re also working on other projects in the background that I am equally excited about.
We’re proud of all our work, but two of the most rigorous and rewarding experiences include acting as a creative director for an emerging black-owned brewery, as well as wearing many ‘creative’ hats with a women-founded COVID-response organization.
It’s this enivornment, which allows me to navigate my business through different domains, that assures my work stays interesting and purposeful.
And this curiosity, taste for great design, and the desire to tell a story is the fuel that pushes us forward to become better marketers, produce outstanding work, and be great intrapreneurs. Thus, our tagline “Marketing for humans”.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you are a graphic designer, SEO specialist, paid ads guru and anything in between – let’s talk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.socialmediums.design
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/social.mediums/
- Other: https://mailchi.mp/2abae980f8f0/marketing-workshop
