IN an ever-evolving marketplace, businesses are leveraging social and digital media as an essential tool to grow their online presence and gain and maintain clients. With so many new platforms and trends to stay on top of this can be a daunting task, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. That’s where Georgiann Shepherd comes in.

Through her digital media management business, Grow with Us Social Media Services, this millennial marketer uses her expertise to help small businesses connect and engage with audiences using her proven personal approach. Shepherd shared with Career & Education that digital media marketing is a passion into which she grew.

“When I began working in corporate I never dreamed of having a career in the digital media space,” she said. “But then, of course, at that time social and digital media was not the lucrative and essential business platform that it is today. As I have grown in expertise, experience, and training over the years as a marketer, I have fallen in love with the massive impact and interconnectedness that digital platforms have brought to the business environment.”

Having begun her career journey as an administrative assistant in the manufacturing industry, the ambitious Shepherd soon transitioned into the financial sector as a HEART/NSTA Trust trainee. Impressed by her tenacity and eagerness to learn, her supervisor invited her to remain with the company at the end of her training contract until a full-time position became available. One did become available and Shepherd has been working at the financial conglomerate for over 15 years.

“It took me several years before I found myself working in the area of marketing,” Shepherd said. “I always aspired to be a successful marketer; it is my dream career.”

Shepherd, who has acquired her degree with honours from the University of Technology, Jamaica in marketing, banking and finance, shared that she started her marketing journey in an administrative role, supporting the marketing department team with invoices and sponsorship requests. Eventually her diligence and natural leadership abilities landed her a supervisory position as a team lead. Over time, her role in the team evolved and expanded, and she eventually had the opportunity to be a part of the social and digital marketing team as an officer. This is where she came alive, she shared, brimming with ideas and beaming with pride after successful campaigns and executions.

She had found her calling.

Shepherd says she thoroughly enjoys learning about new digital systems and platforms as they rise to prominence, and strategising with businesses so they can benefit from emerging trends and communities in the space. She officially launched Grow with Us in August 2022.

“Grow with Us helps small businesses to develop their social media strategies, create and manage content, audit their brands’ online presence, engage with their target audiences, advertise on digital platforms, maximise value from influencer marketing, and monitor their digital footprint,” the business owner said.

As one who caters mainly to small businesses, Shepherd is happiest when she sees how her services have helped an entrepreneur to meet a target or take their business to the next level.

“Oftentimes people start businesses because they are passionate about something, and in the early stages of that business it’s a one-man show. Many of them do not have the time or the know-how to manage their own social media, but they understand how valuable an online presence is to their success. It brings me immense joy knowing that I am contributing in such a practical way to their success as they follow their dreams.”

As a certified digital marketing professional (CDMP), Shepherd assists in the training of the next generation of digital marketers in her capacity as an adjunct lecturer at University of the Commonwealth Caribbean. In doing this she is achieving a part of her vision for her life, which is to create a positive impact – whether in physical or digital spaces.

“My ultimate dream is to always have the freedom to innovate, make a positive impact, and create opportunities for others,” she said. “I aspire to be a leading catalyst for growth, empowerment, and connection in the digital world by providing exceptional social media services that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive, reach their full potential, and foster meaningful connections.”