Interview with Female Entrepreneur in UAE
Why I chose this career:
Marianna: I am passionate about all things digital so digital marketing was a great fit for me – I love the endless possibilities of marketing brands using digital channels. A big part of digital and content marketing is writing and this is something I enjoy immensely; I need to be writing on a daily basis so my work fulfills that need for me.
How I prepare for success:
Marianna: I am always on the lookout for opportunities – no matter how small or big. I am a huge believer in thinking big and thinking outside the box. I don’t believe in setting limits to my goals and dreams. When I launched my digital strategy agency in the UAE at the beginning of 2014, my core focus was on staying afloat and making it through the first year – yet through perseverance, hard work, and a bit of luck, I ended the first year with working with a Hollywood film client!
“I don’t believe in setting limits to my goals and dreams.”
My greatest obstacle and how I dealt with it:
Marianna: One of the biggest challenges of running a niche digital strategy agency in a foreign country is building up work connections and a trusted network of potential clients and suppliers. It takes time, commitment and perseverance to develop and maintain these kind of relationships. I went as far as launching my own sushi networking dinners in lieu of and due to the lack of quality networking events.
My greatest fear:
Marianna: I’d say not being able to work for myself and enjoy all the highs (and even the lows) that being an entrepreneur bring with it.
My proudest accomplishment:
Marianna: Running a small business that actual makes a difference to our clients – we mostly work with SME’s and it is incredible to see the kind of difference working with a digital agency makes to their business and their bottom line.
How I blend life and work to create the life I want:
Marianna: One of the highlights of running a small, niche digital agency is being able to travel the world whilst still working – so I frequently take advantage of that. My husband and I are both travel junkies so we take any opportunity we can to get away and explore a new country.
I am inspired by:
Marianna: Smart, strong, driven, dedicated female entrepreneurs – women who go for it, work damn hard, succeed, and pave the way for other women to do something similar. Oprah, Tina Fey, Sheryl Sandberg – massive inspirations for me.
Professionally, I aspire to:
Marianna: To make a difference to my clients, to add value to my team members in terms of developing their skills and knowledge, and to act as professionally and ethically as possible.
My career or business advice to other women in UAE:
Marianna: Work hard. Build a network of trusted connections. Get great referral partners. Save – launching a business in the UAE is expensive.