Your Name:Dimple Thakkar
Business Name: SYNHERGY, a social media firm
Type of Business: Marketing & PR/Social Media Marketing Agency
Business Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Website www.synhergy.com
Twitter @synhergyent
Facebook www.facebook.com/synhergy
Tumblr www.socialmedianerd.com
Pinterest www.pinterest.com/dimplethakkar
Reason for starting
I started my business to break free from the status quo. I saved up enough money. I knew my competition was far behind in my industry. I knew I could do it better. I had the time, the intellect and the ability to make an impact. With all of the resources on the Internet, there was never a better time to start a business. My secret weapon was this: I wanted to focus on business – not office drama, worrying about my salary, a raise or other meaningless distractions. I also understood that starting small was an advantage. To me, the “small” in “small business” meant moving faster than any bigger or better-funded competitor. And most importantly, I wasn’t afraid of failure. Matter of fact, I welcomed it.
How do you define success?
Success is about building something that lasts. Longevity is what separates the real entrepreneurs from the opportunists. The real entrepreneur’s investment is the blood, sweat and tears into building a real brand and future. I believe that surviving is succeeding and the journey is the reward.
Biggest Success
The year of 2012 was a successful one. I won the Power 30 Under 30 Award, an organization that recognizes professionals under the age of 30 that have accomplished much at a young age. Following that, came a prestigious nomination from Empact100, who recognize and showcase the Top 100 companies in the country run by entrepreneurs, ages 30 and under, with a ceremony at the White House.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
The biggest ongoing challenge is using my company’s size and flexibility to make ourselves irresistible to demanding customers. The other is developing multiple streams of revenue within my business model. And the last challenge would be getting people to switch from what they already use to what my company sells. I’ll address these challenges by taking the extra step in a world of quick projects and short engagements. My attention to detail has to be remarkable. My passion to be the best has to be fierce and uncompromising. I have to inject every project with fun and creativity and never (really, never!) fail to deliver on promises. Most businesses ignore these values and are frightened by them, but I’m determined to succeed by relentlessly focusing on building a reputation that’s worth owning.
Who is your most important role model?
I believe in having many mentors in all areas of expertise who help me with very specific issues. I accomplish this by being a serial networker and always remembering to say “thank you.”