We share entrepreneurial stories to inspire great ideas...
Suzanne Zandbergen
Suzanne Zandbergen is the founder of The Generator, a social media marketing agency in Hamilton, as well as co-founder of Hamilton Fempreneurs, a group of local women entrepreneurs with over 4,00 members. Suzanne is a Women Who Rock award recipient, and nominated for a Hamilton YWCA Women of Distinction award. Visit www.thegenerator.ca
Social Media, Entrepreneur, Suzanne Zandbergen
- Contributed By: Suzanne Zandbergen
Tell us a little something about your business...
My first career was in advertising at The Hamilton Spectator. I loved working with small businesses and making a direct impact with getting the word out, but when social media started to grow in its early phase, I knew instantly that it was what I wanted to get into. Social media was a game changer for marketing and advertising– being able to interact directly with your customers in real time creates huge opportunity to grow a business that really fills a need.
When was your lightbulb moment?
I had left my first career in pursuit of a social media role, when I landed at a company that was working out of one of the first coworking spaces in Hamilton. Being surrounded by so many young entrepreneurs every day flicked a switch in my brain. I had never considered running my own business, but I was inspired by the energy, collaboration and determination of the environment. I realized I could create my own opportunities to do social media marketing, and I could be a part of helping other small businesses grow right here in my own city. I started The Generator on March 28, 2014– five years ago! and I’ve never looked back.
What are your three words of advice?
Focus on strengths. There are so many things that need to be done, so many things tugging from all directions, vying for your attention when you’re running your own business. But it’s important that you focus on what you’re good at, the things you can be very productive at– productive meaning: creating revenue to sustain your business, but also creating the joy and sense of accomplishment that you’ll need to stay motivated. Anything that is not a strength, you can hire someone to do for you, trade services for, or find a solution that frees up your time to focus more on your strengths.
Three words of advice...
Focus on Strengths
Suzanne Zandbergen is the founder of The Generator, a social media marketing agency in Hamilton, as well as co-founder of Hamilton Fempreneurs, a group of local women entrepreneurs with over 4,00 members. Suzanne is a Women Who Rock award recipient, and nominated for a Hamilton YWCA Women of Distinction award. Visit www.thegenerator.ca
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes”
