Words by Danielle Adkins
Photographer by Gilberto Vasquez
Just after finishing up Friday morning errands, Shama Hyder (Kabani) sat down to speak about the success of her company, her continual influx of speaking gigs, her recent book, Shama TV, and a few of the other endeavors this busy gal is pursuing. As the CEO of The Marketing Zen Group, an online marketing service, it was only fitting that the interview was done via Skype. She didn’t know it yet, but she had agreed to open up about her childhood, her beginnings as an online marketing guru and her best travel tips, all while Snoopy, her fluffy white Maltipoo, sits on her lap.
Growing Up
As a “transplant to the U.S.” at the age of nine, Shama has a deep appreciation for her life in the United States. “To me, America was like the land of milk and honey and really exciting.” Her voice still gleaming with excitement, she speaks of the first time her fourth grade teacher took the class to the library. In her native India the libraries were reserved for university students and academics. She joyously remembers her confusion and excitement when that same fourth grade teacher allowed her to check out a book to take home. “There were certain things other kids took for granted, I just didn’t.”
Whether it was her Indian roots or the first time she checked out a book at the school library, her appreciation for learning never stopped. The strict schooling system in India based around memorization and principle gave way to a much different American way of learning. “Different principles were highlighted, like teamwork and creativity. I can still remember the first time we watched a movie in class and had fun; it was like school heaven.” She couldn’t have known at such a young age that her shift in learning and appreciation for creative thinking would help shape her into the now CEO of The Marketing Zen Group and one of Business Week’s Top 25 entrepreneurs under the age of 25. The Marketing Zen Group was also listed on the Empact100 list of the top 100 companies in the US to be run by entrepreneurs under the age of 30.
Shama has plenty to brag about, but her delightfully down-to-earth tone and friendly demeanor are not compromised by her accomplishments, which is something that makes chatting with her all the more enjoyable. She is the type of woman who knows what she wants and will work hard to get it, while still being the endearingly pleasant person you can meet with for drinks on Friday afternoon with no shortage of laughs.
Success
Shama attributes most of her company’s success to “right time, right place” in the social media market. Businesses were ready to reach customers through different avenues, but did not know how. Social media marketing is definitely a more thrifty way to market a business, but it must be done carefully and requires constant attention. Purchasing ad space and TV commercials is going the way of the dodo and social media marketing is taking over. And why wouldn’t it? A Super Bowl commercial can cost millions, but a clever ad in the social media world can cost next to nothing and has a much wider reach. Shama was able to understand social media and its importance early on when businesses were looking for new ways to reach customers.
“We did really well just after we got right out of the door because people were hungry for the information and even though companies at the corporate level didn’t quite get it yet, small businesses did. Small businesses were the first customers because they got it. They wanted to find different ways to attract business.”
As social media was taking over as an important form of marketing, the company grew quickly. With excitement in her voice, she talks about the huge outpouring of support The Marketing Zen Group received from the community. “For the longest time I felt my age was a weakness, and I was surprised to find that it was actually perceived as a strength.”
She formed The Marketing Zen Group in 2009 and since then the company has grown to include 30 employees who work with clients from the small business sector to Fortune 500 companies. Today, Shama and her “robust team” work with clients in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Central and South Americas. Shama is also the author of the bestselling book “The Zen of Social Marketing,” which is in its third edition. Currently, she is working on Shama TV, an online television show with topics ranging from Google+ to an interview with the rapper 50 Cent. When she’s not working on one of those endeavors, she is jet-setting around the world to speak on various issues from social media to business. Yes, she is, indeed, a modern day superwoman.
Shama is a wealth of information on a wide range of subjects. Listening to her speak about new marketing, even as someone who knows a bit on the subject, is overwhelmingly exciting. As the conversation wraps up and morning turns to afternoon, Shama leaves with a few tips for gals on the go. Pack light, “bring only a carry-on if you are going for less than a week.” Choose one airline and stick to it, “you really can build up good points.” Last, but not least, “always pack fuzzy pink socks,” because you never know when your feet will be cold.
Favorites
Spare Time Activity: reading
Cake: German chocolate
Travel Destination: Dubai, great food and great shopping