Reflections on 2014: Social Media, Education and Making Every Moment Count

I have had the great privilege to be a guest speaker at two educational facilities since starting Schmooz Media. This is something that I never thought I would be doing, especially when the choice to leave teaching had once felt so final. It delights me that the decision to pursue my Masters of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology, and to start this business, did not mean that I had to cut off my connection to the educational community. Instead, it made the connection more rich. As I reflect on 2014, I feel very fortunate about many things. One of those things is that I have the opportunity to give back to and be a part of a community I care so much about.

The first speaking engagement was one at the University of Waterloo, which is where I completed my Masters degree. I went in to speak with a group of undergraduate business students, a course taught by a professor, who, as a woman in business and entrepreneurship both inspired me and challenged me in her Masters level course. I wanted to do well by her and her students, and so I came in prepared with a slide deck complete with pictures of my journey, and an open mind for the questions the students would inevitably ask. I have seen many speakers in a University setting, and I knew what I wanted to achieve in this new forum.

Ever still a teacher, I wanted to provide learning. I wanted to be honest, and not preach anything other than being true to yourself, and to being practical and realistic based on your life circumstances. I hope that I achieved this. I certainly felt that the students were engaged, with questions like "Why don't you hire more people?" "What's your pricing structure?" "What do you hope to accomplish in 5 years?" All questions I answered as diplomatically as possible, and all questions, I have since reconsidered my answers too. This interactive experience was a valuable learning opportunity for me, and I hope to do more of the same moving forward. Feeling able to continue learning about the world around me has fueled my ambition; I love learning about what motivates others and I love to hear a new perspective.

A few weeks later, I presented to three grade 7 classes at the Leo Baeck Day School. This is the school where I got my start as a teacher, and a school that became an early client for Schmooz Media. A school that wants to give kids the tools they need to succeed, I was flattered to give a talk to the students on the thought and strategy that goes into media planning. Giving them a snapshot into my life at Schmooz, we did an exercise that allowed students to write their own posts for imagined companies on different platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest). I was pleased with the feedback, with students reflecting by saying they have "No idea how someone comes up with all those ideas!" and that now, "When I look at different (social media) posts, I look more thoroughly, more critically." How amazing to be part of educating students to be critical about what they see in the clutter that surrounds them.

Life is full of surprises. I love what I am doing. Helping companies connect with their customers and clients in a genuine way provides real value to businesses. I am passionate about small - midsize businesses, and hope that 2015 brings many more new opportunities for my company. I hope you all feel the same hope and excitement that I do for the 2015 year!

Happy New Year!

-Zoe Share, Chief Executive Schmoozer