Exploring Life & Business with Samantha Raj of Marketing by Sam, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Raj

Hi Samantha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For the past 15 years, I have gone all-in on my career in marketing. I put it as my “career choice” in every high school presentation, I had fourteen marketing/PR internships throughout my undergrad career, and hustled hard throughout my professional journey, learning everything I could about the agencies I worked at, the clients we serviced, the technology we offered, and how to remain an asset.

After several years at an automotive marketing agency, in a job I loved, I decided it was time for a fresh change of pace. I went to work for some well-known advertising agencies in the sales and business development departments. It felt refreshing at first but I quickly learned that something wasn’t right. Not only did I feel the affects of mistreatment, misogyny, and burnout, but I wasn’t doing anything exciting anymore and the work wasn’t fulfilling. I felt lost, unfulfilled, and at my breaking point. I was breaking into fevers before work due to the amount of stress I was going through. I was crying in the parking garage before going into the office, feeling like I was walking into a boxing ring with no gloves. I was working so hard to be an excellent asset, but I was mentally beaten down in ways I had never experienced before. And what made it even worse was that it was affecting my ability to be a present mother, spouse, and friend. I was turning into a shell of myself. This went on for about two years, and with the job market not what it once was, I felt trapped in my situation.

I had heard many people talk about the impact of manifestation and I decided on January 1, 2024, that manifesting was my motto for the year. Instead of focusing on how miserable I was, I told myself good things were going to happen. I spoke good things about myself into the universe. I told myself things were going to get better and something better was coming. I told myself that things were going to change for me.

And they did. I was let go from my corporate job on May 24, 2024 due to “restructuring.”

Losing my job was scary; I had known people who have been searching for jobs in my field for months and months with no luck. But keeping true to my goal of manifesting, I decided I wasn’t going to just file for unemployment and endlessly submit applications all day — I was going to make something happen myself.

On May 31, 2024, just one week after losing my job, I filed for my LLC and Marketing by Sam was born. And I continued manifesting (and networking).

The following week, I had four meetings with prospective clients.

The week after that, I had my first freelance offer to begin work on June 24 — exactly one month after my layoff.

Now, six months after my layoff, I have successfully started a business that I am passionate about, working with clients that make me feel fulfilled and who respect me. And most importantly, I am happier and more proud of myself than ever, and my family and friends have noticed.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If only there was an instruction manual for opening up your own business…

Every day there is something different to learn or figure out or pivot to. From filing for an EIN, opening a bank account, learning just what a business write-off actually is, making a price list, identifying your niche, marketing yourself, writing contracts… it has been an overwhelming process but a very fulfilling one.

One of the hardest struggles that I have faced, and I give this advice to many of my small-business/single-owner clients, is you have to stay disciplined. We wake up with a million reasons why we don’t want to do something, but it’s the small percentage of those who do it anyway that will succeed.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The most common thing I hear from business owners is: “Marketing is my least favorite part of owning my business.”

My friend who owns a med spa opened her own studio because she loves making her customers feel confident and she has a deep passion for the services she has spent decades perfecting. She does not want to spend her days evaluating marketing plans, assessing her website, developing a content calendar, building Google and Facebook ads… you get the picture. And the same goes with the people in my community and network I have gotten to know who are hairstylists, chiropractors, nail artists, dentists, restauranteurs, rental property owners, and so-on.

But here’s the thing: they all know marketing is important and their business does well when they are able to put some time into it. And if you’re only putting in small bursts of energy into your marketing efforts, it doesn’t usually have any longevity.

That’s why Marketing by Sam was born. I understand the requirements of being a business owner (before I started my business, my dad owned a small, local business for 30 years before he retired), but I will also be the first one to tell you that marketing is not a simple job that is a “set it and forget it” task. I cater to small businesses who need a marketing expert to get them off the ground and establish a plan, help on an “as needed” basis, or just take things on for several months at a time.

I specialize in digital marketing, content strategy, social media, communications, and website auditing. And since I have 15+ years of experience across several different marketing disciplines, I also love consulting and being a trusted opinion for those who need a fresh view on their marketing efforts.

Head to my website to learn more about my services!
www.marketingbysam.com

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Of course, without the encouragement of my husband and daughter, nothing would be possible.

I also have some incredible mentors who I have been beyond fortunate to work with and learn from, especially as I embark on becoming an entrepreneur.

Janice Pollard: my first “boss” and a cheerleader since the day I met her at an internship interview. She has taught me so much about communication and being clear in my writing, along with being an advocate for myself. Now over a decade later, we partner with each other on client projects for our own business endeavors.

Matt Collins: the best leader on the face of the planet. If it weren’t for Matt, I would have never catapulted myself into the unknowns of new opportunities for the seven years I had him as a leader. He always met my, “I don’t know what I’m doing” with a, “That’s okay, nobody does and now you get to become the expert.”

I also have a lot of credit to give to other mentors and cheerleaders I’ve had from ePrize/HelloWorld and Shift Digital. Great companies with so many great people!

And of course, the friends and former colleagues of mine who have supported my business, referred me to clients, and trust me to help with their own businesses and projects. Grateful is a massive understatement!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marketingbysam.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketing.by.sam

Image Credits
Leo Brown from LJB Media