Jeanette L. Pham
Sõsh
Vice president
306 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53202
www.getsosh.com
Industry: Social media/digital branding
Family: Husband Phil, son Kai and daughter Mia
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“We rebranded – after 11 years as Corporate Identity Solutions – to Sõsh. It was more than a name change – it reflected a new focus for our business centering on the power of social media, a medium that’s playing a huge part in reshaping and redefining modern advertising, marketing and public relations. Social media has really turned the business world upside-down. Instead of only relying on outbound messaging, social media like Facebook, Twitter and so many more are giving companies the opportunity to really listen to their current and potential customers, and then use that information and feedback in a way that can impact both their business and their customers in a positive way.”
What’s new at your company?
“We settled into our digs in the Third Ward (drop by for a visit!), and have a satellite office near Atlanta where social media interest is really gaining steam.”
Do you plan to make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“Our biggest plan for 2012 (so far!) is for the entire Sõsh team to attend the Interactive segment of South by Southwest together in Austin, Texas in March. It’s the perfect techie pilgrimage, and it was so inspiring and eye/mind-opening last year. We’re excited to bring the whole team to experience the best new ideas and creativity the digital community has to offer. The most exciting part: Bringing all the inspirations and ideas all back home to Milwaukee.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Continuing to find ways to offer engaging content on behalf of our clients and finding new and inventive ways to reach their customers and target markets in meaningful ways that build brand loyalty will be an ongoing challenge in 2012. It’s also what makes our jobs so interesting on a daily basis.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Geolocation. Geolocation. Geolocation.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“I really love what I do and work hard every day…but all work and no play really does make Jack a dull boy – or Jill a dull girl. That’s why our team likes to host a couple of fun events (or “tweetups”) each year. It’s a great opportunity to get the awesome business community here in Milwaukee all together at one of our favorite Milwaukee restaurants (our last was at Swig) and do some good old-fashioned socializing… in person. In the same vein, we like to throw in an occasional noontime ping pong challenge with our business friends. Bringing that ‘play’ aspect to our business keeps us happier and better connected, both with each other and with the community.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“My business partner of 12 years, Michelle D’Attilio. I’m constantly impressed with her dedication to our clients, her creative marketing mind, and her ability to quickly adapt to changes with a positive attitude.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Deliver value.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“Well, that’d be a typo incident that wasn’t fit for print the first time around, so I think I’ll withhold the details here…”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I love my Wisconsin teams, so cheering on the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and my son’s Muskego Warriors are high on my list. At home, the current interest in creative cooking, which I’m enjoying with my daughter.”
