Vinnie Romano | Company: MySocial.ai
If you’d like to know more, you can find Vinnie on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinnieromano/
Or visit MySocial.ai here:
Entrepreneurial journey told by eight students
Story written by Ayush Hedau
The Journey of Juggling: Building MySocial.ai Whilst Holding Down a Day Job
The notion of paying rent is a universal one. It’s the irrefutable truth that shadows most of us, pushing many to conform to a nine-to-five routine. But within these constraints, I found a loophole, a way to build my dreams whilst still making ends meet.
For two years, I managed a careful balance between my day job, leading the marketing of another business, and creating MySocial.ai. My passion project. Every moment outside of my primary commitment was dedicated to its conception. Early mornings, late evenings, every Friday and weekend, MySocial.ai consumed my thoughts. Despite this tightrope walk, the transparency with my employer was crystal clear. They were aware of my venture, they knew it consumed my every waking moment outside of the office. This open dialogue provided me with the assurance of stability: to pay my rent, settle my bills, and put food on the table.
Pursuing something monumental requires immeasurable sacrifices. MySocial.ai was that monumental dream. In its infancy, it wasn’t feasible to pour all my hours into it. The product was still in its skeletal phase. But as the structure took form, it became imperative to engage with our potential clientele, gauge their intrigue, and gather invaluable feedback.
This iterative approach of building, refining, and re-engaging based on insights became our mantra. Every piece of advice was gold, helping us shape a product that truly resonated with its audience. During this entire voyage, my anchor remained my four-day-a-week job, a safety net that assured my sustenance.
The culmination? Last week marked a pivotal shift. After two and a half years of balancing both worlds, the scales tipped in favour of MySocial.ai, beckoning me to immerse myself entirely.
This is how we sculpted our journey, from the shadows into the spotlight.
Story written by Anusri Kapoor
Charting New Horizons: From Ads to AI Innovations
Life, as I’ve come to understand, is a relentless endeavour. What propels me each day is the electricity of passion, a fervent desire to rise above the monotonous cadence of a typical 9-5 job. I’ve always been surrounded by the hum of industry; with parents who not only ran successful businesses but also made profound societal contributions. Their entrepreneurial spirit was infectious, shaping my desire to carve a niche for myself.
I journeyed into the vibrant realm of creative advertising after immersing myself in global education. With degrees from the US & UK, and an academic highlight of a 2:1 in international business management, I was primed for a career centred around advertising and marketing. Coupling this with a minor in performance studies, I blended the dynamism of theatre into my professional fabric.
Where the next 8 years began, I found myself nestled in a thriving French-owned advertising agency, Publicis, one of the world’s largest; before hopping to VCCP where the client had asked me to join them. London and Sydney became the canvases for my creative expressions. Within these metropolises, I delved deep into the mechanics of the advertising world.
Yet, an internal compass persistently pointed towards a broader horizon. 2015 marked a monumental shift. Launching my own agency, Frizbee, I ventured into the realm of B2B, focusing on content marketing for the enterprise tech and financial services sectors. This endeavour was not just another business; it was a dream sculpted into reality.
Life, however, is filled with serendipitous turns. Exiting my agency in 2020, I stumbled upon an innovation that would revolutionise personal branding. Partnering with Wayne O’Brien, we breathed life into MySocial.ai. This venture wasn’t just about harnessing algorithmic prowess but making personal branding more accessible, reshaping the industry’s landscape.
The path wasn’t devoid of hurdles, yet the wealth of my experience and a robust network turned out to be the sails against adversities.
In closing, while my tale exemplifies passion, innovation, and relentless determination, I shy away from the tag “entrepreneur”. It isn’t about the title; it’s about perpetual growth, about dreaming and realising those dreams, one milestone at a time.
Story written by Peter Nepomuceno
The Relentless Pursuit of Better
Growing up, I was surrounded by a family that valued the principles of hard work. It wasn’t about glamour or fancy titles, but about dedicating oneself to meaningful endeavours. That same ethos led me into the world of creative advertising, a space that allowed me to juggle with ideas and visions, primarily in the vibrant cities of London and Sydney.
Many throw around the term “entrepreneur”, picturing them as these intellectual giants, brimming with groundbreaking ideas. I’ve often said, “I dislike the word entrepreneur,” because, to me, it feels like a title reserved for the exceptionally brave and inventive. But isn’t bravery the act of diving into the unknown despite our reservations?
While consulting, I was deeply immersed in crafting content narratives for C-suite executives. These were professionals who aspired to elevate their profiles, engage their audiences, and harness the potential of what I coined as “social selling programmes.” The seed was planted. What if there was a way to make this process seamless, intuitive, and tailored?
It wasn’t long before I reunited with a former client, Wayne O’Brien. Over conversations that spanned weeks, we mulled over the possibility of productising social selling programmes. That’s when MySocial.ai was conceived.
MySocial.ai isn’t just a tool – it’s an extension of you. Imagine a platform that taps into your LinkedIn profile, gets a sense of your professional persona, discerns your audience, and then crafts posts that resonate, all while retaining your unique tone of voice. In essence, it marries the algorithmic might of LinkedIn with the nuances of content marketing and personal branding, culminating in a tailored subscription service.
But let’s be clear. The journey of innovation isn’t a solitary one. While knowledge is power, the right network amplifies it. The synergy of having an equally committed partner can’t be overstated. Founding a business can feel isolating at times, and without an unwavering obsession for what you’re building, the path can get tumultuous. As for me? I find it hard to switch off. Everywhere I look, I see a tapestry of opportunities, a canvas of potential improvements. It’s this insatiable drive to enhance, to refine, that keeps me awake, invigorated, and raring to go.
The truth is, you never really wait for the perfect moment to start a business. It’s not about being completely prepared, but about identifying problems and addressing them head-on. And when an idea consumes your thoughts, nudging you constantly, you know you’re on the brink of crafting something truly transformative.
Story written by Maida Rana
Bridging Bytes and Business: An Insider’s Tale from Advertising to Algorithms
In the heart of a bustling household led by two pioneering entrepreneurs, I caught my first glimpse into the alluring world of business. They not only ran their ventures but painted a broader picture – one of relentless commitment to society. Their values and endeavours kindled an inner flame, one that nudged me to carve out my path.
It was the dawn of the new millennium when the allure of creative advertising beckoned. At this pivotal moment, digital advertising was in its infancy, and the longstanding traditions of the advertising world teetered on the brink of transformation. Eager to sail these changing tides, I plunged into this newfound realm, thirsty for innovation.
The cities of London and Sydney became my arenas. Their energetic pulse mirrored my passion, culminating in 2015 with the birth of Frizbee. This agency wasn’t just another notch in my professional belt; it opened doors to the world of B2B content marketing and sowed the seeds of a partnership with Wayne O’Brien. Together at Frizbee, we innovated with social selling programs, guiding organisations to craft stories that elevated their stature. Our philosophy was simple yet profound: a heightened profile yielded more influence, leading to powerful business negotiations.
Fast forward to 2020, as the chapter of Frizbee concluded, another idea sprouted. Could we digitise the art of social selling? A myriad of conversations with Wayne fused our collective insights, culminating in the birth of MySocial.ai. With this tool, we merged the realms of algorithms and human touch. By connecting to an individual’s LinkedIn, we not only deciphered their professional essence but also delivered bespoke content to resonate with their audience. Launched in 2022, we now proudly serve 200 professionals. And through this journey, the bedrock of my success has undoubtedly been the mentorship and knowledge bestowed upon me by an invaluable network.
Reflecting upon this voyage, from the vibrant corridors of global advertising agencies to the pioneering spirit of MySocial.ai, it’s evident that perseverance, continuous evolution, and the strength of collaboration were my guiding stars.
Story written by William Sanders
Finding My Path: A Journey of Perseverance
Life has its twists and turns, and my journey was no exception. Through ups and downs, I’ve learned that dedication, hard work, and a bit of resilience can make a world of difference. While there were moments of doubt and wrong decisions, the drive to achieve always kept me going.
Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurial spirit, with both my parents running their own ventures. University was a mixed bag for me; I graduated from the University of Worcester with second class honours. My career, however, took me across the globe, working with various agencies and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. This experience taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of gaining different perspectives.
In 2015, my professional journey took an exciting turn. I founded Frizbee, an agency aimed at aiding enterprise tech and financial service brands in their B2B digital marketing strategies. It was here that I truly understood leadership’s nuances, the joy of teamwork, and the importance of valuing everyone’s input.
A few years later, circumstances changed. I transitioned out of Frizbee in 2020, but a new opportunity was on the horizon. Partnering with Wayne O’Brien, we launched MySocial.AI in 2021. Our shared vision was to harness AI technology to revolutionise content creation, aligning user preferences with targeted audiences on LinkedIn.
In essence, my career story revolves around adaptability. Faced with challenges, I’ve always sought to find solutions. And while I might not have all the answers, learning from others and trusting my instincts has always led me in the right direction. My journey’s been a learning curve, and I hope it serves as a testament to the value of perseverance.
Story written by Andita Abiyyuna Saromi
From Insights to Innovation: The Birth of MySocial.ai
I’ve always shied away from the label “entrepreneur”, not because I disregard its significance, but because I never saw myself in the same bracket as the titans of industry like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. For me, the drive isn’t about creating vast empires; it’s about perpetual betterment.
Early on, I recognised that networks and knowledge weren’t just assets; they were indispensable allies. Viewing innovation as the lifeblood of entrepreneurship, my journey brought me to co-found MySocial.ai in 2020. The spark for this venture reignited when I caught up with Wayne O’Brien, a former associate from my agency tenure and a past Microsoft hand. Our brainwaves synced on a simple yet potent concept: “social selling programmes” powered by artificial intelligence. Imagine leveraging technology to weave tales and share narratives, simultaneously elevating one’s professional stature through meticulously curated content. For us, MySocial.ai wasn’t just an innovation; it was a harmonious blend of personal tales and professional evolution.
The platform itself? It’s intuitive. Once linked with your LinkedIn profile, it tailors content that echoes both your and your audience’s interests, crafts posts reflecting your unique style, and even schedules them for optimal engagement.
However, every silver lining has its cloud. Simultaneously juggling my day job while nurturing MySocial.ai was akin to walking a tightrope during a gusty wind. From the introduction of new AI-centric platforms like ChatGPT, which emerged during MySocial.ai’s developmental phase, to those inevitable hard choices, each hurdle made me more tenacious.
For budding visionaries pondering their own journey, I offer a simple perspective: hone in on everyday annoyances or problems. Within these common inconveniences lie the seeds of entrepreneurial inspiration. At the journey’s heart, it’s not about definitive solutions or perfection. It’s the insatiable desire to elevate everything around you. That’s the essence of entrepreneurship, don’t you think?
Story written by Lechen Shen
Crafting Solutions Through Experience: My Journey with MySocial.ai
Nestled in the heart of the UK, I delved into international business management during my university years, with a particular interest in advertising and marketing. A brief sojourn took me to the United States for an exchange programme, widening my horizons even further. Upon returning, I found myself at the heart of advertising at Publicis, a renowned French agency, and one of the top advertising giants at the time.
As years went by, my journey took several turns. 2015 marked the inauguration of my first enterprise, a venture deep into the B2B sector. By the time MySocial.ai came to life, I had already laid the foundation for three businesses. Interestingly, the title of ‘entrepreneur’ never sat well with me. Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t see myself as exceptionally astute or overflowing with revolutionary ideas. Instead, my essence revolved around the quest for betterment. Situations that lingered in potentiality, rather than actuality, gnawed at me, urging me to intervene.
And so, MySocial.ai was born. It wasn’t just another platform; it was a bridge. A bridge that connected to user profiles, understood their identity, and unlocked potential markets. With the aid of artificial intelligence, we managed to automate 30% of the business processes. For a mere $20 a month, users could immerse themselves in content marketing, bolstering their professional brand like never before.
I often muse over the intertwining of networking, education, and hands-on experience – the trinity that empowers one to discern opportunities from the mundane. Although MySocial.ai stands strong today, my initial ventures weren’t all triumphant. My maiden business, driven by sheer enthusiasm and an inkling of an opportunity, met its end due to my inexperience. However, with every stumble, my resolve only grew stronger. Embracing each failure and drawing lessons from them, I ventured forth. The subsequent businesses bore testimony to this evolution.
In hindsight, there’s a twinge of wishful thinking – a desire to have conceived MySocial.ai sooner. The emergence of ChatGPT did cast a shadow on my blueprint, but technology’s dual-faceted application only strengthens my conviction in MySocial.ai’s impending success.
Story written by Paulo Valencia
Forging a Path: Beyond the Label of ‘Entrepreneur’
There’s a label that many have assigned to me – ‘entrepreneur’. Yet, it’s a title I’ve always found slightly misaligned with my journey. As I emerged from university with a 2-1, it wasn’t a testament to having the most illuminating of ideas or being handed the grandest opportunities. However, it’s essential to understand that not all paths to success are paved with golden accolades or radiant eureka moments. Some are carved out with sheer will and an unwavering spirit.
You see, my dreams were anchored in the sun-kissed lands of Australia. Despite being denied the work sponsorship that would’ve allowed me a seamless stay, I was resolute in my decision not to allow bureaucratic technicalities to author my destiny. Over the years, I lent my expertise to marketing firms globally. Yet, as the rhythm of the 9-5 pulsed, I felt a yearning for something more profound. An urge to pen my narrative in a world where many would’ve advised otherwise. The stable job was relinquished for the unpredictable embrace of self-reliance. If Australia’s shores were to be my home, I had to mould the circumstances myself.
The path I chose wasn’t lined with roses. Instead, it demanded grit, resilience, and the uncanny ability to transform adversity into a canvas for innovation. There were stumbles, missteps, and ventures that didn’t quite pan out. Yet, with each hiccup, the blueprint of my vision became clearer.
Fast-forwarding through a decade in the industry, I found myself equipped with insights and networks. A chance reunion with an erstwhile client from Microsoft was serendipitous. Together, we sowed the seeds for MySocial.ai, a venture that amalgamated the sophisticated prowess of artificial intelligence with marketing’s nuances. Today, our platform stands as an embodiment of scalability and convenience, offering curated content, post scheduling, and eloquent copywriting.
Thus, when budding innovators ask for a morsel of advice, my counsel remains unvaried: “You needn’t walk this path alone.” The journey of entrepreneurship isn’t exclusive to those blessed with innate genius or impeccable luck. True innovators are sculpted, moulded by an insatiable obsession to rise above, to evolve, to transcend.