Gab Sutherland is the founder of Grab Social, a Northern Beaches of Sydney-based company that provides quality social media-based services to a wide range of local and interstate companies.
Since mid-2018, Gab has provided services to an array of local businesses and has now branched off to launch his own social media agency in the heart of Sydney’s North.
For more information on Grab Social’s newest offerings and services, head to www.grab-social.com.
Here we sit down with Gab, to know a bit more about his journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Gab: From a young age, I realised I had a passion for creativity whether it was through music, art or building things. Mid-career as a qualified school teacher, I was still scratching that itch in a digital way by assisting local businesses with their social media accounts and exploring new ways to grow their platforms. The role really got my creative juices flowing and although this was through the fitness industry, I was eager to try the same processes in different sectors. The inspiration really came from the business owners I was working with and their passion to serve their community. I really wanted that.
Q. What’s one thing in your routine that you do consistently that has made a huge difference in your personal or business life?
Gab: I am a real mental person and placing a weekly planner on my desk allows me to segment my thoughts on paper. If those thoughts don’t get written down, they stay upstairs and keep me up. No matter what the goals are, writing them down and completing them like a to-do list has really made a difference.
Q. Who are your mentors and inspiration? and what knowledge or insight did they give to you that was valuable?
Gab: On a global level, I would have to say Gary V. His passion is insane and he just keeps turning up. He just seems to get things right as well. Currently trying to get through all his books and take in all his knowledge. On more of a local level, I would say Isaac John from YKTR. His journey is incredible and much like Gary, what you see is what you get. He provides raw, unfiltered content about his business journey and I love it.
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Gab: My most satisfying moment in business would have to be locking in my first main client after leaving my full-time job. I believe things happen for a reason and there is nothing more frightening than leaving your comfortable full-time job for a life that doesn’t exist yet. I knew the talent I could bring, I just didn’t have the business’ to bring them to! From there, I was able to grow my portfolio and educate myself in every corner of the industry.
Q. How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?
Gab: I really believe social media advertising is so powerful when done well. If you have the correct content, design and delivery aligned with a strategy. You can’t go wrong.
Q. What have been your biggest failures or challenges?
Gab: As a young business, we have to balance our resources and ensure we have the capabilities to cater for new clients. I hate letting business owners down and if I can’t give 100% to that company, we won’t partner with them. That in itself is letting people down and has been a challenge in starting the business.
Q. How did this failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?
Gab: We feel comfortable giving all our clients the best service and communication. We want to brand ourselves as a business that is available for our clients like we’re part of their teams. I believe communication is paramount in this day and age and ensures both parties’ needs are met. This has served us really well.
Q. If someone was to create a TV show about you, what would it be about and what would it be called?
Gab: That’s a really tricky one! It would definitely be a comedy/reality show because I’m surrounded by so many entertaining and hilarious people. Not sure anyone would watch it, but it would definitely be a laugh!
To keep up to date with Gab and his journey, connect with him on LinkedIn, and Instagram.
