Interview with Zara Alyssa, winner of the Quirk Social Media Course
Zara Alyssa, winner of the Quirk Social Media Course.
Zara Alyssa is the Social Media Specialist at Seeff Properties. She is also the winner of the Quirk Social Media for Business course, in association with Afrinnovator and Quirk Education.
The Quirk Social Media for Business course is a 5 week online course and is largely based on case studies compiled directly from Quirk’s recent experience tackling the challenges of using Social Media for businesses and brands.
1. How did you find out about the competition?
A fellow Social Media buff sent me a link and said, 'Enter!' I also saw it in my Facebook newsfeed where I can easily follow all things Quirk. On both the Quirk and Afrinnovator sites, I had a look at how many “likes” the course competition update had to size up the contenders and took the leap by writing a motivation letter for attending the course.
2. Why did you enter? (Why did you feel you needed to update your marketing skills with some Social Media best practice?)
Since the start of my appointment as Seeff's Social Media specialist, I have constantly sought to improve my eMarketing smarts. At first, Quirk only offered the Certificate Course in eMarketing. Having read Quirk’s eMarketing textbook more than once, researching Social Media topics daily and constantly scouring the net for case studies, I was looking for a learning experience that catered for those already working in the field. At the recent Internetix hosted by Internet Solutions, I watched how many MDs, CEOs and even government had the same Social Media concerns that we did. The panel raised more questions than answers, all of which could be debated at length. This field is very new and even marketing professionals have many questions and concerns surrounding entering the Social Media space. I was intrigued when Quirk’s new Social Media for Business Challenges course offering was launched and have been longingly staring down each start date ever since. For companies that are starting to enter the world of Social Media or are looking to grow their existing presence, it is extremely valuable to learn from a company with such a successful track record.
3. How do you feel about winning?
I had a look through the course last night and it looks like I'll be on a learning rollercoaster for the next few weeks. It looks very different from many talks I've attended before, and looking forward to it. I was very excited about the competition, so winning after wanting to do the course for so long is absolutely fantastic. I'm more motivated and inspired to make a success of all the challenges that come with my position and learn all I can from the course.
4. Have you had any experience with the course portal yet? How are things going?
I logged in last night and was blown away by how practical and professional the course offering is. It covers exactly the things that are addressed in a real world business scenario.
5. Are you a regular reader of Afrinnovator?
I have come across Afrinnovator before, but had no idea that it was such a busy hub for African startups, African innovation, African made technology, African tech entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs. I've subscribed and will be following Africa's innovators, achievers and soaking up knowledge from the tech articles.
6. How did you get into online marketing?
My passions lie in inspiring people, online marketing, research, public speaking and training. My experience working with people, coupled with a Psychology Honours degree has given me a unique perspective on the online user experience.
I am currently developing a Social Media strategy for Seeff Properties, which my Psychology and Online Design studies have prepared me superbly for. With academic and real world writing experience as well as a love of learning which extends to coding, SEO and all things online there is very little that I believe lies outside of my capabilities.
I am currently reading BJ Fogg's, 'Persuasive Technology' to gain additional insight into which factors motivate us to act online. I have also been inspired by talks by individuals from Quirk and have found your eMarketing textbook to be a great resource.
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