Today we’d like to introduce you to William Holdeman.
William, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2010 we followed in the footsteps of deal sites Groupon and Living Social but wanted to be a 360 nightlife experience for drink deals, events and charity fundraisers. Through the years we expanded into 12 markets, but now focus on Experiential Marketing by connecting brands with customers for both corporate clients and consumer brands. We feel the best way to connect with a brand is through a social engagement. Which is why our motto is Be Social. Be Seen.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Never. From political obstacles, hiring challenges, fighting a 3 front war of brands, venues and customers. In addition, we have to keep up with the digital marketing world of promotions and the ever growing marketplace of events from media, PR companies and new additions to the marketplace all wanting to produce events. Also, staying up with our customer base to stay relevant.
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So, as you know, we’re impressed with Social Scene – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We love to create and we love the internet providing an all-inclusive environment to bring people together and socialize offline. We create memories and connections. That is the most satisfying aspect of the business, bringing people together for a great charitable cause, reuniting friends & family as well as having an opportunity to meet new friends!
We love giving back, we have taken over a couple charitable events in other markets and grown the contribution to the organization 2-3x. Bringing people together and raising money & awareness for charities, we could not be more excited!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We have actually scaled back to focus on less accounts but be able to be more creative with them. The future is bright in the experiential space and we look forward to being challenged mentally and operationally. New technologies provide abilities for new concepts that were not available 5-7 years ago. Businesses see the value of connecting with a customer through an event vs. an email, phone call or meeting. Quality, expanding our creativity and growing our contributions to charities are our focuses.
We are launching an Academy to share our "why" and assist others to create, build and create great memories through events!
Contact Info:
- Address: 730 W Lake Unit 162
Chicago, IL 60661 - Website: besocialscene.com
- Phone: 3126009035
- Email: info@besocialscene.com
- Instagram: @besocialscene
- Facebook: /besocialscene
- Twitter: /besocialscene
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Connect with us at BeSocialScene.com, william@besocialscene.com, @BeSocialScene, #BeSocialScene or 312.488.4838!
Cheers!
William Holdeman
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Social Scene
Social Scene (BeSocialScene.com) - An online and onsite solution to corporate event planning and brand building! Build your brand with your team, clients, or the community around you! We work with you to produce custom online and onsite experiential concepts to build your brand!