Returning To Our Roots: 8 Years of TB Media Group
In December of 2015, I started researching how to start a business online. This was while I was working full time as an in-house digital storyteller, copywriter, and creator. While out creating content for my job at the time, my first-ever client asked me to produce a video for their new initiative.
In fact, I actually turned it down. I didn’t have a business and I didn’t know the first thing about working with a client.
But…they asked again. And that time I said yes. Why not?
I’ve come to learn that this is how a lot of businesses actually start. Someone else sees that you are good at something. They ask you to do it for them. And you do it.
Well, that was kind of how my video production company, TB Media Group was born 8 years ago on December 14, 2015. It wasn’t intentional. It wasn’t planned. But what I did know was that I loved producing thought-provoking, story-driven video content.
Unlike a lot of side-hustling entrepreneurs – I liked my job at the time. But, I will admit, that working with my first client gave me a different sense of accomplishment, empowerment and pride.
This ultimately led me to where I am today, as the CEO and Founder of TB Media Group – a nonfiction video production studio specializing in crafting social impact stories and campaigns.
Returning To Our Roots
If you’ve been keeping up with our journey since I went full time with the business in the fall of 2018, you may know that we’ve dabbled in a few different marketing lanes from messaging, to social media marketing, to brand photography, to media relations, and email marketing. But when we started in 2015 – we were strictly a full service video production company.
This year, I decided it was time to return to our roots and focus on what brings me joy and what drives results for our clients. No matter what tactics we’ve decided to deploy over the years there are a few tried and true things I know work when it comes to organic marketing and storytelling:
- Cultivate Messaging and Stories That Speak To Your Target Audience
- Create The Content That Brings That Story To Life
- Connect Your Story To Your Customers
Our vehicle to doing this is through visual stories, of course after we identify and understand your business goals. I believe that video is the most engaging medium, especially when communicating social impact…and statistics show us that is true.
“Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to 10% when reading it in the text” (Insivia)
So when I look at 2023, after 8 years in business and 5 years doing this 24/7 (literally) – I realized it was time to return to our roots and do what we do best. I’m so excited what new opportunities this will bring in 2024.
To celebrate this 8th year sticking it out with my fellow entrepreneurs, I decided to highlight 8 things that brought me joy during this 8th year.
8 Memorable Moments of 2023
1. First In Person Team Retreat
Our team is largely remote spread across North America, and I’ve made it a goal to meet everyone in person! I haven’t done it yet, but 2024 may be the year! But for our leadership team, it was special for us to have the opportunity to spend time in person, get to know each other better, while also planning for the year ahead. In a virtual world, the importance of in person connection can’t be overstated!
2. Impactful Panel Discussions
The year started off with my participation in several impactful panel discussions. One of my favorite conversations was for FIU’s Women Who Lead Conference, where I sat on a panel about Women in Media. This was such an insightful conversation where we touched on topics like working in the media, how nontraditional media is now the mainstream, and the responsibility of the media in representing women’s voices.
3. Merrick-In-The-Making Honoree
I was named a Merrick-In-The-Making Honoree – as an Influencer by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. The Merrick Awards are named after George E. Merrick, the planner and builder of Coral Gables, Florida. Those recognized are seen to be active in advancing the future of the City Beautiful. This was a surprise and an honor, and a true highlight of my year to be recognized with this distinguished award by my colleagues.
4. From Livestream to Small Screen
All of us are TV stars now right? I guess when you consider our access to smart phones, cameras, and the ability to livestream from anywhere at any time. Well it was really rewarding when the MIA Media Group hosts took their six livestreamed shows from social media to the small screen on South Florida’s CW – and I helped prepare them for the new format! I’ve been the on-camera trainer for the group of hosts for the last two years and seeing them achieve the confidence for this new milestone was a highlight of my year.
5. Bank United Pitch Competition
I participated in my first pitch competition and placed 3rd taking home a $2,500 grant! I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that exist for small, woman-owned, and minority-owned businesses to help grow our businesses through grant programs, and this was one of them. I’ve applied to plenty of grants over the years, but this was the first one that came with a live pitch competition. It was a great learning experience and while I was nervous to participate, I now feel energized to take on the next one. You never know what you can achieve until you try, right?
6. A Special Interview
OK. This might seem trivial, but I have to shout out one of the perks of what I do, especially when it comes to cool events with dreamy celebs. LOL. Can I just say that interviewing THE Jesse Williams at the PAMM’s Art + Soul 2023 fundraiser was a memorable moment? If you know, you know.
7. We Grew Our Team
As any business owner will tell you, this can be one of the most challenging parts of running a business, but we don’t often recognize how rewarding it is too. We grew our team in many ways this year, but we also lost several team members. This comes with so many learning lessons, and lessons that have made me a better person and a better leader. It will certainly make our next year the best one yet. Ultimately, I am so proud of the team we have today and am constantly in awe of their commitment, passion, and dedication to what we do!
8. Social Impact Storytelling
I’ve talked at length in this post about our passion for visual storytelling. Realizing the importance of this work and honing in on how we wanted to message the value of this and present it to the marketplace was one of my greatest challenges of the year. But it also was invigorating. After some trial and error, I proved to myself that using data to make informed decisions, while following your heart – WORKS! Making a pivot or shift in business and declaring it to the world can be scary, especially if it flops, but after consistency and commitment to this mission, I’m now able to see the fruits of this labor. It’s one of the things that makes me most proud this year.
To be in business, whether it’s one year or 50 years, is an incredible feat – and truly we are crazy people to do what we do. I can’t believe it’s actually been 8 since I even had this idea and sat at my desk to Google “how to start a business”.
Who knew what it would turn into? I couldn’t have imagined I’d be here.
For those of you who have been on this journey with me since the beginning, I wouldn’t be here without your support. And if you are new here, I appreciate you just as much for stopping by and taking the time to read this. It’s because of each and every one of you that I am here counting another day, week, and year in business. I’m also cheering you on and wishing you a wonderful 2024!
If there is any way that myself and our team can support you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at tamika@tbmediagroup.com. I’d love to hear from you!
