A Birmingham startup social media consultancy has won praise from a former Dragons’ Den star as it expands to hire two new staff.
JC Social Media was founded last August with £800 savings by Jodie Cole, from Harborne.
Ms Cole’s has already worked for around 20 clients using her skills in generating sales and leads through social networking sites including Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
She is in the process of hiring two part time staff and has moved to an office in Digbeth.
After finishing a business management degree at the University of Sheffield, Ms Cole worked on a graduate scheme in promotions and marketing in the social care sector.
The 23-year-old said: “That’s when I realised social media could be used in other businesses as well.
“I am aiming to turn over £100,000 this year.
“Hiring two staff means I can go get more work. I can oversee client control and carry on networking.
“Getting into the mindset of the client, that’s how you can talk in their voice.
“Businesses are spending more of their budget on social media.”
JC’s biggest contract is for the digital operations of the NHS Local website in the West Midlands with Maverick TV.
Other clients include Sherborne Wharf Heritage Narrow Boats.
Ms Cole has been selected as an ambassador for the Government’s £82 million Start Up Loans scheme for young people wanting to create a business.
People aged between 18 and 24 can apply for funds, expected to typically be about £2,500.
The loans must be repaid within five years, and interest will be charged at the level of the Retail Prices Index plus three per cent.
Former Dragon James Caan, chairman of Start Up Loans, said: “More importantly than the loans are the provision of mentors who are the missing ingredient for so many young entrepreneurs.
“Having set up her first business on less than £1,000 at 23, Jodie is a fine example of what can truly be achieved through enterprise.
“I believe that the network of ambassadors will be able to capture the attention of young people, inspire them on how to achieve, and raise awareness of the programme.
“We have a mountain to climb over the next nine months through the pilot scheme, where we need to have over 4,000 loans issued.
“Awareness and engagement with young people is critical to us being able to achieve this monumental task.
“Jodie’s ability to speak to young people is most compelling and would be essential to us hitting our first target.”
