5 on the 5th Interview: Cendrine Marrout

I first met Cendrine somewhere online, lol. I believe it was on Facebook. We were in similar social media circles and I really loved what she was doing. Fast forward to now and she’s one of my favorite social media people. She has a no-nonsense approach and is one who makes you look at all sides of a topic. Cendrine is also a fabulous photographer too! After you read my interview with her below, so follow her – you’ll be glad you did!

Name: Cendrine Marrouat

Title: Social media coach, blogger, curator, and author

Website/Blog: Social Media Slant – http://www.socialmediaslant.com

Twitter handle: @cendrinemedia

Question 1: Why did you choose to work in this industry?

What I’m about to write will seem funny to some. I didn’t really choose this industry. The industry chose me.

A little less than a decade ago, when I was an independent artist looking for a larger audience for my work, I embarked on a journey of self-education that eventually led me to Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. After opening my accounts, I took the time to observe how others used the platforms to promote themselves.

Fast forward to a couple of years later. Creative Ramblings, a now deceased blog where I shared my thoughts, tips, and advice on social media for indie artists, was getting some nice attention. Artists loved my no-nonsense approach to life and business and started asking me to help them with their strategies. Entrepreneurs and small business owners did too.

Everything went uphill from there. 😉

Question 2: How do you keep continuing your education and staying up on all the latest trends and changes?

As a professional writer, blogger, and content curator, I publish frequent social media roundups. On Social Media Slant, my latest blog, I focus on stats, tools, and great content from around the web. I also contribute a weekly column on the latest news and studies for Paper.li.

Question 3: What do you love the most about working in your industry? What bothers you the most?

I love being able to connect and build relationships with people from around the world. I have met some of my dearest friends and made solid partnerships via Twitter, Google+, and Facebook.

As much as I love social media, though, there is also a dark side to it: Self-proclaimed gurus.

It’s next to impossible to know everything in social media. The platforms evolve all the time and new ones pop up monthly.

Don’t get me wrong, there are real experts out there. But they focus on specific areas and/or platforms. Those who claim that they can help you with everything? Do not trust them; they are lying. They also give people like me a really bad name.

Question 4: What is the hardest situation you’ve encountered in your business and how did you handle it?

Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with anything too challenging in my career.

However, when stuff happens, I usually am very proactive. I believe in taking the time to assess the situation, doing some research, and seeking advice from trusted colleagues if need be.

Question 5: What is the best business advice you’ve been given and why has it stayed with you?

“Let your actions speak louder than your words.”

Fluff and numbers may impress people. But in the long run, their trust will go to those who lead by example and are in business to help others.

One for the road…

Bonus: If you could come back to life as any person from the history, who would it be?

Khalil Gibran. This man has influenced my life in many ways. I consider him one of the leading thinkers and most talented writers of the 20th century.