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Theresa Pittius (left) and Cassie Galasetti own Social Sidekick Media in Red Bank.(Photo: Courtesy Chris Kucinski Photography)

Theresa Pittius andCassie Galasetti own Social Sidekick Mediain Red Bank.

When did you decide you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Pittius: Funnily enough, I started working in middle school, volunteering at the Monmouth County Library shelving books and running a pretty darn successful babysitting business for myself in Lincroft and surrounding towns. (The Baby-Sitters Club series was a huge hit back in the '90s and I read each one religiously!) My work ethic has always been very strong, and through the many different occupations I've had over the years, I quietly kept note that I was working harder than most of my fellow employees. There were times when my bosses were coming to me for answers, and I always found it odd, so when I was in my mid-20s I started my first company and was hooked.

Galasetti: I worked hard at various jobs during college and out of college where I picked up a lot of skills along the way. I worked in TV, publishing, marketing, public relations, advertising and entertainment. For me, I think I needed all of the background first before venturing out on my own.

Why did you start this business?

We were both working separate jobs at the time that we met. We noticed each other's work on social media, but it wasnt until I (Cassie) reached out to Theresa to compliment her work that we started to become friends. We were both working on our own until we decided to go full-force together. We quickly learned that our individual strengths complimented one another extremely well. We both wanted to have free reign over our success; I guess the rest is history!

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Were there any challenges that made you think twice about striking out on your own?

Never. We are both extremely efficient and highly dedicated individuals. Every new challenge has been exciting for us to experience and overcome!

If you could do it again, what would you do differently?

Maybe learn a little more about the accounting side of things. We agree thats the most intimidating part of running a business. As creative professionals, bookkeeping is not an area where we truly excel, but we were able to quickly find that out and hire strong accountants to back us up.

Whats the best business advice you have ever received?

Pittius: "Treat others how you wish to be treated." My grandmother, Carol Sullivan, started a business in Red Bank in the '60s and was my mentor in life. She always had life lessons, and this one stuck with me. Dealing with all types of business owners, they all have one thing in common: they want to be treated with respect and held in your best interest. I take that with me every day when I visit my clients. Owning a business is stressful enough without having to deal with unpleasant people!

Galasetti: Surround yourself with good people. Take risks. Dont take things too personally. Watch, listen and learn. Write every dream and goal down on a piece of paper and read them often.

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What personality trait helps you the most?

Creativity, dedication, open-mindedness, innovative, hardworkingand (the big one in our line of work) deadline oriented.

Whats the hardest part of the job?

We are constantly working. We will try to meet for something fun (kickboxing, lunch, etc.) and just end up talking about work because we are so passionate about what we do. Being able to turn off that constant energy is tough, especially on holidays when we know we have to focus on family.

The easiest?

Working with each other! We have the same vision and dedication and want whats best for our business and clients.

What surprised you the most about running the business?

That many potential clients dont set aside the time and budget for crucial business tools like social media and PR.

Describe your most unusual customer, job or work experience.

We were working on a social media campaign for our Philadelphia clients and ran (literally) around the city with a photographer taking pictures at all of the Philly landmarks with our client's product. Try taking a product photo next to the Liberty Bell during a class trip! It was nearly impossible, but really fun. We were basically doing an on-the-go photoshoot. We got a ton of looks from people, but now they all know the name of our client's brand, if they werent aware of it before!

How would you like the business to grow and change?

We have very high hopes for Social Sidekick. As other small businesses continue to learn and understand the importance of hiring a professional to run their social media and PR, we will continue to work with more and more new clients. We like our boutique agency feel, but we do see ourselves growing with another staff member or two in the near future. We also have a very wide variety of clients from divorce attorneys to surgeons to restaurants, theaters and dance schools, but we definitely want to work with a clothing retailer or art gallery something colorful and fun.

In one sentence, tell us why customers should go to you?

We help small businesses receive the attention that a major company would die for.

What do you love about the community where your business is located?

Small businesses are the backbone of Red Bank. There is just something about watching a business grow from their grand opening to their one-year anniversary party or even second location.

When you leave work, do you leave the office behind, or are you always in contact?

Were always connected! Were a text, call, tweet, comment or DMaway. Every day is different, so we need our communication tools by our side at all times.

What do you do in your off time?

Pittius: I teach private voice and acting to local performers at a professional track training studio I own,Red Bank Performance Prep. I have a background in musical theaterand love boosting confidence in kids and teens (and adults!) and strengthening talent while training my students every week.

Galasetti: I love to travel, especially to Central America. I also write for many blogs, magazines and local newspapers, so that keeps me pretty busy!

When you leave the business behind some day, what will you do?

Pittius: Start another one!

Galasetti:Travel full time!

Small Business Spotlight runs Mondays. If youre a small-business owner in Monmouth and Ocean counties interested in taking part in this Q&A, contact business producer Dennis P. Carmody at dcarmody@gannettnj.com.

SOCIAL SIDEKICK MEDIA, BRANDING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Describe your business: We are a boutique social marketing agency founded on ambitious goals and a passionate spirit. We assist in launching your company on social media platforms, help with managing existing accounts, get your name in the press and execute a total overhaul of your brand. Social Sidekickis your one-stop shop. We provide clients with strategic, inventive and measurable results to bring you to the next level of your industry.

Owners: Theresa Pittius andCassie Galasetti

Location: Red Bank

Website: socialsidekickmedia.com

Founded: January 2016

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