Damir Khalilov - How to Make Money on Social Media

Damir Khalilov - Owner and CEO of "GreenPR" Social Media Agency

Damir Khalilov is the owner and CEO of "GreenPR," a leading Social Media agency specializing in psychology, public relations, communications, and social networks.

Andrey Rudenko: Damir, hello!

- Good day.

Andrey Rudenko: Damir, can one really make money on social networks? Please dispel this myth. The youth just spend time on them without knowing how to earn. And you teach people how to easily make money on social networks. Is this truly possible?

- I remember being asked for the first time if it's possible to make money on social networks around 2006 when we first started with SMM (Social Media Marketing). In a company, they asked me what I do. I said - social networks. And this person started laughing: do you make money on "Facebook" ('VKontakte'), are you not starving there? But then I said it is very beneficial for us that you think so. And indeed, answering your question, undoubtedly, it is possible.

Social networks are an environment with tens of millions of people. And, of course, marketers always go where there is a large number of people. And where marketers are, money will always follow. It's a connection that cannot be broken. So yes, you can definitely earn on social networks. Various scales of advertising and marketing campaigns can be run on them.

Andrey Rudenko: It seems this is your passion, dedicating your entire life to it. How did you get into this? Did you start making money right away when you got involved in social networks, or did you begin with minor tasks and then have that 'aha' moment - 'this is my thing'?

- Well, before social networks, I had been involved in various online activities. I had been doing internet marketing since 2000. At that time, it involved SEO and media advertising. In 2002, contextual advertising emerged in Russia, which I focused on. In 2005, I was the director of a prominent internet agency in St. Petersburg. I started noticing a trend of socialization in the West, with platforms like "MySpace," blogs, etc.

It was clear to me that these platforms had significant marketing potential. At that time, I was eager to bring this potential to Russia, but social networks hadn't yet appeared. When "Odnoklassniki" and "Facebook" launched in 2006, I immediately quit my job and opened my agency. We were the first to offer these services in Russia. Our first competitors only emerged in 2008, so for two years, we operated somewhat on our own.

We quickly attracted a pool of clients, including Russian brands like "Baltika" and "Euroset," who recognized the importance of engaging on social networks. Western companies, such as "Universal" and others, also received directives from the West to get involved. So, we arrived at the right time and place.

Andrey Rudenko: Incredible! You are someone who found your calling. But many young people dream of starting their business, like you did in 2006, just quitting and taking off. But they are afraid, have certain fears. What were your fears? How did you overcome them? Running a business is tough; I know it firsthand.

- Indeed. The fears were pretty standard. It was the typical fear of a well-paid employee, where you are comfortable receiving your salary every month. There is a certain discomfort when you leave that and step into the unknown.

How did I overcome them? Well, I just stepped over them. I don't think there are any specific secrets to overcoming fears. You just need to face and conquer them, nothing more. Running a business is undeniably more challenging than being an employee. All those tales about being able to leave anytime are true, but you won't until reaching a certain point.

For me, at the start, there were no vacations, no weekends, twelve-hour workdays, and so on. But there was also a lot of responsibility for the people you work with, for those working for you. You need to internally gauge if you are ready for that responsibility. I often encounter people who say they want to start a business, but when I talk to them, it boils down to the fact that they just don't want to work.

You need to understand that your life will become much more challenging. For instance, I initially earned much less after leaving my job and starting my business. I had no personal free time at all. Furthermore, there was more stress when you worry not just for yourself but for the people you work with. But ultimately, there comes a point when things begin to feel comfortable, when your business starts working for you. But before that, you have to put in a lot of work, give it your all, and endure a lot.

Andrey Rudenko: These are valuable insights. What would you advise young people sitting in offices right now, watching our interview, dreaming of starting their own business someday? Based on your past experience when you were working and wanted to start a business, what steps can they take right now?

- The first thing I would suggest is to start looking for your niche, where you would like to open your business. For me, I initially understood the niche before the desire to start a business in it emerged. It could be the opposite for others.

It's essential to analyze the niche thoroughly, immerse yourself in it, just start living it. At that time, I mentioned, in my spare time, I read Western blogs, books, articles, experimented, and so on.

Next, create a safety net, meaning if a person leaves their job, they should have a financial buffer to be able not to worry about daily affairs for three, preferably six months. And thirdly, prepare your loved ones for your frequent absence.

Andrey Rudenko: These are three simple steps. Indeed, it's crucial as you said, to prepare your loved ones. This is 100%, as they are often shocked by your absence. Also, having a financial cushion is vital.

With us was Damir Khalilov, dear friends! He's a living example - someone who 'worked the grind' for three years and now sustains the formidable 'GreenPR' engine. So, friends, do not fear - we are with you. I'm Andrey Rudenko, and with me is Damir Khalilov. Thank you all, stay positive.

- Thank you very much, all the best.