When you believe you can…..

When you believe you can…..

Quite often I find myself discussing with friends the opportunities that exist in life despite the overall economic situation. Most of the times they tend to blame the economy, the politicians, the business owners, the banks……..(and the list goes on and on) why they do not succeed in life.

While they are whining about how difficult life is they fail to take action and change the situation they face. No reading of books, no seminars, no attitude change, no effort, no risk and of course NO gain!

Recently I have read an article on a local magazine about a young Cypriot Matthew Zorpas and how he managed to take advantage of opportunities and change his life to the best, and create his own success story.  One of Matthew’s picture ended up on Esquire magazine in the UK and he got in the list with the top 5 best dressed (he finally got 2^nd place!). From there on he was approached for a series of lectures at the Instituto Marangoni (one of the best universities in fashion, art and design in London). The lectures, under the title Business of Luxury, were found very interesting and the cooperation expanded.

Matthew though did not stop there! He capitalized on his new opportunity further and took advantage of the Social Media Power along the way. He started his own Blog (http://www.thegentlemanblogger.com/) focusing on styling for men. The blog immediately attracted thousands of visitors and together with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc., Matthew managed to expand his boundaries and reach more people to share his ideas and inspirations. At the same time brands like Gucci and Armani are paying him to wear their clothes!

I couldn’t help myself but to contact Matthew and apart from congratulating him, I asked him to say a few words of how did Social Media helped him to promote his work.   

As Matthew quotes “Social Media helped me to establish my brand. Twitter and Facebook became my platforms to promote my work and grow my audience with a very personal engagement. For what I do, opening your house to strangers is only considered to be a value of hospitality. Social Media allowed us to open the world to all.”

So here is an example of how young people can challenge their status quo and shape their future. Do what you like and take your chances, educate yourself with knowledge and latest trends and take advantage of what is available out there. Social Media is a powerful and yet inexpensive way, to promote your work and ideas and share your enthusiasm of what you do, so others can find you and follow you.  Think big, the sky is the limit. With Social Media your work can travel across the world. Finally capitalize on any opportunity you find, and show your passion to everyone you meet of what you like to do best!!