Founder, Hay There Social Media, Birmingham
Revenue: NA // Employees: 6
Emily A. Hay was working for a small business that sold corporate sponsorships for major Detroit events when she decided to go out on her own. She founded Hay There Social Media in 2011 and, with her team of six women and TweetTeam.com, she helps small businesses and nonprofits find innovative ways to use social media — and use it affordably and effectively. Additionally, she is co-creator of Saving Face for Parents and Schools, an online video program that helps parents and teachers coach tweens to become smart digital users. Hay has led sessions at local schools on the topic, and the program has been a fundraiser for Cornerstone Schools, where she is involved in the Partner Program. She also is a social media expert on News/Talk WJR 760 AM Radio’s “Internet Advisor” show, serves on the Challenge Detroit Board, is a core volunteer member for Founder Friday Detroit by Women 2.0, and was named one of “52 Empowering Women of 2013” by the WooHoo Radio Network. “We can expand interest in and usage of social media with education and a human connection,” she says. “We receive regular inquiries from individuals looking for social media coaching. That’s why we’re launching SocialGig, our specialized social media task marketplace.” SocialGig helps people and businesses connect with experienced social media users in their community. The gigs can include training on optimizing a presence on Facebook or Linkedin, managing an Instagram account for a business, or mobilizing a “TweetTeam” or a group of bloggers to spread the word about a new product or location. — Gary Witzenburg
