Meet Sharmila Hall | Founder and CEO, SMBGM

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharmila Hall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharmila, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The single most important decision I made that contributed to my success was stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s never easy, but it’s necessary. I try to constantly challenge myself to take risks and often put myself in situations where I don’t have the answers. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that real growth happens.

Whether it’s challenging myself to meet new people, taking on projects I hadn’t previously considered, or saying yes to opportunities that initially felt intimidating, these challenges have always pushed me forward. Each time I stretch beyond what feels familiar, I gain new skills, fresh perspectives, and opportunities that have been critical to my journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business journey has been anything but a straight path, but it’s in those twists and turns where I’ve found the most growth. I started SMBGM (SMB Global Marketing) after years of working in various industries and always feeling like something was missing. I’ve held director roles, worked with amazing teams, but deep down, I knew I wanted to create something of my own—a space where I could help other businesses grow while staying true to the values that matter most to me.

What sets SMBGM apart is our personalized approach to marketing. I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is for small and medium-sized businesses to get lost in the noise of the digital world. There are endless promises of “quick wins” and “overnight success,” but the truth is, real growth takes time, strategy, and understanding. We focus on understanding our clients, their challenges, and their goals on a deeper level so that we can build strategies that not only make sense but resonate with their audience. Whether it’s expanding their global reach through multilingual marketing or helping them connect with diverse local audiences, we make sure their message gets heard. Our team becomes an extension of their business—we’re not just a service provider, we’re partners in their growth.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been plenty of sleepless nights, moments of doubt, and challenges that felt overwhelming at the time. I’ve faced obstacles like any entrepreneur does—financial uncertainty, finding the right team, and keeping up with the ever-changing digital landscape. But I think the biggest challenge was trusting myself—believing that I had what it takes to create something impactful. Once I embraced that mindset, the challenges became stepping stones. Each obstacle became a lesson, each setback an opportunity to reflect and refine my approach.

One of the lessons I’ve learned along the way is that authenticity matters more than anything. It’s tempting to follow the crowd, to mimic what other businesses are doing, but staying true to my values and the vision I had for SMBGM has been the key to our success. I’ve also learned the power of connection. Building genuine relationships with my clients and my team has allowed us to achieve incredible results because we’re all invested in the same goal: growth.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built through SMBGM. It’s not just about the marketing strategies or the ROI we deliver—it’s about the trust we’ve earned. Our clients know that we care about their success as much as they do, and that level of trust is something I’ll never take for granted.

What do I want the world to know about me and SMBGM? We’re more than just a marketing agency. We’re storytellers, strategists, and partners who genuinely want to see small and medium-sized businesses thrive. My story—and the story of SMBGM—is one of persistence, passion, and a commitment to making marketing more accessible and impactful for the businesses that need it most.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best of San Diego—good food, great views, and some local gems.

We’d start off easy with a morning walk at Seaport Village, grabbing coffee and enjoying the ocean views. After that, lunch at Mateos in South Park—the food never disappoints.

Of course, we’d spend an evening at La Jolla Cove. We’d watch the sea lions and take in the sunset while enjoying a gelato from Bobboi—the perfect way to end the day.

For beach time, we’d head to Coronado. It’s the best spot to relax or take a long walk along the shore and just unwind.

For amazing Asian food, Convoy is a must. We’d hit up Yasai and Raki Raki. The best part? They’re right next to each other, so you can enjoy both menus—perfect if we’re in the mood for ramen and some plant-based dishes. It’s the best of both worlds!

We’d spend an afternoon at Balboa Park exploring the museums, checking out the International Houses, and strolling through the beautiful gardens.

We’d definitely make time for some brewery hopping, too. San Diego is known for its craft beer, so we’d check out a few local breweries—there are so many great ones to choose from!

A full day at the San Diego Zoo is a must—especially to see the pandas and all the other incredible animals.

Finally, we’d wrap up the week with a bike ride through Mission Bay. We’d go around the entire bay, which takes a couple of hours but is totally worth it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a huge shoutout to my family—especially my kids and my husband. They’ve been my biggest supporters and constant motivation. Their love and encouragement keep me grounded and remind me why I’m doing all this, even on the toughest days. I honestly couldn’t have done it without them. They deserve so much credit for helping me get to where I am today.

Website: https://smbglobalmarketing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smbglobalmarketing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smbgm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smbglobalmarketing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpsCOYtpNzO8KnbpLnESBTA