Aalap Shah

Hi, I'm Aalap Shah Chicago. Welcome to my profile!

Aalap Shah is the co-founder of SoMe Connect, a digital marketing agency based in Chicago.  Aalap works with both fortune 500 and Chicago area businesses to develop engaging, innovative, and results driven campaigns for social & digital.  In addition to SoMe Connect, Aalap also extensively volunteers with Network For Teaching Entreprenuership (NFTE) Chicago and provides social media services.  Lastly, Aalap co-leads efforts for SoMe Digital Media's SoMe Insight series, featuring innovative speakers and leaders sharing digital insights on how to grow a business and leverage digital & social marketing.

Social Media Director at Ekatva

January 2012 - Present | Chicago, IL

Primary role at Ekatva is leading a global team in creating, developing, and implementing a social media strategy to promote the Ekatva Oneness Tour which spans 19 cities in three countries for a six month engagement contracted via SoMe Digital Media. In addition to setting up strategy, I distribute content, write, and edit material for distribution on Facebook. I also perform daily community management duties, coach, and consult with key team leads across the world on content creation, posting, and distribution. While the tour is on the road, I manage and coordinate content creation, distribution, and other functions to develop and highlight the amazing work that these 16 slum children are doing in-between performances. Lastly, researched, developed, and maintained a fundraising campaign that rapidly raised $30,000 in donations within 28 days in order to receive a matching $30,000 donation.

Social Media Marketing Director at Mainstream Media ENT

September 2011 - Present | Chicago, IL

Branding & Marketing - Work with portfolio clients to provide comprehensive online PR services, including, online brand identity, social media content & voice, and build out of platforms and email marketing campaigns. Social Media Management - Develop and execute social media campaigns, including, Facebook/Twitter marketing, individual campaigns for YouTube, content generation and distribution, and coaching services. Digital Marketing - Design, develop, and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns, and other services related to promote and drive traffic to brands and organizations. Provide guidance on strategy and execution methodology and create and drive innovative marketing campaigns on behalf of portfolio clients. SoMe Digital Media is an affiliate of Mainstream Media ENT and provides all social media services for Mainstream Media portfolio clients.

Co-Founder, Social Media Consultant at SoMe Digital Media, LLC

September 2010 - Present | Chicago, IL

Brand Strategy - Create & implement a strategy to enhance and optimize clients brand online using tools such as SEO, social media, and digital media. Develop and execute a strategy on multiple platforms, including, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube. Brand Execution - Implement client/SoMe strategy on and off-site, including, work with Facebook, Twitter, Blog Management, and other platforms. Social Media Management - Manage, collaborate, and distribute original content on behalf of clients and organizations via various social media networks. Provide, develop, and manage custom written client for all clients. Content Management - Optimize and distribute content for clients, including, on blogs, social media, and other community forums.

Owner at Learning Express Toys of St. Charles & Geneva, IL

November 2005 - September 2010 | St. Charles, IL

Operations - Owned & operated two children toy stores and managed daily operations, including, purchasing, customer service, accounting, marketing, and human resources. Marketing - Developed and executed both an online and print marketing strategy which included our website, Facebook, and email campaigns. Created and managed all direct mail marketing, including list management and related analysis of CRM data. Early adopter of social media within franchise and participated on an online marketing committee at the franchise level. Human Resources - Trained and managed a staff of up to 20 individuals, including, two store managers. Screened, hired, and trained staff to offer superior service and product knowledge to differentiate us from our competitors.

Internal Audit Consultant at Deloitte AG

August 2004 - November 2005

Tax Intern at Price Waterhouse Coopers

January 2003 - April 2003

Internal Audit Intern at DePaul University

December 2000 - January 2003

DePaul University

2000 – 2004

Bachelor

Concentration: Accounting, E-Commerce Technology

Activities: President, South Asian Students Association (2003-2004) Presidential Appointee - DePaul Student Activities Funding Board (2003- 2004) President - Beta Alpha Psi (2003- 2004)

Crossfit, reading, biking, family, Taproot Foundation, Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (E-Council Member)