In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential for businesses looking to thrive in the digital age. Marketing is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and adapting to changing technologies and consumer preferences is key to success.
In a recent interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Asif and Neha, two marketing experts with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Asif Osman, founder of Nukta ME Loyalty Solutions, and Neha Vatsala, founder of Vats Creations, shared their insights on how marketing is influenced by geography, technology, and the need for a personal touch.
Marketing in a Globalized World
Asif Osman began the conversation by shedding light on the global nature of marketing. One of the key takeaways was the realization that marketing isn’t a one-size-fits-all discipline. It’s highly influenced by geography and market segmentation. As an example, he mentioned TikTok, a Chinese company that is incredibly popular in the United States but doesn’t even exist in China. This highlights the importance of understanding local markets, cultural backgrounds, and linguistic nuances when crafting marketing strategies.
In Bahrain, where Asif resides, there are over 150 nationalities, each with its own cultural context and language. This diversity emphasizes the need for sensitivity to geography and culture in marketing efforts. Attempting to apply a marketing approach from one country to another with different cultural and linguistic dynamics can lead to disappointing results. Adapting to these nuances is crucial for success in today’s globalized world.
Personal Touch in Marketing
Neha, a marketing and branding expert, echoed Asif’s sentiments about the significance of a personal touch in marketing. She emphasized the importance of creating content that is both visible and engaging in a world where automation and AI are on the rise.
Neha stressed the importance of humanizing interactions, even as technology becomes increasingly prevalent. She highlighted two key strategies for maintaining a personal touch in marketing:
- Open Communication: Engage with customers, listen to their stories, and address their concerns. Regularly communicate with them through personalized messages and content.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaborate with other businesses, experts, or influencers to add a human touch to your marketing efforts. Joint initiatives and partnerships can create a sense of community and authenticity.
Challenges of Incorporating Technology
As technology becomes more integrated into marketing, companies often encounter challenges when implementing technology sporadically without a clear strategy. Asif and Neha shed light on common challenges faced by businesses in this scenario:
- Resistance to Change: Many traditional businesses resist embracing new technologies due to fear or reluctance to change established practices.
- Lack of Training: Inadequate training and upskilling of employees can hinder the successful adoption of technology.
- Poor Communication: Insufficient communication with customers, especially when implementing automated solutions, can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.
- Overlooking the Human Element: Neglecting the personal touch and over-relying on automation can alienate customers who seek human interaction.
Steps for Transitioning to Advanced Marketing
For businesses looking to transition from traditional marketing to more technologically advanced and personalized approaches, here are some steps recommended by our experts:
- Invest in Digital Training: Ensure that your team, from top executives to employees, is well-versed in digital marketing. Stay ahead of the curve by continuously updating your skills.
- Collaborate and Network: Forge partnerships and collaborations to tap into the knowledge and expertise of those already well-versed in technology-driven marketing.
- Embrace Feedback: Be open to feedback, both from customers and employees. Use feedback to drive improvements in your products, services, and marketing strategies.
- Outsource When Necessary: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t hesitate to outsource tasks or functions that require specialized expertise, such as finance or technology.
In a world where marketing is constantly evolving, it’s crucial for businesses to adapt to new technologies and customer expectations. Asif Osman and Neha provided valuable insights into the importance of geography, culture, and personalization in marketing. They also highlighted the challenges faced by businesses transitioning to technology-driven marketing and offered practical steps for success.
The key takeaway is that marketing is a dynamic field, and those who are proactive in embracing change, learning, and leveraging technology while maintaining a personal touch will find themselves ahead of the competition. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing executive in a multinational corporation, the principles of effective marketing remain the same – adapt, innovate, and connect with your audience in meaningful ways.
Interested in enhancing your skills with the guidance of these distinguished mentors?
Book a time with Neha here: https://www.gleac.com/mentors/neha-vatsala
and with Asif here: https://www.gleac.com/mentors/asif-osman
The key takeaway is that marketing is a dynamic field, and those who are proactive in embracing change, learning, and leveraging technology while maintaining a personal touch will find themselves ahead of the competition. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing executive in a multinational corporation, the principles of effective marketing remain the same – adapt, innovate, and connect with your audience in meaningful ways.
Interested in enhancing your skills with the guidance of these distinguished mentors?
Book a time with Neha here: https://www.gleac.com/mentors/neha-vatsala
and with Asif here: https://www.gleac.com/mentors/asif-osman
