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Category: MAM

  • Innovative approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

    Innovative approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

    Mumbai: Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become crucial values for organizations striving to create a more vibrant and productive workplace. The benefits of embracing these principles are evident, as diverse companies experience 2.3 times higher cash flow per employee, and inclusive teams enhance performance by up to 30 percent in high-diversity environments, according to Deloitte and Gartner, respectively. Despite this, only 40 percent of employees feel their managers foster an inclusive environment. This article explores innovative approaches to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, addressing the need for objective criteria, recognition programs, measurement tools, employee resource groups, psychological safety, feedback mechanisms, and the integration of DEI principles into hiring practices and beyond.

    Fostering Diversity in the Workplace:

    1   Establishing Standards on Objective Criteria: To minimize bias and prejudice, organizations should establish standards grounded in objective criteria. A collaborative approach involving team discussions to set these criteria can be facilitated using tools such as Achiever’s Action Builder feature. This promotes transparency and reduces unconscious bias, fostering a fair and inclusive environment.

    2   Recognition and Rewards Programs: Employee recognition is a powerful tool for promoting diversity and inclusion. Implementing engaging recognition and rewards programs encourages the celebration of both individual and team achievements. Recognition tools can be tailored to align with company values, particularly those supporting DEI initiatives, creating a positive and inclusive work culture.

    3   Utilizing Tools for Measurement: Utilizing HR tools, including employee engagement software and recognition platforms, is essential for monitoring progress towards inclusivity. Voice of the employee solutions can gauge workforce sentiment on DE&I initiatives, identifying areas for improvement. Incorporating key performance indicators (KPIs) related to minority representation and employee tenure adds quantitative measures to track progress.

    4   Employee Resource Groups (ERG): Establishing ERGs or committees, such as women’s networks or LGBTQ+ groups, provides a platform for employees to connect in large organizations. Internal platforms can be utilized to announce, promote events, and facilitate idea submissions. Aligning ERGs with overall DE&I strategy ensures these groups contribute meaningfully to workplace diversity.

    5   Promoting Psychological Safety: Creating a safe space for all employees is imperative. Establishing a culture where individuals feel empowered to voice concerns fosters trust. Encouraging employees to flag uncomfortable situations contributes to psychological safety, ensuring a more inclusive work environment.

    6   Gathering Employee Feedback: Employing surveys and continuous feedback platforms allows organizations to capture employee sentiments in real-time. Leveraging pulse surveys specifically addressing DE&I topics provides valuable insights for course correction. Demonstrating responsiveness to feedback enhances trust, encouraging employees to share their perspectives openly.

    7   Integration of D&I into Hiring Practices and Beyond: Diverse hiring panels, unconscious bias training for hiring managers, and virtual coffee chats between employees across locations promote inclusivity. Integrating diversity into hiring practices ensures a diverse and talented workforce, while virtual connections facilitate relationship-building and a sense of belonging.

    8   Documenting Best Practices and Policies: Transparent communication of company policies is crucial for fostering an inclusive workplace. Regularly updating the code of conduct to reflect the company’s approach to diversity and non-discrimination reinforces its importance. Incorporating a non-discrimination module into employee training ensures awareness and adherence to DEI principles.

    Conclusion

    Innovative approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for organizations committed to building a more inclusive and productive workplace. By implementing objective criteria, recognition programs, measurement tools, ERGs, psychological safety practices, feedback mechanisms, and integrating DEI principles into hiring practices and policies, companies can create environments where every employee feels valued and empowered. Embracing these approaches not only aligns with the broader societal shift towards inclusivity but also contributes to enhanced organizational performance and resilience in the face of challenges.

    The author of this article is Mancer Consulting director & CEO Satya D Sinha.

  • India tops global survey in satisfaction with romantic/sex life: Ipsos survey

    India tops global survey in satisfaction with romantic/sex life: Ipsos survey

    Mumbai: Ipsos Global Advisor 31 country, love life satisfaction around the world survey shows interesting insights about urban Indians and their romantic life. India tops all 31 markets covered in the survey, in satisfaction with romantic/sex life with at least 76 per cent urban Indians claiming to be satisfied. In comparison, only 62 per cent global citizens claimed to be satisfied on this attribute. Mexico was tied in with India at the top spot (76 per cent), followed by China (75 per cent), Thailand (75 per cent), Indonesia (73 per cent) and Colombia (73 per cent). And the citizens least satisfied with their romantic/ sex life were from Japan (37 per cent), South Korea (45 per cent) & Canada (52 per cent).

    Feeling loved

    Reminiscing the track Love Me Do of The Beatles, love is definitely felt across all global markets with almost 3 in 4 global citizens (74 per cent) claiming to be satisfied with feeling loved. 84 per cent urban Indians felt satisfied with their feeling of being loved. India was placed 2nd in the pecking order and was preceded by Colombia (86 per cent) and Peru (86 per cent) – tied at the top spot.

    Japan was placed at the bottom of the heap with only 1 in 2 satisfied with feeling loved (51 per cent).

    Commenting on the findings of the survey, Ipsos UU & Synthesio, India group service line leader Ashwini Sirsikar said, “India topping the charts is not really a surprise as we as a society believe in love, institution of marriage, stable and enduring romantic relationships. If we look at Valentine’s Day per se, from being a subdued activity in the past, it is now more overt with gifting, dining, celebrating, with social media being a key enabler. Marketers have leveraged this opportunity to pull out all stops to celebrate this day of love into a weeklong activity – starting with rose day, propose day, teddy day, promise day, hug day, kiss day, culminating with Valentine’s Day.”

    Relationship with partner/ spouse

    So, how satisfied are citizens with their partner/ spouse? This question was posed to those married or partnered. Interestingly, 83 per cent urban Indians and 83 per cent global citizens claimed to be satisfied with the relationship shared with their partner/ spouse. India was placed 15th in the pecking order. Markets placed at the top were Thailand (92 per cent), Netherlands (91 per cent) and Indonesia (88 per cent). Though South Korea (68 per cent) and Japan (69 per cent) were ranked lowest, at the same time majority of their citizens were satisfied with their relationship with their significant other.

    “Urban Indian couples are mostly working, with dual incomes to augment their lifestyle, and lead a comfortable life, as they get household help for chores. With education and financial freedom, couples these days share an almost equal relationship, of understanding and camaraderie. The survey reaffirms our belief in love and affection,” added Sirsikar.

  • Nexus Select CITYWALK launches “Serving with Love” campaign

    Nexus Select CITYWALK launches “Serving with Love” campaign

    Mumbai: This Valentine’s Day, Nexus Select CITYWALK, the capital’s premier shopping destination, is spreading love and flavour with its “Serving with Love” campaign. Partnering with renowned chefs and popular social media influencers, the campaign promises culinary expertise and heartwarming entertainment.

    The centerpiece of the campaign is a series of mouthwatering dishes created exclusively for Valentine’s Day. A captivating video series featuring three talented chefs from Nexus Select CITYWALK’s beloved restaurants: Saatvik, Andrea’s Eatery, and Harajuku Tokyo Café. Each chef will be paired with a charismatic influencer – Akshat Kapoor, Arjun Madan and Pavithra Paruthi respectively. Together, they’ll embark on a culinary journey, whipping up delicious Valentine’s Day specials while engaging in lighthearted conversations about love, life, and their passion for food.

    Viewers will be given a unique glimpse into the chefs’ personalities and culinary styles as they answer fun questions. The videos will showcase the chefs’ expertise and highlight the delectable special dishes created exclusively for this campaign, available only at Nexus Select CITYWALK throughout February.

    This Valentine’s Day, let Nexus Select CITYWALK be your destination for love, laughter, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

  • Zoomcar reports fiscal third quarter 2023 results

    Zoomcar reports fiscal third quarter 2023 results

    Mumbai: Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZCAR) (“Zoomcar,” the “Company,” “we,” or “our”), the leading marketplace for car sharing in emerging markets, has reported select financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended 31 December 2023.

    Management Commentary

    “Our third fiscal quarter results capped a strong performance in our ongoing efficiency efforts as we achieved record gross profit and non-GAAP contribution profit while also paving the way for meaningful revenue growth over the next several quarters,” said Zoomcar CEO & co-founder Greg Moran. “The period also marked an important milestone with our public listing on Nasdaq following our successful business combination. As we look ahead to 2024, we expect a meaningful return to growth with materially improved profitability as we now have the right infrastructure in place to scale our operations efficiently.”

    Zoomcar comments and continues to make significant progress across the Company’s strategic priorities:

    1   Make vehicle Hosting mainstream: We’re focused on making vehicle Hosting just as popular as renting a Zoomcar, and we believe we’re making continuous progress to this end. Active vehicle listings hit 10.3K in FQ3 2023 as we continue to see double-digit supply growth across all major regions within India. In FQ3 2023, Zoomcar Hosts earned approximately $4 million. We’ll continue to raise awareness around Hosting through brand marketing investments and external third-party partnerships, while improving the Host’s onboarding journey and their overall experience on the platform.

    2   Perfect the core guest experience: We are intensely focused on technology-driven product innovation to improve the overall booking experience for our community of guests. In FQ3 2023 alone, we launched more than 20 new features and upgrades that, among others, help improve vehicle listing discoverability, improve price comparison capabilities, enhance sort/filter abilities within search, and revamp the payment experience at checkout.

    3   Expand beyond India: We are making steady progress in our efforts to expand beyond India. Egypt continues to scale bookings while building toward a sustainable non-GAAP contribution margin at the country level. In Indonesia we remain focused on building the appropriate mix of supply to attract higher volumes of demand to the platform on a consistent basis. We remain committed to further investment into these markets across 2024 and look forward to exploring additional opportunities for new country expansion later in the year.

    Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”)

    1   FQ3 2023 marked a record quarter in average transaction size across the Company. Zoomcar achieved a record average transaction size of over $75 per booking during the quarter. This performance showcases the platform’s ability to leverage our internal AI models to drive higher effective net pricing on behalf of our Hosts. Concurrently, the platform also continues to enjoy a significant expansion in our multi-day travel demand which drives effective trip durations higher.

    2   Booked days and booked guests have shown increased momentum in recent months. Total booked days and booked guests were 163.9K and 68.1K, respectively.

    3   We achieved a record in active vehicle listings in FQ3 2023. Our active vehicle listings reached 10.3K in FQ3 2023. We continue to witness growth across Indian metros while observing a balanced mix of vehicle segments associated with new listings. Consistent with earlier trends in 2023, we see a consistently larger mix of professional Hosts to the platform with the intent of leveraging the Zoomcar platform as a micro-entrepreneurship opportunity.

    4   Platform quality continues to improve at a steady pace. The platform’s average guest trip rating was 4.50 on a 5-point scale in FQ3 2023. We believe that this clearly demonstrates that our product focused approach to the customer experience on the Zoomcar platform is continuing to pay dividends. A constant focus on building tools to better improve in-trip communication between guests and Hosts represented a noticeable step function improvement in the overall in-trip experience for both sets of customers on the platform.

    Fiscal Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results

    Results compare 2023 fiscal third quarter end (December 31, 2023) to 2022 fiscal third quarter end (December 31, 2022) unless otherwise indicated. We are also presenting various financial metrics under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and as adjusted (non-GAAP). A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP metrics appears at the end of this news release.

    1   Net revenue decreased 19% to $2.4 million, compared to $3.0 million in the same period last year. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to a lower number of days booked resulting in decreased gross billings as the Company prioritized higher-margin bookings in support of its cost reduction efforts.

    2   Gross profit increased to a record $0.3 million, compared to a gross loss of $0.3 million in the same period last year. The increase in gross profit was a result of trip fulfillment cost reductions driven by collective improvements in efficiency and lower Host accident-related reimbursements that consistently showed improvement over fiscal 2023.

    3   Operating expenses (excluding G&A costs) decreased 24%, to $2.2 million, compared to $2.9 million in the same period last year. The decrease in operating expenses was a result of a decrease in sales and marketing costs and technology and development costs.

    4   GAAP net income was $14.4 million, compared to an $8.7 million net loss in the same period last year. The improvement in net loss was the result of a one-time deSPAC transaction gains of $28.9 million associated with financial instrument conversions at fair market value. During the period, the Company also improved its gross margin profile and recorded a reduction in Host accident-related reimbursements.

    5   Gross booking value (“GBV”) was $6.5 million, compared to $8.3 million in the same period last year. The decrease in GBV was a result of our focus on booking level profitability (contribution margin) improvements at the expense of volume growth.

    6   Contribution profit (non-GAAP) was $0.2 million, compared to a contribution loss of $0.7 million in the same period last year, driven by reductions in cost of revenue due to the overall improvements in operational efficiency as well as lower host incentives and marketing costs. FQ3 2023 was the Company’s first full quarter of positive contribution profit and marked a consistent quarter-over-quarter effort to achieve this result.

    7   Adjusted EBITDA loss (non-GAAP) was $4.0 million, compared to $5.2 million in the same period last year. The improvement in adjusted EBITDA reflects broad-based cost reduction and efficiency initiatives that reduced cost of revenue, technology and development costs, and operating expenses.

       As of December 31, 2023, the Company had total negative working capital of $26.2 million, including $6.1 million in cash.

    Calendar 2024 Financial Outlook

    Based on initial performance in calendar year 2024 to-date as well as anticipated business growth expected in the coming months, the Company projects net revenue to range between $17.0 million and $20.0 million for the calendar year ended 31 December 2024, representing an increase of approximately 70% to 100% compared to calendar year 2023.

    The company also expects to achieve an annualised adjusted EBITDA run rate between $2.0 million and $4.0 million in calendar Q4 2024. 

  • RVCJ Digital Media and Sheopal’s Collaborate for “GenZ Dates Millennial” – A Valentine’s Day Special

    RVCJ Digital Media and Sheopal’s Collaborate for “GenZ Dates Millennial” – A Valentine’s Day Special

    Mumbai: RVCJ Digital Media and Sheopals have joined forces to create “GenZ Dates Millennial,” a lighthearted and heartwarming exploration of modern love, premiering this Valentine’s Day. This special video skit follows Abhi, a GenZ man, as he navigates the world of dating apps in an attempt to connect with Bhavana, a Millennial woman.

    A Modern Twist on Classic Romance

    The video delves into the humorous and relatable challenges faced by Abhi, a GenZ man, as he endeavours to bridge the generational gap while trying to connect with Bhavana, a Millennial woman on dating apps. Portraying himself as a millennial, Abhi’s journey unfolds with unexpected moments of humour, drama, and genuine emotions. Viewers will be captivated by the skit’s exploration of the challenges and rewards of navigating the digital dating landscape, ultimately discovering that true connection comes from embracing authenticity and individuality in the pursuit of love.

    More Than Just a Laugh & Entertainment

    “GenZ Dates Millennial” is more than just a comedic look at dating in the digital age. It’s a heartwarming story that reminds us that love transcends generations and that meaningful connections can blossom when we embrace our true selves.

    Grow Your Confidence and Beard with Sheopals

    Sheopals, known for their relatable content and focus on natural ingredients, encourages viewers to ditch harsh chemicals and embrace a healthy beard growth journey with their Redensyl-infused “Beard Growth Serum”. This Valentine’s Day, Sheopals is offering an exclusive 10 per cent discount on their products with the code “RVCJ10.”

    A Must-Watch for Valentine’s Day

    This Valentine’s Day, join RVCJ Digital Media and Sheopals for “GenZ Dates Millennial.” With its relatable humour, heartwarming message, and talented cast, this video is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages. The video is now available for viewing Don’t miss “GenZ Dates Millennial,” premiering on RVCJ Digital Media’s official YouTube channel:  

  • Winston India launches Valentine Campaign with its limited edition gift boxes

    Winston India launches Valentine Campaign with its limited edition gift boxes

    Mumbai: Winston India launches its Valentine’s campaign with the theme ‘You are enough’. The campaign focuses on the importance of self-love, emphasising that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about expressing love to others but also celebrating oneself. To make this Valentine’s campaign a success, the brand collaborated with popular influencers including Tripti Bisht Gulati, Devansh Kamboj, and Kushal & Khushi.

    With #YouAreEnough, Winston embraces the art of love, reminding both the recipient and the giver that, like the allure of a gift box, they possess more than enough within themselves to captivate hearts and souls. The brand has rolled out the campaign on different social media platforms along with its authentic limited edition gift boxes for both men and women.

    The Limited Edition Men’s Gift Box is a carefully curated selection of grooming essentials, including the Nut Groomer 1.0, Blackhead Remover, Callus Remover, and Foot Cream. This groundbreaking gift box is just enough to meet the grooming needs of the modern man. Simultaneously, the Limited Edition Women’s Gift Box features a 2-in-1 face and eyebrow trimmer, Blackhead Remover, Callus Remover, and Foot Cream. It is an ideal and comprehensive set which will enhance and pamper your beauty routine not only on this special day but is enough to make your grooming experience exceptional anytime and anywhere.

    Winston India co-founder Himanshu Adlakha commented on this launch by stating, “Self-love is the foundation of all relationships and what can be better to show this kind of love on this Valentine’s Day. The launch of our limited edition gift boxes is nothing but a token of appreciation for oneself or a loved one. On this special day of love, we hope that our customers feel the essence of self-love through our thoughtfully curated products. We envision users conveying the sentiment that just as this Winston Gift Box embodies completeness and delight, their loved ones—or even themselves—are inherently whole and cherished, just as they are.”

    The limited edition gift boxes are now available for purchase on the Winston India website and other platforms including Amazon, Flipkart and Nykaa. This Valentine, surprise yourself and your loved ones with the gift of self-care because love truly begins with you!

  • “At Zoomcar, we are always thinking of fun ways to make travel memorable for our customers”: Zoomcar’s Greg Moran

    “At Zoomcar, we are always thinking of fun ways to make travel memorable for our customers”: Zoomcar’s Greg Moran

    Mumbai: Zoomcar, a leading marketplace for car sharing in emerging markets which recently got publicly listed on NASDAQ, has announced a heartwarming addition to its car fleet just in time for Valentine’s Day: the ZoomChariot. Every year brands battle for the most unique ways to make their customers feel loved. This year, Zoomcar has gone above and beyond their car sharing marketplace model where local hosts share their cars with guests and introduced a special e-victoria buggy called the ZoomChariot.

    This initiative has aimed to elevate Valentine’s Day experience in the most romantic way of travel through the enchanting streets of Nariman Point, Mumbai. The inspiration behind the ZoomChariot campaign stems from the desire to offer people unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether or not you own a car, with Zoomcar you can always drive one like you own it and  indulge yourself in luxury by booking high end cars on special occasions like Valentines Day. By introducing the ZoomChariot, Zoomcar aims to cater to this sentiment, providing couples with a novel and enchanting way to celebrate their love by traveling in style.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Zoomcar CEO Greg Moran, where he talked through the inspiration and creation of this campaign.

    Edited excerpts

    On the inspiration Zoomcar took to introduce ZoomChariot

    The inspiration behind the ZoomChariot campaign stems from the desire to offer people unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether or not you own a car, with Zoomcar you can always drive one like you own it or indulge in a higher car model for added luxury on special occasions like Valentines Day. By introducing the ZoomChariot, Zoomcar aims to cater to this sentiment, providing our customers with a novel and enchanting way to celebrate their love by traveling in style, keeping convenience and freedom to journey the way you want the center of our mission.

    On the user experience of booking and enjoying a ride on ZoomChariot, particularly on Valentine’s Day

    The ZoomChariot can be directly booked on the Zoomcar app. By selecting the location as Nariman Point, Mumbai, one can fill a form where they can block their slot of choice for the ride available every 15 mins on the app. On the day of go live on 11th Feb, hundreds of customers immediately booked the ZoomChariot and all slots were sold out within minutes. We are offering the ZoomChariot again on 14th Feb.

    On the response received from customers who have experienced ZoomChariot rides

    People at Nariman Point were lining up to get onboard our ZoomChariot decorated with flowers, fairy lights and balloons. We also saw some folks post about it on Instagram and X.com tagging us. The response was overall very heart warming full of surprise and awe as people know of us as a brand to share a car from. The ZoomChariot was definitely eye catchy and people loved taking a ride with their loved ones and family.

     

     

     

     

    On ZoomChariot contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions, especially with its electric chariot option

    The inception of Zoomcar is built on the strong foundation of providing and scaling sustainable mobility options while traveling. Our marketplace model is built on this foundation & ensures a sustainable solution to a growing demand from environmentally conscious customers. For Valentines Day we wanted to give our users the utmost romantic way to travel and turning an electric Victoria into a ZoomChariot was a match made in heaven.

    On logistical considerations Zoomcar took into account when planning the availability of ZoomChariot rides

    Nariman Point is one of the most iconic and enchanting streets of Mumbai where locals and tourists go on romantic walks and rides by the sea. For Valentine’s day we decided to make use of the occasion and bring out the romance by creating a ZoomChariot of the e-victoria buggy and offering free rides for a lasting memory. We launched it on 11th Feb, Sunday one of the busiest and easiest days people visit the location and also offer it again on Valentines Day for those celebrating in and around the location. The ride is scenic during a sunset and dreamy romantic later in the evening with the fairy lights on.

    On extending plans to  ZoomChariot service beyond Valentine’s Day or to other cities in India

    At Zoomcar, we are always thinking of fun, adventurous and out of the box ways to make travel convenient and memorable for our customers. While ZoomChariot was a tactical campaign to make people feel loved and elevate their Valentine’s Day plans, we aim to be a part of more such journeys in the coming days. 

  • Hershey India redefines Valentine’s day celebrations with an AI-driven experience

    Hershey India redefines Valentine’s day celebrations with an AI-driven experience

    Mumbai: Hershey India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, a leading global Snacking and Confectionery Company and the largest producer of quality chocolates in North America, is back with the third edition of its flagship campaign, #YourForevers this Valentine’s day with an AI-powered element.

    Hershey India’s celebration of myriad relationships mirrors the vast assortment of chocolates the brand offers, such as Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Exotic Dark, and Hershey’s Bars. In a move to make this Valentine’s day even sweeter for consumers, Hershey India has launched a comprehensive 360-degree approach, unveiling a tantalizing array of new products including Hershey’s Kisses Cashews, Hershey’s Exotic Dark Turkish Hazelnuts – Mocha and Caramel Flavor, and Hershey’s Bar – Dark ‘n’ Rich Coffee Flavor. The new launches aim to extend the brand’s distinctive proposition of expressing affection between loved ones by creating special moments. Additionally, the brand’s campaign features an added element of personalization enabled by AI technology.

    The AI-powered campaign invites consumers to express feelings to their Forevers through an innovative and interactive experience which helps them create personalized dedications on the microsite (https://yourforevers.hersheyland.in/). Users can create and dedicate their proclamations by providing a few prompts, which will be transformed into a personalised ‘Snap Song’. The ‘Snap Song’ will have a custom photo and lyrics created and sung using generative AI technology. The output will then be shared with users, allowing them to share the heartfelt creation with their Forevers.

    The brand has additionally partnered with leading storytelling platform Tiny Tales to showcase the dynamics of modern relationships through their highly acclaimed web show, ‘Butterflies’. The webisodes present a beautiful representation of love in myriad expressions, from the profound relationship between lovers to the cherished bond among friends. These heartwarming webisodes feature Ritwik Bhowmik and Reem Shaikh as the endearing couple who is about to tie the knot, celebrated TV Actor Asha Negi and Namita Dubey as friends who are trying to rekindle the magic of their past and Influencer Ashnoor Kaur, Harsh Gandhi and Arjun Deswal as best buddies on the verge of stepping into adulthood.

    Commenting on the campaign, Hershey India marketing director Ankit Desai said, “Valentine’s day is one of the most widely celebrated occasions, and in recent years, we have seen chocolates gaining prominence as a delicious enabler to expressing love during this special day. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating love, and through Hershey’s delectable range of chocolates, we want to empower our consumers to convey their feelings across relationships be it their parents, spouse or friends. This Valentine’s day, we have adopted an integrated 360-degree approach, encompassing new product launches, media on our lead brand Hershey’s Kisses and a new campaign on Hershey’s Exotic Dark along with in-store activations. Additionally, we are amplifying the campaign on digital through our association with Terribly Tiny Tales, coupled with a first-of-its-kind AI-enabled ‘Snap Song’, which is a personalised song crafted using generative AI technology, tailored just for our consumers. With these initiatives, we aim to deliver a strong performance this Valentine’s.”

  • RepIndia wins the social media mandate for Harman Kardon, JBL, and Infinity

    RepIndia wins the social media mandate for Harman Kardon, JBL, and Infinity

    Mumbai – RepIndia, the leading digital marketing agency renowned for its innovative and data-driven strategies, proudly announces its recent collaboration with JBL, a global audio powerhouse. RepIndia has secured the social media mandate for JBL, including the management of Harman Kardon and Infinity brands, solidifying its position as a go-to agency for digital-first brands.

    Renowned for its extensive global presence, JBL consistently establishes industry standards by delivering unmatched audio experiences. Recognised for its state-of-the-art technology and unwavering commitment to innovation, JBL has chosen RepIndia to amplify its social media footprint and engage with a broader audience.

    RepIndia chairperson & co-founder Ayesha Chenoy, the driving force behind the agency’s success, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, “Repindia started 2024 with an absolute bang by winning the JBL account. Even pitching to the client was nothing less than making music. Here’s to doing one of the world’s best brands justice!“

    JBL’s head of digital marketing, Akhil Sethi, shared heartfelt anticipation, stating, “Collaborating with RepIndia marks a significant step for JBL. Our goal is to craft a digital presence that mirrors JBL’s heritage while simultaneously captivating our audiences in India and transferring the equity the brand owns globally to this region with as much dominance and drive. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to leading the digital landscape with expertise and innovation, ensuring JBL’s continued prominence in the digital sphere.”

    In addition to overseeing JBL’s social media platforms, RepIndia will spearhead the development and expansion of JBL’s exclusive community, known as the JBL Clan on Facebook. This initiative underscores RepIndia’s commitment to offering comprehensive digital services and reaffirms its position as a strategic ally for brands committed to growth.

  • Affiliate marketing: Building community on influencer’s existing audience

    Affiliate marketing: Building community on influencer’s existing audience

    Mumbai: Within the ever-changing field of marketing, companies and brands are increasingly turning to Affiliate Marketing as a key strategy to connect with their target audience. This innovative approach involves compensating external parties to promote products and services, creating a promotional link without a direct association between the promoter and the brand. By leveraging individuals as intermediaries, brands can effectively tap into their target market. This trend has significantly influenced the buying behaviour of Indian consumers, who now rely on recommendations from trusted sources on social media, personal blogs, videos and embedded advertisements within the content.

    This emerging marketing approach empowers businesses to engage effectively with their target audience, fostering increased sales and transactions through affiliate marketing. It not only cultivates trust but also wields influence, compelling more buyers to choose the product. This boosts return on investment by cultivating good relationships between businesses and their clients.

    India presently is the world’s second-largest internet market, with over 800 million users. Hence, businesses have adopted new marketing strategies such as display banners, paid search, SEO, and video ads. Notably, Social Media reigns supreme, commanding a significant 30 per cent of the expenditure share among digital media advertising formats. Within this diverse array of advertising formats, Influencer Marketing emerges as a prominent social media trend, reflecting the dynamic shifts in the realm of digital marketing.

    Influencer marketing: An emerging trend

    In the realm of social media, Indian businesses leverage popular and influential figures boasting a substantial follower base to effectively promote their brand, products and services. Influencer Marketing proves highly successful for companies seeking to expand their reach and cultivate brand trust. Whether partnering with micro-influencers or macro-influencers, businesses benefit from their specialized and committed fanbases. Engaging with influencers aligned with their brand values allows companies to foster confidence among their followers and establish meaningful connections.

    https://www.nexttv.com/

    According to research, Instagram effectively connects with the 25 to 29 age group, while Facebook excels in reaching individuals aged 60 and above. In contrast, influencer marketing taps into a dedicated and specific fan base, showcasing its unique ability to benefit businesses :

    Extensive Audience – Connecting with a broad audience becomes effortless through influencer marketing. The content an influencer generates resonates with their diverse fan base across Tier 1, 2, and 3 demographics. Regardless of specific demographics, followers engage with influencers, making it a seamless way for businesses to reach a vast target audience simultaneously.

    Regional Connect – Incorporating influencer marketing enables businesses to connect with diverse regional audiences, particularly in a linguistically diverse country like India. Leveraging regional influencers helps overcome language barriers, fostering trust, and expanding business reach among diverse regional groups.

    Authentic and Expert Recommendation – Advertisements inform people about a product, but influencer marketing goes a step further, building trust in the product, brand and service. For instance, for cookware and cooking ingredients, a food influencer plays a crucial role in establishing trust and driving purchases. When consumers connect with a product through an expert or authentic recommendation, it significantly influences their purchasing decisions.

    Integrating influencer marketing has emerged as a successful tactic for businesses to connect effectively with their target audience. To succeed in this, businesses must do thorough market research to pinpoint and connect with their distinct target audience. The chosen influencer’s ability to relate to the business’s target audience is also crucial. Long term, this improves return on investment (ROI) and contributes to the efficacy of marketing plans.

    Anticipated to grow at a 31 per cent compound rate, social media is projected to account for 29 per cent of expenditure by year-end. This surge presents a valuable opportunity for businesses, to leverage existing influencers’ audiences to establish a widespread customer base. The impact extends beyond online realms, aiding both online and offline enterprises in enhancing sales and cultivating a robust customer foundation.

    The article is written by Sellergize CTO & director Kamil Khan,