Paul writer talks to Shantanu Verma, a passionate marketer and the Assistant Marketing Manager at Media Ant. It is a discovery platform for media options in India featuring updated information regarding 3500+ Media Options. It is one of India’s largest media discovery platform featuring 4000+ active & updated media spaces. Till date, they’ve served around 25,000+ Advertisers.
What makes a good marketer?
In my opinion, the following 3 qualities make for a good marketer:
- Ability to harness & interpret data for business decisions.
- Absolute knowledge of the product TG
- An element of creativity
3 Things you look for when you hire people?
I have a very simple agenda when I hire people, they should have the ability to think & improvise on their toes backed up by solid judgment & reason. For me, this takes precedence over educational qualifications.
Your favorite destination for business trips?
Well, as I’ve just begun to work, I haven’t got a chance to go out for a business trip. However, if I had to choose one destination, it would be Udaipur.
Your favorite book?
I don’t have a favorite book. Though, my favorite author would be Ruskin Bond. His description of experience & nature is unmatched.
3 things you would never do a meeting without?
Pen, Paper & Reason
When did you decide that Marketing is what you wanted to do?
During my Economics degree, we often studied various patterns of consumer behavior & consumption. In addition to that, I ran my own venture during college and figuring out how to build my audience was a very challenging & engaging endeavor. That sparked my interest in marketing.
Your most memorable advertisement?
Har Ek Friend Zaroori Hota Hai by Airtel.
Love data or hate data?
Data makes the world go round.
What are your marketing priorities for the year 2014/2015?
My broad priorities are very simple: Increase customer acquistion, reach and build problem-solving products for advertisers.
