Keywords: marketing, entrepreneurship, international business, cultural insights, internships, language skills, Dubai, New York, Shanghai, identity, donuts, entrepreneurship, marketing, business challenges, digital marketing, empathy, AI, business lessons, franchise, donut shop, South Asia, empathy, marketing, target audience, observation, email marketing, branding, social media, small business, digital marketing, client engagement
Summary: In this episode, host Mitch Beinhaker interviews Merag Shahzad, who shares his journey from a naive high school student to an international business professional. Merag discusses his cultural experiences during internships in various countries, the impact of the 2008 real estate collapse in Dubai, and his transition from politics to business. He also reflects on his language skills, identity challenges, and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to start a donut business in Germany. In this conversation, Merag Shahzad discusses the evolution of entrepreneurship in South Asia, the challenges faced in running a donut shop, and the importance of effective marketing strategies. He shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences, emphasizing the need for empathy in marketing and the common mistakes businesses make in digital marketing. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in content creation and the necessity of personal involvement in ensuring quality. In this conversation, Merag Shahzad emphasizes the critical role of empathy in marketing, the importance of understanding target audiences, and the necessity of observing consumer behavior. He discusses effective email marketing strategies, the balance between personal branding and business branding, and the significance of connecting with audiences through various online platforms.
Takeaways
- Merag's parents were immigrants who lacked formal education.
- Internships provided Merag with a reality check about the corporate world.
- The 2008 real estate collapse in Dubai taught Merag valuable business lessons.
- Merag's language skills helped him navigate different cultures.
- He experienced cultural shock during his internships in various countries.
- Merag's perception of New York was different from reality.
- He learned Mandarin to connect with Chinese culture.
- Merag's journey reflects the importance of adaptability in business.
- He shifted his focus from politics to business for practical reasons.
- Starting a donut business in Germany highlighted the importance of marketing. Entrepreneurship has gained popularity in South Asia recently.
- Marketing strategies must be tailored to local businesses.
- Running a donut shop involves significant challenges and responsibilities.
- Learning from business failures is crucial for future success.
- Empathy is essential in creating effective marketing messages.
- Many businesses fail to understand their target audience.
- Digital marketing mistakes are common across all business sizes.
- AI can assist in content creation but requires human oversight.
- Stock photos are easily recognizable and often ineffective.
- Successful marketing requires a personal touch and genuine connection. Empathy in marketing is essential for building genuine connections.
- Understanding your target audience requires deep investment and respect.
- Observation of consumer behavior is more effective than asking them directly.
- Email marketing should be tailored to the specific needs of the audience.
- Branding should encompass both the individual and the business for long-term success.
- Utilizing tools like Instantly.ai can enhance cold email outreach effectiveness.
- Social media platforms serve different purposes in marketing strategies.
- Engaging with your audience authentically can lead to better brand loyalty.
- Testing different marketing strategies is crucial for finding what works best.
- Building a brand that can operate independently of the owner is vital for business longevity.
Titles
- From Internships to Entrepreneurship: Merag's Journey
- Cultural Insights and Business Lessons from Merag Shahzad
- Navigating Identity and Language in Business
- The Impact of Global Experiences on Entrepreneurship
- Merag's Unique Path: From Politics to Donuts
- Lessons Learned from Dubai's Real Estate Crisis
- The Importance of Internships in Shaping Careers
Sound Bites
- "I ended up being the German guy."
- "I was so fascinated about China."
- "I was so keen. I want to go there."
- "I chose international management."
- "Everyone was an entrepreneur."
- "Facebook ads weren't so common yet."
- "I lost money after two months."
- "Many people are not good at this."
- "People can spot stock photos."
- "Empathy is so important."
- "Don't try to hide your weaknesses."
- "Become your client."
- "You can't build an audience on TikTok."
- "Shiftingco.com is my agency's website."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Merag and His Background
03:54 Cultural Insights from Internships
06:41 Lessons from Dubai's Real Estate Collapse
09:33 The Journey of Internships and Language Skills
12:49 Experiences in New York and Shanghai
15:31 Identity and Language Challenges
18:02 Transitioning from Politics to Business
20:00 Starting a Donut Business in Germany
21:45 The Rise of Entrepreneurship in South Asia
22:15 Marketing Strategies for Local Businesses
24:29 Challenges of Running a Donut Shop
26:28 Lessons Learned from Business Failures
30:15 The Importance of Empathy in Marketing
41:18 Common Mistakes in Digital Marketing
45:45 The Role of AI in Content Creation
47:56 The Importance of Empathy in Marketing
52:48 Understanding Your Target Audience
57:14 The Role of Observation in Marketing
01:01:01 Effective Email Marketing Strategies
01:05:51 Branding Yourself vs. Your Business
01:09:05 Connecting with the Audience Online