105) In Conversation With The Practical Marketer - Saurabh Bajaj (Part-II)
In the final part of our conversation with Saurabh Bajaj, EVP of Prepaid Marketing at Vodafone Idea and author of "The Practical Marketer," we explore his journey through the evolving landscape of marketing.
Saurabh delves into the challenges of moving from a focus on achievement to contribution, the impact of data overload on decision-making, and his experience in brand building at Cadbury.
The discussion also covers his advice for marketers in performance-driven roles and how to balance short-term tactics with long-term brand strategies.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
From Achievement to Contribution:
Saurabh reflects on his mid-career shift from focusing on personal achievements to seeking ways to contribute meaningfully to the marketing community. This mindset change inspired his active presence on LinkedIn and his move into writing.
Navigating the Data Overload:
He discusses the dangers of data overload in today's marketing environment, where excessive information can paralyze decision-making. Saurabh emphasizes the importance of seeking insights from real customer interactions rather than relying solely on data.
Brand Building Insights from Cadbury:
Saurabh shares anecdotes from his tenure at Cadbury, particularly his work on the Celebrations brand, where he transformed a diverse product line into a cohesive brand narrative centered on emotions and thoughtful gifting.
Advice for Performance Marketers:
For those in performance marketing roles, Saurabh suggests balancing the use of data with understanding the human truth behind consumer behaviors. He stresses the importance of combining data-driven tactics with brand-building efforts to achieve sustainable growth.
Preparing for Future Marketing Challenges:
Saurabh offers his perspective on the rise of performance marketing and its potential pitfalls, including creating a polarized market environment. He encourages marketers to remain adaptable and continuously seek to understand their audience.
Quickfire Round – Saurabh’s Preferences and Advice:
Saurabh answers rapid-fire questions on his career choices, innovation versus category expansion, and working on large versus small brands. His advice for marketers in startups is to stick to the basics and regularly engage with customers to gain insights.
QUOTES:
"Marketing is not complicated; it’s simple when you have the patience to understand the roots."
"Performance marketing must complement brand marketing to create lasting value."
Don't miss this insightful conclusion to our conversation with Saurabh Bajaj. Learn how to navigate the complexities of modern marketing while staying true to foundational principles. Pre-order "The Practical Marketer" today and start transforming your marketing approach!
As always, do mail us your feedback, comments and any questions you may have for our hosts at mail@cobbcast.net. We love hearing from you.
RESOURCES
Buy ‘The Practical Marketer’ Book
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CONNECT WITH OUR HOSTS
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CREDITS
- Album Art & Design by ting.in
- Voiceovers by Anjale Stephanos
- Music from Zapsplat.com
- Edited by Arul G of ting
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