Episode 11

Michelle Sami Wehbe - Research: The Backbone of Marketing Success | EP 11 | Pathfinders Podcast with Vijayan Swaminathan

Published on: 10th December, 2024

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Michelle Sami Wehbe explore the intricate world of international marketing, focusing on the importance of cross-cultural understanding, the challenges faced in different markets, and the misconceptions that often arise in marketing strategies. Michelle shares her personal journey through various countries, highlighting how cultural nuances shape marketing approaches. The discussion also delves into the costs associated with building products versus marketing them effectively, emphasizing the need for thorough research and understanding of target markets to create successful marketing campaigns. In this conversation, Vijayan Swaminathan and Michelle Wehbe delve into the multifaceted world of marketing, emphasizing the importance of patience, understanding market engagement across different regions, and the critical role of building relationships in business development. They discuss how talent acquisition and brand building contribute to marketing success, and explore the essence of marketing as a vital component of business operations. The conversation also highlights the distinction between business development and marketing, underscoring the need for small businesses to invest in marketing to thrive. In this conversation, Michelle Wehbe discusses the critical differences between sales and business development, emphasizing the importance of building relationships over transactional interactions. She shares insights on the challenges of being a working mom in marketing, the evolving landscape of the Middle East, particularly with projects like Neom, and offers valuable advice for aspiring marketers on the significance of data and ethical practices in their careers. In this conversation, Michelle Wehbe and Vijayan Swaminathan explore the intricate world of marketing, emphasizing the importance of understanding human behavior and cultural nuances. They discuss the unpredictability of marketing strategies, the significance of targeting specific markets, and the lessons learned from diverse cultures. Michelle shares insights on how experiences from her travels have shaped her perspective as a marketer, and they delve into the importance of communication and connection in marketing. The conversation also touches on fun personal anecdotes and rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Michelle's personality and preferences.

Sound Bites

"I became a marketer by accident."

"Marketing is a long-term thing."

"Marketing is not just about selling."

"Word of mouth still matters."

"Do what you do with love and care."

"Always approach with data."

"Find your role model competitor."

"Know your target market."

"There's beauty in every culture."

"Genie is a marketing genius."

"It's never what it seems."