Virgin Galactic’s Historic Spaceflight

Virgin Galactic got one step closer to sending tourists to space.

The company founded by Richard Branson launched a commercial rocket to the edge of space for the first time.

Check out the video:

Walmart Is Acquiring The World’s Largest Online Seller of Art

Walmart plans to acquire the world’s largest online seller of art, Art.com.

The news was announced in a blog post, and the deal is set to close early next year. The deal price was not disclosed.

Check out the video:

BRAND MINDS’ Guide to Successful Digital Marketing in 2019

Do you want your digital marketing to be successful in 2019?

Use BRAND MINDS‘ Guide to Successful Digital Marketing!

The world of marketing, especially digital marketing, is fast paced and ever changing. Blink and you might just miss the next big trend.

Implement the following 8 tips for digital marketing success in 2019:

1. Use Digital as a Key Component to TTL Campaigns

The important thing to remember with marketing today is that it’s no longer just about marketing digitally. Digital marketing has transitioned to marketing in a digital world, which creates more scope for campaigns.

I believe that digital marketing should be used as part of TTL marketing campaigns, so that your message gets attention from both ATL and BTL audiences. Online or offline, all areas should be explored when it comes to positioning your brand and aligning it with your audience. This will help you to maximise your reach and generate more leads and conversions.

It’s important to remember that by advertising across a variety of different platforms, you are expanding your audience. Some people believe that to be a good marketer, you should focus on one platform and do that right, but I believe that by advertising in as many places as possible, you gain increased visibility and generate stronger branding.

PR and Digital Marketing are also becoming ever more intertwined, with brands gaining exposure and building links across a variety of platforms. Co-marketing and influencer marketing are also great ways to increase reach and awareness.

[bctt tweet=”Use Digital as a Key Component to TTL Campaigns” username=”brand_minds”]

2. Personalisation

Clever personalisation is the key for effective marketing in 2019.

Gone are the days when a blanket email campaign would suffice. It is vital to segment your audience into relevant sub categories and to target the relevant cross sections with the most relevant offers and information.

Generating personal recommendations on your page is also a great way to get more sales. Link sell by showcasing popular items purchased by others after searching on the page that your user is on. If consumer behaviour is anything to go by, you should definitely see an increase in your conversions. This tailored user journey is also easy to navigate and enjoyable for your customer.

[bctt tweet=”Clever personalisation is the key for effective marketing in 2019″ username=”brand_minds”]

3. Chatbots

Chatbots and AI have become essential tools for online customer service. Save on time and money by implementing chatbot technology to answer FAQs quickly and effectively.

Over the next five years, the use of bot messengers will be ramping up and chatbots will perform 80% of all communication with customers. Chatbots can be connected to websites, apps and social media platforms to answer customer enquiries and to gather important user information that can be used to create better marketing strategies.

Learn more: How To Use Chatbots To Increase Sales

Grand View Research did a study in to the global chatbot market and discovered that the market had a 24% annual growth rate which amounted to $1.2 billion last year alone. 45% of end users also prefer using them as a primary mode of communication in customer service too apparently.

[bctt tweet=”Save on time and money by implementing chatbot technology to answer FAQs quickly and effectively” username=”brand_minds”]

4. Voice Search

Voice interfaces are becoming an ever more common feature in modern homes and people are using voice searches and features to search quickly and to share information via soundbytes.

According to Google nearly one third of the 3.5 billion searches performed on Google every day are voice searches. Personal assistant devices are used for the majority of these searches.

Like any form of SEO, voice search gives precedence to high ranking sites. Being an authority in your industry, responsive search functions and active social channels will help to boost your ranking. According to studies content with high levels of social engagement performs well on voice search, with content with over 1199 shares on Facebook and 44 on Twitter featuring more predominantly in search.

Other factors to consider are the use of https instead of http and remember to pay attention to your snippets. You’re increasing your chance of being discovered in voice search if your snippet becomes a featured one.

Take care to tailor your description of what your page is about for good ranking. Backlinko state that 40.7% of voice searches come from featured snippets which is staggeringly high. Be sure to use this to your advantage.

[bctt tweet=”Optimise your website for voice search” username=”brand_minds”]

5. Social Stories

With popular culture reigning supreme, Stories have quickly become the marketing choice for savvy marketers.

Since the launch of Snapchat back in 2011, social media users everywhere have been getting to grips with advanced technologies such as filters, augmented reality, boomerangs and superzoom to allow them to get creative and to generate captivating and engaging stories for their followers.

Learn more: 3 E-Commerce Brands Using Instagram Stories Effectively

Instagram Stores and Facebook Live became pivotal tools for story-telling in 2018 and will continue to do so in 2019.
According to Instagram, one in every five organic stories prompts at least one customer message. This is probably because these ads appear native in their format and are less interruptive than other social media ads. Either way the potential is huge.

[bctt tweet=”Be smart in 2019 and use Stories to your advantage.” username=”brand_minds”]

6. Video

Video will continue to grow in 2019.

Live video is being used more and more to showcase and raise awareness for important brand moments. Videos have 135% times more organic reach than your typical Facebook post with 1200% more engagement than image and text posts (Forbes).

Learn more: How To Increase Conversions With Video Marketing

The stats below show the importance of video for brand:

• 70% of consumers say that they have shared a brand’s video (via Wyzowl);
• 72% of businesses say video has improved their conversion rate (via Wyzowl);
• 65% of executives visit the marketer’s website and 39% call a vendor after viewing a video (via Forbes);
• 52% of consumers say that watching product videos makes them more confident in online purchase decisions (via Invodo).

The important thing to remember is that several companies have created 360 videos in the past year – especially for showcasing things like weddings and interiors. This trend will continue to grow in 2019.

The full capacity of 360 video has yet to be uncovered. This is just the tip of the iceberg and what’s to come will be even more exciting.

[bctt tweet=”Use 360 videos to showcase your products” username=”brand_minds”]

7. Micro Moments

Google’s research teams have uncovered a new type of consumer behaviour called the micro moment. These moments seemingly occur when people reflexively turn to a device to either learn something, do something, get to know something or buy something.

Google have coined these moments the:

• I-want-to-know
• I-want-to-do
• I-want-to-go
• I-want-to-buy

Users experience these moments 150 times a day according to Think with Google. The trick with this is to target consumers with exactly what they want at that right moment to increase conversion rates.

[bctt tweet=”Leverage the Micro-moments to increase conversion rates” username=”brand_minds”]

8. AR/VR

Both augmented reality – which layers virtual components on a real life backdrop, and virtual reality – which creates an entirely virtual world that can be accessed via a headset, will become a bigger part of experiential marketing in 2019.

These tools aid in the decision making process for products that need to be visualised before purchase. The AR/VR experience is incredibly beneficial for interior design, weddings, clothing and beauty products to name but a few.

Learn more: 3 Snapchat Campaigns Powered by Augmented Reality

Clothing giants Gucci and Zara have both used AR in their marketing campaigns over the past year. Gucci launched the ‘Gucci Hallucination’ in 52 of its stores, while Zara introduced AR screens that showcase their lookbook in 120 stores. These screens have sensors that interact with mobile devices to facilitate easy shopping in one simple click, bringing a truly futuristic element to their marketing and marking a significant increase in conversions.

[bctt tweet=”Use AR/VR to shorten your customers’ decision making process” username=”brand_minds”]

Key Takeaways

• Marketing today is no longer just about marketing digitally;
• Use digital marketing as part of your TTL marketing campaigns;
• Clever personalisation is key for effective marketing in 2019;
• Save on time and money by implementing chatbot technology to answer FAQs quickly and effectively;
• Optimise your website for voice search;
• Pay attention to your snippets: 40.7% of voice searches come from featured snippets;
• Use Social Stories to your advantage;
• Use 360 videos to showcase your products;
• Leverage the Micro-moments;
• Use AR/VR to shorten your customers’ decision making process.

Join the Conversation

Now that you’ve read our BRAND MINDS’ Guide to Digital Marketing in 2019, we’d love to hear what you have to say. What will you be implementing in your marketing plan for the coming year?

Get in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d love to hear your views!

NASA’s InSight spacecraft lands on Mars

NASA’s InSight spacecraft lands on Mars.

The InSight probe aims to study the world’s deep interior.

“The InSight team can rest a little easier tonight now that we know the spacecraft solar arrays are deployed and recharging the batteries,” said Tom Hoffman, InSight’s project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, which leads the mission.

Check out the video:

BUSINESS INSIGHTS: The Real Estate Market and How to Excel in It

Originally from Spain, Rafaela Nebreda chose Romania to build a business. She has 14 years of experience in real estate and is Managing Partner in her own consultancy company – Imoteca, the residential experts.

She inherited the dream of entrepreneurship from her father, a successful businessman in Spain and one of her key statements is the following:

I consider every challenge an opportunity to learn and develop personally and professionally.

In the light of this quotation, the fact that she headed to Romania to follow her dream does not seem unusual anymore.

When did your real-estate story start and what was the incentive behind that decision?

The real estate story has almost the same age as my life as Romanian. It started naturally from the need and request of some friends and business partners to help them look either for places to live or to invest. So it started human-to-human and it continued like that. I became very fast fascinated by this field which is a very complex domains having in its core the person/the human, be it a developer, an investor or the end user. For me the real estate industry represents the perfect mix of human contact, adrenaline, business skills, travel and understanding the people in front of you.

Tell us about your journey. What were the biggest 3 challenges you had to face to reach the level of expertise you’re at right now?

The biggest challenge in real estate is knowing to choose your people. The biggest 3 challenges are to choose the right people,  to choose wisely the partners, to choose carefully your clients.

What were 3 key points in your experience you’ll never forget?

First showing I have made as a real estate agent. It helped me understand the business from A to Z. To have a overall view of it and to understand the challenges when such situation occurred.

Then, it was my first business failure 10 years ago, from which I’ve larned the importance of the people you’re working with.  And the last once, it was the first million euro I have made.

About real-estate, what are the key steps to follow for those who want to build up expertise in the field.

Find the right people, patiently build the right team, it takes some time for the people you’re working with to understand your vision and make it happen. Be even more patiently build clients portfolio, always be one step ahead; don’t be afraid to pioneer. Be organized, creative and patient.

How important is your personal brand when it comes to working in real-estate industry?

It is extremely important. But Imoteca does not mean Rafaela Nebreda. Imoteca is an eco-system where each cell brings its value.

Born to sale? There are people who are born with natural skills when it comes to persuasive features and there are those who have to work harder to enhance them. In your opinion, what’s the proportion of inherited skills vs. gained skills for a sales expert? How can you enhance the 2nd category?

I personally consider that the sales skills nowadays are more likely to be translated in empathy and emotional intelligence. Of course it is important to be persuasive but in an non-invasive manner. I think everything can be educated, but this is not only a matter of trainings but also of introspection and inner restauration.

Imoteca is one of the reference companies in Romania when it comes to real-estate. What makes it different? What are you guys doing to maintain your leading position on the market?

We have approached the market differently – human-to-human. This means a more complex process but also more solid and more durable in time. More openness. We are evolving more towards a working platform, a hub where the best in class real estate players (buyers and vendors meet) and they benefit of the expertise and mitigation of Imoteca experts.

We are so much more than a real estate agency. We are a long term partner. Alongside with this we are trying to be up to date with the technological developments as this influences a lot the mindset and we are also bringing a more relaxed approach – we are professionals but not in a rigid manner.

A take-away advice for those who want to penetrate the business and build up a career in sales?

I will give further on a wise saying that belongs to my grandmother:

Be strong in purpose yet gentle in the means.

The scent of Overdelivering Experiences

We bet you’ve heard it before and not just once: Overdelivering to your customers is the key to success. Focus on offering your community the best experience they could have, and the results will show up naturally.

But what is that supposed to mean when we’re talking about Brand Communication?

Well, offering a 360-branding experience is a complete mix of communication tools experts use, to shape a brand’s identity as authentic and sensorial as possible. This whole package is recommended to reach out the customers through all the 6th senses.

Today, we wanted to focus on the importance of one of these 6th, the olfactory sense, when it comes to brand communication. For that, we approached Alex Cucu, CEO of ScentLinQ, one of the biggest players in the industry in Europe to share with us inside tricks and tools they use to enhance brands identity by using smell. We invite you to check the outcome below!

1. BRAND MINDS: Scent::LinQ has worked with a large variety of international brands while being the lead player market. That means you have built a rich background in the industry plus a good indicator that your work delivers satisfactory results. Now the first question would be “how is ScentLinQ helping all these brands to find their olfactory identity”.

In Romania, you collaborate with over 100 companies, many of them multinational, among: Romanian Commercial Bank, Rompetrol, Anchor Group, Global Worth, Tiriac Holding, Bavaria Automobile, Miele Romania, Continental Hotels Romania, Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Cavalli and others.

ALEX CUCU: Scent::LinQ brand is indeed in 40 countries worldwide and some of the highlights are some special projects such as Hong Kong Airport or Disney Resorts in Orlando USA. Disney recently requested signature scent for 3 main hotel concepts in Orlando resorts. Based on Disney brand and marketing management team’s brief and concept details, we have arranged a conference call with our perfumers in Germany, and we finally come up with 3 different scents that was satisfactory to Disney marketing and branding team. For example, a woody scent Red Sequoia for their Animal Kingdom Lodge. As we say, “the scents that touch emotions”.

2. BRAND MINDS: Give us three reasons why is it important for brands to have an olfactory identity. How does that help them?

ALEX CUCU: We use scent as an interior design element, just like proper lighting or right music for a hotel or a retail space. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right scent for the right image or concept. Once the right scent is incorporated into the brand identity, the targeted audience associates the scent with the brand.

3. BRAND MINDS: Tell us the best olfactory activation Scent::LinQ has created for a brand and what was the audience’s feedback to it?

ALEX CUCU: We have created a signature scent for Tommy Hilfiger stores in Turkey and their customers liked it so much and they started to ask if the store scent is available as a perfume. Another one is the Disney Resorts in Orlando USA Disney has so many hotel guests keep asking if they can purchase `the Disney hotel scent`?

4. BRAND MINDS: What has changed in the past 5 years in brand communication when it comes to scent and what is expected to improve in the next 5 years?

ALEX CUCU:  In the past 5 years, the scent factor of the overall brand communication became more noticeable.  The retailers and hotels feel almost “naked“ without scenting, they say. We think that the scent branding will have a by-product such as scent related new product lines. For example, Four Seasons Hotels asked us to prepare reed diffuser line made with their hotel signature scents to sell at their SPAs.

5. BRAND MINDS: Related to your expertise and vision, what could be the next big thing in this industry?

ALEX CUCU: We are working on a project called SCENTDISQ for home scenting. We think a compact scenting system controlled with a mobile app will be a good add-on to our company. And there is an immense request and feedbacks from people all over the world inquiring our scents for their homes.

How Do We Dress To Impress?

A positive, proactive and dynamic professional, Teodora Burz is definitely a strong reference in the fashion industry around the globe. She’s experienced in both managing retail fashion-outlets and conceptual development/ production as well.

At only 41 she is the founder of one of the most popular clothing brand on a global scale, having lots of Hollywood icons wearing her clothes. But enough with presentations and let’s get to the point and find out her story and inside tricks!

What made you take fashion seriously and make a career out of it?

T. B.: I’ve been passionate about fashion since my early age and it was always a part of me. I didn’t have a plan to make a career of it, that was something that came out naturally.

Although, when I was 18, I had an internship in a shoe store. The owner told me he’d like to see me again in a couple of years since he felt that I was going to make a career of it.

I didn’t quite understand at that time what he saw in me, but it’s always going to remind me about the point where everything started.

How has your work evolved since you designed your own label?

T. B.: It has been, and still is, similar to an exam, actually. I’m testing daily all the experience I’ve accumulated in the past 20 years. At first, it was just a dream, but then it became an ambition and now it’s an everyday challenge to make out of STYLAND the best Romanian Brand!

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you’ve started your company?

T. B.: I’m learning lessons every day, but the biggest ones I’ve learned before starting my brand and “I feel lucky for that so far.

#1: I believe that just a single, well-crafted jacket can change your complete look and entire state of mind. We all need a power jacket that has been reinterpreted and styled in our own personal way.

#2: Never underestimate the Power of the Great Suit.

   

How do we dress to impress? You are a businesswoman and a designer at the same time. How important is one’s outfit when it comes to business?

T. B.: There is a saying “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. There is a lot of truth in that. But making the first impression is not everything, it’s important to have your own style all the time, a signature look that defines you as a person. You create it according to your job and the field you activate in.

What details do you pay attention to when you analyse a person’s business outfit.

I don’t analyse people’s outfits. If I notice first the outfit, it means there is something wrong about it. I believe that your outfit should complete your personality, not overcoming it.

What outfits do you usually wear for business meetings?

For me, dressing up became very easy since I made my brand. I’m not over thinking it anymore. I usually suit-up pretty simply, going for a sharp look: a black or navy suit with a great cut and shape.

The focus should be on what I do and talk, not on what I’m wearing. It’s a business meeting, right?

Give to BRAND MINDS attendants 3 Basic Rules to follow for a flawless Business Style/Outfit.

5. The first rule is to find your cut for pants and jackets, that particular cut that fits you best and flatters your silhouette. Then, get at least 2 or 3 suits with this cut.
6. The second rule is to give-up on accessories, prints and colours and let your look as clean as possible.
7. The third rule is to wear shoes that make your legs look good. Try to avoid those that might look good in the magazines but destroy your overall look when you wear them.

   

What is your opinion about the overall Romanian sense of style? Would you add or change anything about it?

There is an evolution when it comes to Romanian style and is easy to observe it by a quick overview across the last years. I actually see evolution year by year.

On a matter of recommendation, is simple: apply the three rules mentioned above and you’ll be surprised by the results! 

There is nothing more attractive than confidence that comes when you wear a good suit wearing white, light blue or navy shirts, perfectly groomed.

SUIT UP!  ​

Let’s suit up and see what we are wearing this year at BRAND MINDS!

ABOUT STYLAND

The philosophy of the brand and collections is to create beautiful and timeless pieces made of quality materials that will last a lifetime with minimal care. Our aim is to re-establish a sense of respect for tailoring and timeless silhouettes.

The brand specialises in ladies ready-to-wear garments focusing on tailored suiting. A good quality tailoring for women wasn’t easy to find, especially for modern cuts, so we created a line for those women who wanted to wear a formal and cocktail attire with a twist.  

When we’re creating, we have in mind the modern woman who has an eye for exclusive and beautiful design. A design that is, both, luxurious and functional in work and formal settings.

Joining BRAND MINDS?
Then read this!

Are you coming to BRAND MINDS?

Then here are some things that you need to know!

We have prepared 10 SECTIONS you can check for any information you need to know related to the event. Find them below and if you have extra questions, send us an e-mail at contact@brandminds.com.

We’re glad you’ll be joining us and get ready for an amazing and life-changing experience!

• A. TICKETING & REGISTRATION MATTERS
• B. LOCATION & DATA
• C. DRESS CODE & LUGGAGE
• D. DAY OF THE EVENT
• E. SECURITY
• F. PROGRAM
• G. MEDIA PARTICIPATION
• H. MY PERSONAL DATA
• I. FOOD & BEVERAGE
• J. PARKING LOT

A. TICKETING & REGISTRATION MATTERS

1. How Do I REGISTER to BRAND MINDS?

To REGISTER for BRAND MINDS please access this link and complete the form as requested.

2. What are the PAYMENT methods?

You have 3 payment methods available to pay for your tickets order: by CREDIT CARD, through BANK TRANSFER and via PAY PAL.

You will receive further details about each of the methods after applying for one or another.

3. How can I TRANSFER my pass to someone else?

All the PASSES can be transferred to another person as long as the request is made with at least 5 days before the event.

If you plan on transferring your PASS to somebody else, please e-mail us at contact@brandminds.com with the e-mail subject: Pass Transfer Request @YourName.

4. How can I UPGRADE my pass?

Depending on the availability, you can apply for a ticket UPGRADE.

Send us an e-mail at contact@brandminds.com with the title: Pass Upgrade Request @YourName.

5. What are the differences between the event tickets?

We have two ticket categories:

• GENERAL PASS Brand – Business Experience, coffee breaks, access to BRAND MINDS Networking App, lunch);
• VIP Brand – Elitist Business Experience, coffee breaks, access to BRAND MINDS Networking App, VIP lunch, VIP Afterparty, a photo opportunity with the speakers.

6. Where can I find my TICKET?

We deliver the tickets by email to the address associated with the purchase.

Please have your ticket ready to show to our Customer Service representatives at the check-in desks on the event’s day. We accept both: PDF tickets on your phone (recommended) and printed tickets.

7. How can I CANCEL my purchase?

Tickets are non-refundable.

They can be, however, transferred to another name. (Check Question #3).

If the ticket wasn’t paid in the specified time, the booking request will be deleted from the system by default.

8. I am on the WAITING LIST. What does that mean?

If you’re on our Waiting List, it means that the ticket(s) you were trying to purchase are currently sold out.

If any tickets in your chosen category become available, we will process your request and send you an order confirmation and invoice accordingly. The price of your ticket will match the price at the time you joined the waiting list.

9. What is VAT?

The VAT added to each order works in compliance with the laws of the country in which the event takes place. For example, a ticket to BRAND MINDS will be subject to Romanian VAT.

10. WHERE do I need the ticket?

You need to show your ticket (and your ID) to our Customer Service representatives at the check-in desks. This will let you collect your conference badge.

11. I have LOST MY TICKETS, can I still enter the event?

Don’t panic!

First, make sure you have checked your email for your ticket. You will have received it by email from us.

If you still can’t find it, ask one of our Customer Service representatives for assistance. If we have the correct attendee information in our database, you’ll be able to collect your conference badge with your name and ID.

12. Where can I collect my CONFERENCE BADGE?

To enter the event, every attendee will need to collect their conference badge upon arrival from our check-in desks, located at the entrance of our conference venues.

13. Can I ENTER the event without my conference badge?

No, for security reasons, only guests with valid conference badges will be allowed into the conference hall. For this reason, we urge you to take good care of your conference badge and keep it with you for the duration of the event.

You can also pick up your badge at the venue, the day before the event.

14. What DOCUMENTS & ITEMS should I take with me to the conference?

We suggest that you bring your ticket, ID, and business cards with you, as well as anything else that would help you make the most of your time at the conference.

Chargers are hard to come by, so a power bank to charge your phone or a tablet would also be useful!

15. Can I RESELL my BRAND MINDS ticket?

You cannot sell your BRAND MINDS ticket. Doing so will result in a void ticket and the ticket holder will not gain entry into the event.

You can, however, transfer it to another guest.

16. When will the REGISTRATION process start?

The doors open at 7:00 AM, come early to register.

Registration will take place from 7:00 AM. The program starts at 9:00 AM.

B. LOCATION & DATA

1. Where is the EVENT held?

The event is held at The Palace Hall, Bucharest (No. 28, Ion Campineanu Street, 010039, Bucharest, Romania).

2. How do I ARRIVE at Palace Hall?

• From the Airport: There is a 40 minutes car ride. You can take either a taxi or an UBER for less than 10 euros. If you decide to ride the bus, take #783 for 13 stops. From the last stop to Palace Hall there’s a 9 minutes walk (750 m).
• From the Train Station: There is a 15 minutes car ride. You can take either a taxi or an UBER for approx. 3-5 euros. If you decide to ride the bus, take #85 for 6 stops. From the last stop to Palace Hall there’s a 7 minutes walk (550 m).

C. DRESS CODE & LUGGAGE

1. What is the DRESS CODE for BRAND MINDS?

Business Formal dress code is required.

Please make sure you have a coat/sweater at you, because the temperature in the conference room may vary.

2. Can I bring a SMALL BAG or a BACKPACK?

You can bring only a backpack. Due to security matters we cannot storage luggage that is bigger than a basic backpack.

Also, please keep in mind that unattended luggage will be removed by security agents.

Please do not leave your luggage unattended.

D. DAY OF THE EVENT

1. What is BRAND MINDS?

BRAND MINDS is the premium events label of BRAND EMOTION.

As a business event, BRAND MINDS is the Central and Eastern European Business Summit of the Year.

2. What are the channels to NETWORK at the event?

There are five channels to network at BRAND MINDS.

The GENERAL PASS is offering the opportunity to connect with other attendants not just by live contact but also through the Networking App, at the event and during the coffee breaks & lunch.

If you got the V.I.P. PASS, you get two more openings: the V.I.P. Lunch and at the V.I.P. After Party.

The last two, are also offering the attendants the chance to network with the speakers.

3. Can I MEET the speakers?

The V.I.P. Pass is offering you the chance to meet your favourite speakers in person since they’ll be attending the After Party as well! Don’t miss on your chance to network with your favourite mentor!

E. SECURITY

1. Are there any FORBIDDEN objects?

• Professional Camcorders and recorders are prohibited in the Conference room.
• Weapons of any kind or objects that can be considered weapons, including toys;
• Tripods for cameras or sticks for making selfie (hands camera extensions for mobile devices are forbidden as well);
• Refrigerated bags or rucksacks larger than 22 inches x 15 inches x width 18 cm high (54 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm);
• Pets or other animals, except for approved animals accompanying people with disabilities, who must remain in the leash and always near their owner;
• Recreation device, such as drones, remote control toys or any other wheel devices other than a briefcase or a briefcase mobility device for the persons with disabilities;
• Glass objects;
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Food and hot drinks;
• Any other articles we identify as harmful or that may create a diversion.

2. Will there be a SECURITY check?

Yes! All attendants and their packages must go through a security check at their arrival.

To ensure a safe and special experience for our guests, everyone has to wear the access bracket all the time.

The badges and all other accessories become null and void if modified.

3. Will there be MEDICAL SERVICES for extreme situations?

An ambulance will be provided throughout the event. In case you need medical attention, please contact our approved staff.

4. Can I bring a small bag or a backpack?

Yes but please keep in mind that unattended luggage will be removed by security agents.

Please do not leave your luggage unattended.

F. PROGRAM

1. Where can I find the conference PROGRAM?

The latest updates are on www.brandminds.com.

2. Why has the SCHEDULE/lineup changed?

This could be due to a number of reasons. For example: if a speaker is unable to participate due to a medical emergency. Although rare, we reserve the right to make changes to our event schedules and lineups. Individual changes are not a valid justification for cancelling your ticket for a refund.

G. MEDIA PARTICIPATION

1. I’m interested in PARTNERING with the event, who do I contact?

For partnership queries please fill out our partners’ application form on www.brandminds.com/partners.

For information on partnership at BRAND MINDS, please contact@brandminds.com.

2. I’m interested in a PRESS PASS for the event, who do I contact?

If you would like to cover BRAND MINDS in a media capacity, you can do so, before the event is sold-out, by filling out our press accreditation application form.

For information on press at BRAND MINDS please e-mail contact@brandminds.com.

We cannot assure, however, that you will receive a press accreditation since the media collaboration proposals are subject to the company’s selection criteria.

H. MY PERSONAL DATA

1. Why haven’t I received any EMAILS with the event information?

If you have purchased a ticket, we have your contact information and you should be receiving emails from us.

Check your spam filter to see if you have missed our emails. If you have not received anything, please contact us at contact@brandminds.com.

2. Why am I receiving emails from BRAND MINDS?

You are receiving emails from us because you have purchased a ticket and/or have subscribed to our newsletter.

Our emails usually contain information that is relevant to our events, important updates that we want you to know about or news about our company.

We value your privacy and will not distribute your email address to third parties without your consent.

3. Where can I find the TERMS AND CONDITIONS?

You can check them here.

I. FOOD & BEVERAGE

1. Can I bring food and beverage to the venue?

No outside food or drinks will be allowed at the event. Water and coffee/tea will be available during the event.

2. There will be any food & beverage at the event?

Throughout the conference, there will be breaks when food and beverage will be available.

Although, please keep in mind that food can contain allergens and we are not responsible for related situations. Do contact our staff if you have an allergy to some foods.

J. PARKING LOT

1. Will there be any parking lot in the area?

Yes. You can park on the side of the event’s location, but we recommend to use the National Theatre Parking Lot.

There is possible not to find a parking spot in the venue area, depending on your arrival hour and overall traffic.

Meet Smiljan Mori | Behind the Suit

Smiljan Mori is a businessman, author, coach, and consultant to top performers from all walks of life. His business successes are legendary, including the founding and building of one the largest and most successful insurance brokerage company in Central Eastern Europe: the Mori Agency. 

He is also the creator of Top Success Club, the leading e-learning platform with more than 1000 hours of quality e-courses and lectures by more than 50 world-renowned experts.

His speaking credentials include an ongoing count of more than 300,000 attendees to presentations in more than 50 countries.  He has more than 20 years of experience in direct sales. He trained thousands of people in the direct sales industry, network market industry, insurance industry and bank industry.

 

MEET THE FOUNDER OF THE MORI AGENCY

1. How you came up with the business idea for The Mori Agency? Tell us the first three things you’ve done to turn it into facts.

How did I get the idea to start a company? It was actually very simple. One day my friend “accidentally” invited me to a seminar. If I had known that the seminar was going to be about insurances, I probably would not go, since I had no intention of ever working in the industry.

Then, I was working as a criminal police officer at the Ministry of the Interior and as an apprentice at the Supreme Court in Ljubljana. For that reason, sales and especially sales of financial products were everything but my dream job.

Things changed at that seminar because I felt that it could become my mission. It might sound strange and funny, but the main reason was that I didn’t like getting up very early in the morning and knowing that working in the general government sector would involve working from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of my life, it did not go hand in hand with my dream job definition.

I wanted a career, I wanted freedom and that is how I decided to start an insurance agency without a penny in my pocket. My mother lend me money for gas when I started going to the first seminars.

Now, after 20 years, I can honestly say that I have made the best decision possible.

Also, when I started selling my fist insurance and financial products, I realized that I am really good at motivating people and training them for sales. Therefore I started with motivational and sales seminars, which later grew into business coaching.

Throughout my career I have written almost 10 books, coached many well-known people, including Olympic winners, professional athletes, top business people and managers.

2. Name one situation that made you want to quit.

When I started with organizing my seminars, writing books and sales coaching, and even though things had not gone as planned, I have to say that I never thought about giving up.

Of course I was disappointed because I did not earn as much as I had expected. Also, there have been more expenses than I thought and if I had known what it would be like, I wouldn’t probably start in the first place.

Nevertheless, I never thought about quitting. When I set a goal, I stick to it until I reach it.

It was probably helpful that I did not receive any support from my father who threw me out of our house when he found out about my decision to quit working in the  general government sector and opted for insurances and coaching. Those circumstances motivated  me even more. 

 

3. Name one situation that made you want to go forward.

When I started selling financial and insurance products, people had problems deciding on buying the products or not. But when they ended up extremely satisfied after we closed the deal, it motivated me to go on.

Also, when I first started my seminars, there were people who told me that nobody will come. My first seminar was visited by over 280 people which gave me a real boost. By now, I have had more than 300,000 people coming to my seminars.

 

4. What do you think are the most difficult challenges entrepreneurs have to face in the Slovenian market nowadays?

When people strive to reach their goals, ideas or visions, they often find themselves in a non-supportive environment.

Slovenia, in my opinion, is a country where entrepreneurs wanting to start a company find themselves challenged by long bureaucratic procedures, the market is limited and small, since there is only 2 million inhabitants.

Also, when they try working outside the borders, it isn’t simple to get started either, because many internet providers do not consider Slovenia a serious contender.  

However, the biggest challenge for entrepreneurs and companies is not their environment. It is the way they think, what they believe in, their lack of courage and self-confidence, perseverance and will.

When I ask businessmen in my seminars to enumerate what they need to succeed, these are the key points they make. Rarely, they start with points such as good marketing, well-regulated legal system, good products, etc. They talk about courage, will, perseverance, ideas and inspiration. 

 

5. Investment matters. If you would invest in something else but your actual business. What would that be?

I would invest in technologies, especially online technologies. During the last year I invested a lot in social media.

I have over 380,000 followers on my personal Instagram profile and also on Facebook Fan Page. On Instagram we own a network with over 2.5 million followers.

In a way I also invest into things that do not bring money straight away but help me create my personal brand in the long run.

 

6. If you could change something about Slovenian’s Entrepreneurs Community to improve it in any way what would that be?

If I had that option, I would definitely make it possible for entrepreneurs to open new companies with less paperwork. Also something must be done about payment discipline, which is still on a very low level in Slovenia.

 

7. What is The Mori Agency bringing to the art market, that is different compared its competitors?

Every businessmen needs to strive to be as unique, innovative and different as possible in the market. They also need to stay authentic in order to become as influential as possible. When we talk about the Mori Agency, which specializes in selling financial products, we can definitely say that we are unique in our recruitment system.

Our onboarding system of new agents is extremely different from others in the industry. Financial and insurance industry is quite rigid, therefore we have implemented many trainings that include personal growth, motivation, inspiration, setting goals and activities, happiness, and other “soft touch” skills that help agents become more productive.

Also, my training seminars show our uniqueness, where I dedicate 80% of the time to mindset and 20% to acquiring skills. I do the same when I talk to entrepreneurs and focus on the way they think, their rituals, habits and on increasing productivity.

 

MEET THE MAN #BEHINDTHESUIT

1. Name one good habit that helps you deal with your active life.

Exercise. 19 years ago, when I started with insurance business, I was out of breath after reaching 2nd floor of our building. There and in that moment I decided that I will never be out of shape again. Even when I’ll turn 50 I will be in a better shape than I was back then. I feel good about my body, I have a lot of energy and I exercise 6 times a week.

 

2. Name one bad habit you can’t quit.

This is a very good question. The answer is coffee. I did not drink coffee for many years. Once I started, I drank too much coffee every day. It was my favorite habit. Only a few days ago I decided to stop. I don’t need coffee for more energy. Wish me luck. 

 

3. If you could be anything else but an entrepreneur what would you be?

I would be a professor. Actually, I would be a professor of positive psychology or neuroscience. I have certificates in both subjects and I use my knowledge in everyday life and business.

 

4. You are the founder at The Mori Agency, what is the favourite movie of the man who founded it?

I have to admit that I don’t watch movies. I don’t want to insult anyone, but for me, movies are a waste of time. I read a lot.

I read a lot of books every year, that’s why it will be very hard to answer question number 5. I actually like documentaries about successful people like Gandhi. They inspire me.

 

5. Tell us your favourite book. What’s the best thing you learned from it?

I probably read more than 10 000 books so it’s hard to pick one. One book that totally turned my life around was Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers. It made me realize that people with the most difficult stories can become highly successful.

I have to mention Joseph Murphy’s The Power of your Subconscious Mind because it thought me that our life depends on the way we think and our mindset. As an entrepreneur, I learned a lot from The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. 

 

6. Name the most important value that you believe in.

Honesty. In personal and professional life. We need to be honest with our partners, clients and employees. I like facts. People need to know that we are honest and fair. This is one of the reasons why I’m successful.

 

7. If you could compare your journey as an entrepreneur with a song what song would you choose?

We are the champions by Queen. I believe that we are all champions. Some people just need to find a champion within themselves. This song really helps me go through difficult times.

 

8. Tell us the best experience you had while working to build The Mori Agency.

This question is quite complicated. I would say that the best experiences were those that made me stronger and even more determined. Normally, they come when we fail at something. From these situations, we are able to learn the most and…

…I believe that rejections, failures, and defeats made me stronger and more experienced. Therefore, these are the experiences that I am most grateful for.

 

9. If you would give our readers one piece of advice from your entrepreneurial experience, what would that advice be?

I could give you lots of advice but I will focus on something very important. Many entrepreneurs say that their company is their family. I was one of them but in the last year, I learned this:

My business is not my family. My family is my business. What does this mean? Never forget about your family, your personal life and your free time. You own your business! Your business should not own you! Your family needs you and you should never forget that.

Meet the founder of Antal Risk Ventures | Behind the Suit

He set up his own business and named the company Antal – Hungarian for ‘Anthony’, in 1993. Since then, Tony and his team have developed substantial businesses in some of the most challenging emerging markets across the globe, such as Russia, India and China. All that, through a mix of wholly-owned operations, franchises and joint ventures.

 

MEET THE FOUNDER & CEO OF ANTAL RISK VENTURES 

1. How you came up with the business idea for Antal Risk Ventures?

I came up with the idea for Antal International in 1992 when I was reading the Financial Times and general business press and saw how much investment (and general interest) was going into the newly opened Central & Eastern Europe markets by the likes of Microsoft, Compaq Computers, Hewlett Packard, Procter & Gamble, GE Electric, Unilever, Mars etc. There were Western government sponsored programs (PHARE) ploughing $billions into the region to ensure that it didn’t revert back to the old communist style regimes.

 

2. Tell us the first three things you’ve done to turn the idea into facts.

1. I started looking/ advertising/ networking and searching for people who had western qualifications that could speak hungarian, czech, polish and russian;

2. I hired my own consultants with those languages skills from all my research;

3. I started travelling to Warsaw, Prague, Budapest and Moscow in 1993/94, to check out how easy or not it was to do business there. This was an amazing time and I realised that the whole of CEE was undergoing a once in a lifetime transformation. I was so excited to be part of what was happening.

 

3. Name one situation that made you want to quit.

I wanted to quit in 2002/03 when we had a market crash in IT recruitment and we had to downsize from 22 offices to 12 and from 429 employees to 160. Fortunately we were also able to recruit into other disciplines too, but this was a really tough time. I had to remortgage my house and sell my Aston Martin car in order to support the business, and that was almost not enough. Very stressful indeed.

 

4. Name one situation that made you want to go forward.

I struggled on and continued partly because I had to keep going, I had no choice, really (like losing my food & supplies rowing across the Atlantic at the half-way point, no point in going back).

Also, I realised that we had created something unique and distinct that was worth persevering with. The Antal Brand had become firmly established as THE developing markets recruitment brand. 

 

5. What do you think are the most difficult challenges entrepreneurs have to face on english market nowadays?

Uncertainty surrounding Brexit and, as always, hiring the right people for our profession. Hiring good talent is our profession and building teams is one of the hardest parts of the job, even today with over 1,000 staff in 35 countries and 140+ offices.

 

6. Investment matters. If you would invest in something else but your actual business, what would that be?

I have invested in many businesses outside of my main recruitment business, most of which have failed, so now I only invest in my business/industry or directly related to it.

If I could have my time over again, I would probably have invested more of my capital into property in prime or up and coming locations. This is easier to manage than service businesses.

That said, I still love the challenge posed by building and creating something from nothing in our industry.

 

7. If you could change something about UK’s Entrepreneurs Community to improve it in any way what would that be?

I believe that in the UK we have a brilliantly vibrant, flexible, open and positive environment to foster and nurture start-ups.

I think we may need to put more warnings about the ability to take on the inevitable challenges and have less of an expectation of success.

 

8. What is Antal Risk Ventures bringing to the market, that is different compared its competitors?

As a recruitment company (or business services) we are far more integrated than the rest of our competitors with the ability to “share information, knowledge and experience on behalf of our clients, candidates and colleagues” better than any other recruitment company in the world.

 

MEET THE MAN #BEHINDTHESUIT

1.Name one good habit that helps you deal with your active life.

I’ve always been a sports oriented and active person, going to the gym regularly, running four half marathons in the last three years and so on. Most recently I’ve gotten into cycling so I cycle to work most days (11 miles round trip) and go to my gym with my family to do Blaze exercise classes, which keeps me clear headed.

 

2. Name one bad habit you can’t quit.

Watching box sets late into the night which upsets my sleeping pattern; my all-time favourites are Sopranos, The Wire, Narcos, El Chapo, Game of Thrones: Ozark, The Affair, MindHunter and some others.

 

3. If you could be anything else but an entrepreneur what would you be?

I would love to have been a terrific professional sportsman in any field, but football and tennis would have been my top choices although I wasn’t particularly good at either. However, post that career, I am sure I’d have gone on to do something entrepreneurial afterwards, it’s just in my blood and my DNA.

 

4. You are the founder of Antal Risk Ventures, what is the favourite movie of the man who founded it?

There are so many good movies but pushed to choose, would be The Big Short, Inception or All the Money in the World.

 

5. Tell us your favourite book. What’s the best thing you learned from it?

I read so many autobiographies of famous entrepreneurs and businessmen 20 years ago that I realised no-one really knows what the true ingredients of success are and that they cannot be replicated time after time.

I loved Warren Buffet’s ‘Shoe Buckle Principle’ which is about the fact that if you are good at capturing one market, doesn’t mean you know everything about anything else.

 

6. Name the most important value that you believe in.

Integrity. Antal has done business in some of the most difficult countries & markets on the planet and have done so without offending any laws or regulations by doing things properly, legally and fairly. I consistently say that we don’t ‘do dodgy’ deals or aren’t things that are a straight-forward honest transactions. That hasn’t always been reciprocated by the people we have dealt with!

 

7. If you could compare your journey as an entrepreneur with a song what song would you choose?

Swedish House Mafia – ‘Don’t you worry Child‘ (Heaven’s got a plan for you).

 

8. Tell us the best experience you had while working to build Antal Risk Ventures.

The totality of the 25 year journey; the pain and pleasure of going to some of the most interesting and challenging countries in the midst of their great economic upheaval’s that have ever occurred to them; China; Russia & India to name, but a few of the 35 we have offices in and the other 30+ I’ve visited on business.

 

9. If you would give our readers one piece of advice from your entrepreneurial experience, what would that advice be?

Don’t take no for an answer, ask why, then change your product or service offering accordingly, then be relentless.

 

Meet the founder of FightHoax | Behind the Suit

Valentinos started his very own mobile app startup and developed it all by himself at the age of 18. Magazines such as Forbes say that he has the ‘mark of a true entrepreneur’.

He is a proud awardee of the 25Under25 title of the Internet Society organization. Valentinos has talked numerous times at the Greek Parliament, the European Parliament, South by SouthWest, London School of Economics and various entrepreneurship events all around the world.

Now, at the age of 20, Valentinos created the angel-invested FightHoax, in order to reduce the mass misinformation spread and empower news analysis and data journalism with Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.

 

MEET THE FOUNDER & CEO OF FIGHTHOAX.COM

1. How you came up with the business idea for FightHoax.com?

The US elections got the world shaken up. Hoaxes started to emerge from everywhere. Macedonian teenagers started their own fake news outlet and earned thousands from it. We hit all-time high records so I was really disturbed by all these hoaxes and fake facts.

People tend to believe anything nowadays.

So, one day I sat down and said to myself:
“Can I create something that analyses what you are reading and extracts the important points to the user?”
“Can I build an automated algorithm to answer if what you are reading is real or just false?”

At first, it seemed really-really impossible. Even humans can’t agree on what is false or true. But I realized that machines with no feelings can judge some aspects better than humans. For example, what if the website which is hosting the news article has a suspicious history and is known for posting fake news?  Human tend to ignore hoaxes that agree with their own beliefs.

 

2. Tell us the first three things you’ve done to turn the idea into facts.

First, I locked myself in my house for more than 13 days, just to fix a bug. At first, I talked to more than 100 journalists, fact checkers, developers and academic teachers just to ask them questions about media literacy, fake news, propaganda and more.

Work, work, work.

 

3. Name one situation that made you want to quit.

As I had described before, one single bug made me go nuts and stay in the house for more than 13 consecutive days. It was crazy. I get obsessed with things like this!

 

4. Name one situation that made you want to go forward.

My girlfriend. I have hidden a comment in my code that’s just about her, to remind her the help she gave me.

 

5. What do you think are the most difficult challenges entrepreneurs have to face on greek market nowadays?

Misery. Misery is a lot worse than poverty and I can’t really stand it. Most of the people have given up on fighting for a better future, here in Greece. It is time to change that!

 

6. Investment matters. If you would invest in something else but your actual business. What would that be?

I would invest in people with great attitude and big goals in life. I am going for the long-term goals in my life.

 

 

7. What is FightHoax.com bringing to the mobile development market, that is different compared its competitors?

FactMata is a cross-checking algorithm that it can ONLY verify statistical/numerical facts. Static databases and community users manually score facts. Wikitribune is like Factmata but without the tech element. Community users and journalists manually verify news stories.

FightHoax is the only startup doing full News Analysis and can detect fake news articles with an accuracy of 89%. Any article, any fact. We provide a rounded perspective, not a fake. Imagine that in Google’s hands.

 

MEET THE MAN #BEHINDTHESUIT

1. Name one good habit that helps you deal with your active life.

Listening to music for hours. I have to spend a lot of hours on my own just to meditate and talk to myself. In this way, I keep myself focused and I “clean” the bad thoughts.

 

2. Name one bad habit you can’t quit.

I eat a lot of fast-food. On the other hand, I do love walking, swimming, skiing and playing tennis but I need to hit the gym, too.

 

3. If you could be anything else but an entrepreneur what would you be?

I would love to be an artist and a musician but just for myself. I love expressing myself, deeply.

 

4. You are the founder of FightHoax.com, what is the favourite movie of the man who founded it?

A beautiful mind. I really love movies inspired by real-life scenarios of genius people that wrote history.

 

5. Tell us your favourite book. What’s the best thing you learned from it?

The first book that I have ever read was a book about hacking called “XSS Attacks“. It completely changed my view of the Internet, back when I was just 15.

 

6. Name the most important value that you believe in.

In a company, your business partners come first. They have to be happy in order to feel happy on your own.

 

7. If you could compare your journey as an entrepreneur with a song what song would you choose?

The Imitation Game Soundtrack.

 

8. Tell us the best experience you had while working to build FightHoax.com.

Working with a great team is the best part of being in business. I was lucky enough to find great partners to work with me and every meeting or beer is just priceless.

 

9. If you would give our readers one piece of advice from your entrepreneurial experience, what would that advice be?

Get ready to risk everything, stand on your own and become homesick. It is an interesting journey that many do not get through these obstacles.

 

Meet Vladimir Vulic | Behind the Suit

Vladimir Vulic is a strategist from Montenegro who is in constant pursuit of challenging the status quo. He’s a management, innovation, and social media consultant who has done work for clients such as The Coca-Cola Company (Serbian Operations), Trebjesa Brewery Nikšić (a Molson Coors Company), Crnogorski Telekom (a part of Deutsche Telekom group), Government of Montenegro, UNDP Montenegro, British Embassy Belgrade (Serbia), British Council Montenegro and more others.

Vladimir is the co-founder of NGO Digitalizuj.me, a digital community helping citizens and organisations in Montenegro to understand and realize exciting new opportunities for social change and business in the digital environment.

For 12 years, Vladimir has been teaching Strategic Management at the University of Montenegro, the leading economics and management education institution in Montenegro with 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. He was a keynote speaker in 15 countries across 3 continents.

He is a TEDx speaker, including a talk at TEDxZagreb in front of 1,000+ attendees. His talks explore the intersection of technology, strategy, leadership, innovation, and change.

 

MEET THE CO-FOUNDER OF DIGITALIZUJ.ME

1. How you came up with the business idea for me?

It was a meeting of people with similar interests and a strong internal drive. I met my first co-founder, Predrag Lesic, in 1997, in the early days of my first online entrepreneurial venture – he was the first person ever to support my business idea. I met my second co-founder, Natasa Djukanovic, in 2010 at LeWeb conference in Paris.

The three of us strongly believe the Internet is a magic technology which allows people to reach their full potential. We started meeting regularly, and we felt we could make a positive change in the digital community in Montenegro. So, in the autumn of 2011, Digitalizuj.me was born!

 

2. Tell us the first three things you’ve done to turn the idea into reality.

1) Registered a domain name, and set up a website at www.digitalizuj.me;

2) Published the first blog post;

3) Organised the first digital community meetup.

Your Brand Minds 2018 speaker, Seth Godin, likes to say that “real artists ship”. What he means is that entrepreneurs don’t wait – they get it out the door and they make things happen. It was important for us to ship Digitalizuj.me as fast as possible.

 

3. Name one situation that made you want to quit.

I never really thought of quitting. My team likes to say that my superpowers are boundless energy and enthusiasm. They have an internal joke that my life motto is “Never give up!”, even though I never actually said that.

However, every business has its ups and downs and every person, myself included, has its bad days.

Failing at a project, not getting the results I expect, or failing to get support from key stakeholders can sometimes make me feel under the weather. But seeing my team’s passion and hustle and the growth of Montenegro digital community, always reminds me why we started doing this in the first place.

 

4. Tell us the best experience you had while working to build NGO Digitalizuj.me.

Digitalizuj.me started small but in time we successfully implemented many exciting and innovative projects in collaboration with some big partners, including UNDP Montenegro, Crnogorski Telekom (a part of Deutsche Telekom group), Coca-Cola Hellenic, Telenor Montenegro, Trebjesa Brewery Nikšić (a Molson Coors Company), and Eleven Ventures.

The defining moment for Digitalizuj.me as an organisation was in December 2015 when we became the implementing partner of Youth Innovation Lab in Montenegro, called „Kreaktivator“, a UNICEF initiative funded by ING, and implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Sports. The Lab was the sixth of its kind in the world at the time of its founding.

The Lab represents a collaborative incubation accelerator that connects young people with government institutions, universities, private sector, NGOs and civil society to create sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing youth.

It offers space, tools, opportunities and programmes which will enable young people to develop and implement solutions to the challenges they face, gain support for realisation of their aspirations, gain social and emotional skills, as well as use participation tools to influence decision-making processes.

It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling to know we were a part of that.

 

5. What do you think are the most difficult challenges entrepreneurs have to face on Montenegro market nowadays?

When you’re living in a very small country like Montenegro, the world can start to look a bit one-sided after a while. You get cocooned and accustomed to one way of living and thinking.

 

That is why it is important to “move” often, both physically and mentally – and you can do that either by travelling and/or by reading. I think our entrepreneurs could do a better job on both fronts.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a Lebanese-American essayist, scholar, and a former trader and risk analyst said that “the three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary”.

I believe that our addiction to a monthly salary is a significant challenge to a more dynamic and growth-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s not easy getting people to believe in your vision, but that is even more challenging when you are part of a system that appreciates job security and stability first, even if they are only illusory.

We need more people that are willing to take risks and bet on themselves.

 

7. Investment matters. If you would invest in something else but your actual business, what would that be?

I don’t consider myself to be an investor. Apart from investing in stock markets, I haven’t done any investing in ventures I was not personally involved in. If I was to invest in a business, it would have to be something that has a positive impact on the community.

 

8. If you could change something about Montenegro’s entrepreneurs community to improve it in any way what would that be?

Unfortunately, I don’t have a magic wand I could use to improve the situation in an instant. It’s a process, but one that can give great results if we start now. I’ve spent 12 years teaching at the University of Montenegro, and Digitalizuj.me has an extensive experience in planning, organising, and delivering educational programs.

I really believe in the transformative power of education. My idea would entail a change in the education system – teaching curiosity and restlessness, accompanied with grit and resilience, to the new generation of entrepreneurs.

We should be teaching “less economizing and Excel, and more exploration and experimentation”, as Alf Rehn, business thinker and my dear friend, likes to say. We need to encourage entrepreneurship, and help people make things change for the better. What’s the scarce resource today? “The ability to ship”, as your Brand Minds 2018 speaker Seth Godin points out.

 

MEET THE MAN #BEHINDTHESUIT

1. Name one good habit that helps you deal with your active life.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a superhuman healing factor like Wolverine, so, I try to get enough sleep, which helps me deal with everyday stress. And it certainly helps that I instantly pass out in a car, plane or train.

 

2. Name one bad habit you can’t quit.

I eat too much sweets (cakes, crêpes, chocolate, candy and so on), and I drink too much soft drinks.

 

3. If you could be anything else but an entrepreneur what would you be?

This is an easy one. As a lifelong Partizan Belgrade supporter, I would be an executive at my Club. The hard part would be deciding between the football and the basketball club.

 

4. What is your favourite movie?

I’m an avid movie watcher and I have a lot of favourite movies. But, there’s only one that has a special place in my heart – Star Wars, an epic space opera about the eternal struggle of Good versus Evil. As a kid, it helped me learn the difference between Light and Dark, right and wrong.

 

5. Tell us your favourite book. What’s the best thing you learned from it?

When I was a kid, my favourite book was “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Reading a story about pirates and buried gold helped fuel my entrepreneurial spirit. It was much later on that I found out what Steve Jobs said at a retreat with his original Macintosh team: “It’s better to be a pirate than to join the Navy.” The Mac team proudly waved their pirate flag over Bandley 3 building.

I was a first year Economics student when I read “What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School” by Mark H. McCormack, the founder of International Management Group (now IMG) and the man who is widely credited as the founder of the modern-day sports marketing industry.

McCormack provides a mix of “street smart” pearls of wisdom and business anecdotes. This was the first book that really got me interested in business. Even though it was written in 1984, it remains an absolute gem that every entrepreneur and manager needs to read.

 

6. Name the most important value that you believe in.

Curiosity leads us down new paths. Even if you don’t have the skills needed, you can learn anything if you’re curious enough.

In the ever-changing business environment it is important to be curious, and never to stop questioning things. You need to challenge the status quo.

 

7. If you could compare your journey as an entrepreneur with a song what song would you choose?

My favourite is “Remember the Name”, by Fort Minor, because of these lyrics:

“This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill;
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will;
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain;
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name.”

 

8. If you would give our readers one piece of advice from your entrepreneurial experience, what would that advice be?

In my first entrepreneurial venture, as a first year student, I made a rookie mistake of not documenting anything. I have just one photo with my team from the early days, and just two screenshots of the fourth and fifth version of our product.

So, I’ll skip any words of wisdom, and go with a simple advice – take photos, and take them often.

On your entrepreneurial journey don’t forget to take photos of you, your co-founders, your team, your early days in the office, your lunch breaks, your parties, your sketches and prototypes, screenshots of beta versions of your products… Later on, you will appreciate having these memories – no matter what happens to your venture.