Anina Cholakath is a marketing consultant that has been in the field for over a decade. Having assumed pivotal roles in major global corporations right from graduation, she has masterfully crafted marketing strategies that fuel sales growth and elevate brand value to unprecedented heights. From an early age, Cholakath liked marketing, thanks to the inspiration she got from observing the triumphs of her accomplished aunts and uncles in marketing. This early influence charted her academic journey, leading her to pursue a business management degree and culminating in an MBA with a marketing specialization. Acknowledged for her exceptional skills, Cholakath rapidly ascended the corporate hierarchy, leveraging her marketing acumen to propel several companies to success. Today, as a distinguished marketing consultant, she extends her services to companies globally. Beyond her professional endeavors, Cholakath is a committed philanthropist, actively championing charitable causes related to climate change and sustainability. Cholakath’s love for travel enriches her understanding of diverse cultures, playing a pivotal role in her role as a renowned marketing consultant.
How did you get started in this business?
I have always had a passion for marketing. I grew up with relatives who had built careers in marketing, and I always admired them, the lifestyle and all. This drove me to pursue a career in marketing and eventually earn an MBA in marketing. I then worked for several global organizations until I reached a point where I had garnered enough experience to venture out as a consultant. That’s me and how I got to where I am today.
How do you make money?
I make money by charging a fee for my services. I have a service plan that I charge based on the organization’s size. The bigger the organization, the more I charge. This is usually informed by the time and resources I will spend developing a marketing strategy. It’s a good model that works for me, and I am happy with my work.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
By the time I chose to become a consultant, I had built myself up as a marketing expert of repute. So, I hit the ground running with several high-profile clients. This means I was able to turn profitable immediately after I started the business. Within the first month, I had broken even, recouping all the expenses I had incurred building up the office.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Nope. As I mentioned earlier, I have always been passionate about marketing, and this passion began when I was still a child. So, for me, this is more than just a job. I am simply living out my passion. That’s why, right from the first day I set up this consultancy business, I have never felt regrets or doubts. Even when business is slow, I am always upbeat.
How did you get your first customer?
My first customer was a company I had helped deal with a marketing problem many years earlier. They were referred to me by a friend who told them about my new consultancy business. Knowing the quality of my work, they did not hesitate to work with me. They also allowed many more clients to come to me through their networks.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
I do a lot of sponsored ads. This helps me target a particular demographic and gives my business international reach. It has worked well so far by helping me cost-effectively generate new business.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
None that I can think of. Tough decisions often go hand-in-hand with hard business times, and I am not in that phase now. I am grateful for everything, all while laying down the right strategies to mitigate against adverse business changes in the future.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
It is my passion for the job. This passion drives me to go beyond the bare minimum of what a client wants. I go for perfection, and it has worked incredibly for me in terms of generating new business.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
That would be when I landed the first client. I felt honored that people within my networks had the confidence to work with me from the first day. At the time, I didn’t have a big enough staff to handle the demanding nature of data analysis, but they still believed in me. It was an honor that gave me the confidence to go all in and make the business work.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future is bright for this business. At its core, marketing is all about understanding data to make sense of customer needs and wants and how best to meet them. I am excited because technology is creating new, highly advanced tools available that can help make sense of data much quicker. This means we can give our customers better insights and faster.
What business books have inspired you?
I am not so much into business books as a source of inspiration. Most of the inspiration is from real-life experiences, especially interacting with people from different cultures. That’s why I love traveling. It opens my mind to new ways of seeing things, and that’s useful in my work.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to follow their passion. When you are passionate about something, you will find ways to make it work, even during the hard times. This can propel you to new heights in whatever career path you choose.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Absolutely. Hit me up on my socials, and we can develop a mentorship plan.