“Challenges help one grow; without them, we wouldn’t see success,” says Demetrius Newton, CEO of Breezy Media International. Demetrius believes that opportunities are constantly within reach, waiting to be seized.

Demetrius, a dynamic entrepreneur, embarked on his business journey at the tender age of 16, venturing into startups across diverse sectors from accounts to marketing. With over 9 years of invaluable experience under his belt, he founded Breezy Media 4.5 years ago. His vision is to revolutionize India’s digital landscape by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, which are often overlooked by digital agencies. At the helm of Breezy Media, Demetrius and his dedicated team have successfully catapulted over 30 brands to new heights, significantly boosting their revenue through innovative digital marketing strategies. His journey exemplifies resilience and a belief that hard work and collaboration can result in success.

1. Will AI help small businesses with marketing?

Absolutely, AI can significantly benefit small and medium businesses in marketing by automating tasks, analysing customer data, and personalizing marketing efforts. AI-driven chatbots provide 24/7 support, and AI-powered analytics help tailor strategies to customer preferences.

However, business owners often struggle with focus and time, making it crucial to hire experts. Partnering with a marketing agency can streamline the process, making it more efficient. At Breezy Media, we embrace AI and continually upskill to incorporate it into our strategies, ensuring the best results for our clients and maximizing AI’s potential.

2. What strategies do you use to maintain strong client relationships?

Most people say that a strong relationship is built on understanding client needs, but I believe brutal honesty is crucial. This honesty allows clients to make the best decisions for their business. Giving honest advice and realistic plans helps them choose the right growth path. When issues arise, being transparent ensures everyone is aware and can react accordingly, building trust and fostering collaboration. This honesty, coupled with exceptional customer service and availability, sets us apart and helps maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships.

3. What are some of your hardest learnings in life?

Change is inevitable.

I’ve learned that change is unavoidable, whether good or bad. Experiencing both has taught me to be resilient and maintain happiness regardless. It’s crucial to prepare and face change head-on instead of dwelling on it.

People are important.

I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of others. Many people have lifted me up, showing the goodness of humanity. Building healthy relationships and helping others is essential, as kindness is often reciprocated when you need it most.

Growth

Staying stagnant is never good. While comparing yourself to others can be harmful, comparing yourself to your past self is crucial. Tracking your goals, mindset, and impact ensures personal growth. If you’re not progressing, it’s time to make changes.

These life lessons came through hardship, and I hope others can value them without going through the same struggles.

4. Tell us about the one incident that provoked you to start a business at an early age.

Honestly, the struggle and hardship I faced from an early age led me to become an entrepreneur. I refused to accept being unhappy with my situation. As a child, I couldn’t afford movies, better clothes, or other items, which pushed me to earn money and enjoy school like other kids. So, I started my own businesses, began earning money, and took control of my circumstances.

Many see hardship as a curse, but I view it as a gift. The challenges I faced made me resilient, adaptable, and ready for anything. For anyone going through hardship, my advice is to live your best life and work towards improving your situation. Embrace challenges and use them as a springboard to success.

5. What challenges have you faced in promoting small and medium businesses in India?

Promoting small and medium businesses in India comes with several challenges. Many small businesses operate with tight budgets, requiring us to be creative and resourceful in delivering effective solutions within financial constraints. There’s often a lack of digital literacy among small business owners, so we invest time in educating and guiding them about the benefits and potential of digital marketing. The market is highly competitive, with numerous small businesses vying for the same customer base, so we use innovative and tailored marketing approaches to help our clients stand out. In some regions, inadequate internet infrastructure can limit the reach of digital marketing, so we find alternative ways to connect with and engage customers. Small business owners may have limited experience with digital marketing and could have had negative past experiences. We build trust through transparency, consistent communication, and delivering measurable results. Despite these challenges, our commitment at Breezy Media drives us to find solutions and help small and medium businesses succeed. We tailor our strategies to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring they can compete and thrive in the digital marketplace.