Ilia Gepheridze: "The Main Challenge is to Popularize our New Website for Gepherrini Worldwide"
Interview with Ilia Gepheridze, Co-Founder, Sales and Marketing Director of Gepherrini
Tell us about how you got into the field of marketing, and what factors played an important role in choosing this profession?
Before we started Gepherrini, I had 10 years of experience working in a bank. I had direct experience with sales in the bank, and I consider marketing to be an integral part of it. When we gave out positions at Gepherrini, I took over the sales and marketing department.
Amidst the current technological changes, what challenges do you face?
In today’s reality, online platforms have become very active and, therefore, it has become necessary to study digital marketing at the highest level. The main challenge is to popularize our new website, www.gepherrini.com worldwide.
What has changed in the field in the last 5 years, and what changes are expected?
In recent years, consumer behavior has changed, and they have become very attached to social media. Several social networks have lost users because of the emergence of new ones; therefore it is necessary to adapt to new networks.
What do you think are the most important qualities a Marketing Manager should have, and what is his or her role in the organization in general?
I would like to single out two main features, good sales skills and knowledge of human psychology.
The role of a marketing manager in a company is paramount, he or she needs to show the customer the company’s core values. One should be well-versed in the material, pricing strategy, and most importantly, pay close attention, or focus on customer feedback.
What do you do to keep the organization from falling behind on the latest trends, and keep applying innovative approaches to the marketing field?
Gepherrini belongs to the field of fashion, and great care is needed here. We keep an eye on fashion trends on a daily basis and, therefore, carry out marketing activities.
What is the business model of your organization in terms of marketing, and how focused is it on the customer?
Gepherrini as a brand is built entirely on customer satisfaction. It is unthinkable to develop a brand without customer care, and Gepherrini is the first Georgian brand that has established a quality guarantee in the textile business. That's the key to helping your brand improve in the first place.
The most useful advice you’ve ever received in your life.
The best advice you can get is from someone who has a lot of experience in the relevant field, and it was this kind of person who told me to never give up, and the time for good results would come. I advise others to do the same.
Think of a person who inspires you professionally.
Henry Ford, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Harland Sanders.
I really like Henry Ford's famous phrases:
“Don't find fault, find a remedy“
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
I often use that in practice.