Salome Macharashvili: "The Rise of Digital Resources has Given us a Good Opportunity for Effective Communication with the Public"
Interview with Salome Macharashvili, Head of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications at the Innovations and Technologies Agency
Tell us about how you got into the field of marketing, and what factors played an important role in choosing this profession?
My passion for PR and marketing was inspired by society’s attitude, an abstract attitude towards the sector and the professional needs were too great ... During my studies at the public relations faculty, some people's knowledge and experience led me to this stage, where I thought about the relationship’s uniqueness, and I felt a desire to start gaining practical experience, along with a theoretical education.
What challenges do you face as a leader in marketing, during a time of technological change?
This is a very interesting process, as technological changes and the existence of ever-evolving resources are an ideal tool when dealing with new challenges to developing creative thinking; act in real time, make any service and communication process more flexible using digital resources.
What has changed in the field in the last 5 years, and what changes are expected?
The evolving development and diversity of digital resources has given us a good opportunity to communicate effectively with the public, and simplify the feedback process. Technological development is a very lively process, hence the digitization of services, the creation of simple and flexible services, etc. is very important today.
What do you think are the most important qualities a marketing manager should have and what is his / her role in the organization in general?
Love for her job, comfort in relationships and being results-oriented, with the appropriate competence and caring attitudes.
What do you do to keep the organization from falling behind on new trends and keep applying innovative approaches to marketing?
Since we represent the Innovations and Technologies Agency of Georgia, our mission is to create the ecosystem needed for innovation and technological development in the country, to promote the commercialization of knowledge and innovation, to stimulate the use of innovation and technology, etc.
A very vivid example of Georgia's innovative and startup ecosystem is the Startup Grind event, which took place on November 8-10, bringing together world-class startups, technology companies, investors and experts.
What’s your organization’s business model, in terms of marketing?
Our agency’s goal is to make it easier for the public to access up-to-date, innovative and high-tech news that will foster the development of innovation, digital literacy, and idea commercialization skills.
One word that describes your job.
Innovative
The most useful advice you’ve ever received in your life?
“Count to ten in critical situations”
Think of a person who inspires you, professionally.
It is very difficult to name one specific person in our field, there are many interesting people who give me distinct inspirations.