The Beginning
When the internet hummed over noisy 36.6 kbps modems and Friendster, ICQ, and MIRC were the digital realm’s titans, a young entrepreneur dared to step into the exciting world of digital marketing. That visionary was me, perched on the edge of an odyssey that would connect continents, evolving businesses, and culminate in the creation of Adsvisory.
The Dial-Up Days
In the era of dial-up connections and Winamp’s reign, I embarked on an innovative venture: running an online radio. This wasn’t just a hobby but one of my first forays into digital marketing. Even with the internet’s limitations, I found creative ways to reach audiences and shape narratives, sowing the seeds for what would become a lifelong passion for marketing.
The Promethium Era
Our narrative unfolds further in Sydney, Australia, where we set the foundation of our first agency, the Promethium Group, alongside my partner Sandra Lie. In this vibrant city, we dared to dream big and work hard. Our efforts bore fruit when we collaborated with the Consulate General of Indonesia, taking on the mammoth task of producing the inaugural Indonesian Expo in Australia.
Despite the enormity of the task, we rolled up our sleeves and dove into the work. Most of our efforts were hidden behind the scenes, but the success of the Expo bore a testament to our strategic planning, tireless execution, and unwavering commitment. This venture was more than a success story; it was a valuable learning experience that shaped our understanding of the marketing landscape and prepared us for the adventures ahead.
Homeward Bound
The year 2007 marked a significant shift in my journey as I returned to my roots in Indonesia, enriched by a wealth of international experience and fuelled by a compelling vision. This year saw the inception of Brand Management Group, fondly known as BrandMGI.
With BrandMGI, my focus shifted to nurturing and elevating local brands from Australia and Indonesia. Operating behind the scenes, we diligently worked on refining brand identities, enhancing their market presence, and propelling their growth. Each successful brand story added a new chapter to our own, further solidifying our expertise in the dynamic marketing field.
Embracing Social Media with Expecto
In the face of the digital revolution and the surge of social media platforms, I founded Expecto, a full-service digital marketing agency emphasizing social media.
Hidden behind the scenes, the Expecto team and I were diligently helping businesses decode the mystifying language of social media, transforming passive online interactions like likes and shares into impactful business results. Yet, during this period, I discovered a more profound passion for fostering growth in startups and SMEs.
Engaging with these vibrant businesses, I found joy in their energy, innovative ideas, and resilience. Helping them navigate the dynamic digital landscape and seeing them grow and succeed became more than just work; it was a fulfillment of purpose. This newfound passion added another layer to my journey, shaping my vision for the future and planting the seeds for what would become Adsvisory.
An Entrepreneurial Odyssey
As the pages of my professional life turned, my journey expanded beyond the confines of marketing. Drawn by the lure of new challenges and experiences, I ventured into diverse sectors, including education, food and beverage, and entertainment.
Each foray into a new industry added a vibrant chapter to my entrepreneurial saga. With every venture, I gathered a wealth of knowledge and insights, broadening my perspective and sharpening my business acumen. These diverse experiences and my marketing expertise enriched my understanding of the multifaceted world of business, setting the stage for the conception of Adsvisory.
Coming Full Circle
Twenty-five years of diverse entrepreneurial adventures later, I found myself irresistibly drawn back to my roots, my first love – marketing. This passion, invigorated by decades of invaluable behind-the-scenes experiences, served as the cornerstone for the inception of Adsvisory.
But Adsvisory was designed to be more than just another digital marketing agency. It was conceived as a partnership platform, a collaborative powerhouse where we join hands with founders who are fully committed to their businesses. Built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for success, Adsvisory represents a new chapter in my journey. In this chapter, we work together, leveraging our collective strengths, to build a brighter digital future.
The Journey Continues…
As I look back on my journey, from spinning tunes on an online radio over a 36.6 kbps connection to the inception of Adsvisory, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for what the future holds. Adsvisory, in many ways, is a testament to my experiences – the victories, the missteps, and everything in between.
It’s a philosophy I frequently share with my team, encapsulated in my favorite quote, “Winning is not always a victory, and losing is not always a defeat.” This ethos has shaped my marketing approach, encouraging a kaizen-style strategy that nurtures consistent growth and success in the short and long term.
“Winning is not always a Victory, Losing is not always a Defeat”
With Adsvisory, we’re poised to empower a new wave of startups and SMEs, equipping them with the digital tools and strategies to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The journey has been exhilarating, yet the most thrilling chapters are still on the horizon.
With Adsvisory, we stand ready to reshape the digital marketing landscape, one business at a time. As we look forward, I raise a toast to the future – a future where every business has a digital advantage, no matter how big or small.
