Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Is your walking
business the
going
to attract talk
funding? noor sweid
The co-founder
Regional investors and Managing Partner
on evaluating of Leap Ventures
your startup pitch really done it all
Mohammed Al-Ayouti
Walid Tahabsem
Mehmet Atici The negotiation
Sami Abou Saab handbook
Omar J. Sati for entrepreneurs
Laith Zraikat
Get what you
want, when you
want it
Bro code
Teenage ‘treps Amer
and Mohamed Yaghi
24
Entrepreneur and
investor Noor Sweid
24 66 40 36
INNOVATOR: MONEY: ‘TREPONOMICS: ASK A PRO
Walking the talk ASK THE MONEY GUY MARKETING Numbers don’t lie
Entrepreneur and investor Is your business going to 2016 heralds the new era Bayt.com’s Suhail
Noor Sweid attract the funds you need? of content marketing Al-Masri talks about
Leap Ventures Managing Regional investors tell you Ema Linaker on how the stats that indicate
Director and co-founder what they look for when to make your business that the Middle East is
really has done it all evaluating your pitch. messaging effective in the officially crazy about self-
age of video. It takes real employment.
work, ‘treps!
62
60 ESQUIRE GUY
thea myhrvold meeting satya nadella image courtesy microsoft gulf
72
Teach Me Now founder Thea Myhrvold meeting Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
Established in 2001, DDE has grown to become a leader in the market, and has recently sustained this achievement by
being ranked 3rd in the Top 100 SME companies of Dubai as part of the 2015 Edition of the Dubai SME100.
Not only an established industry leader in distribution, DDE proudly represents its unique retail concepts such as Rage,
Ride Bike Shop, Liv, Captiv8, Volcom and Bikini World, that are constantly excelling in the retail segment.
50
EHang 184, the world’s first electric, personal
Autonomous Aerial Vehicle, introduced at the 2016
International Consumer Electronics Show
50 44
TECH: ONLINE ‘TREP
SHINY Bridging the gap
#TamTalksTech Attracting offline shoppers
Gadgets and doodads to your e-commerce
that you might’ve missed startup can be done.
out on, sourced by a tech CAC isn’t as hard as one
aficionado. Yes, it’s okay to might think if you follow
want them all… and no, it’s these five tips by Pricena
not our fault. founder Haneen Dabain. 52 56
CULTURE: TRAVEL
42 45 LIFE Genuine hospitality
Xiaomi smartphones MOBILE TECH Action paired with The Four Seasons Amman’s
launch in Dubai
Xiaomi launches in the intention can make this Vincent Hoogewijs would
Middle East your year like you to get settled in
Four devices with some Building an accountability (comfortably), and he’s
pretty interesting specs structure for achievement executing a top-to-bottom
were introduced at the can make all of the differ- renovation to make that
UAE launch event. ence in your performance. possible.
68
Mehmet Aitici
and other regional
investors tell you
what they look for
when evaluating
your pitch
CARLOS DOMINGO IMAGE CREDIT © ARDUINO VANNUCCHI
16
Mudassir Sheikha
and Magnus Olsson,
co-founders, Careem
27
Henri Asseily,
Manager Partner,
Leap Ventures
74 58
STARTUP FINANCE CULTURE:
MENA startups gets TRAPPINGS
funded The executive selection for
Online platform Artscoops the entrepreneur on your
gets funded on equity list that has everything.
crowdfunding platform Okay, maybe for a little
30 73 Eureeca. self-reward as well.
INNOVATORS: START IT UP:
The Negotiation ECOSYSTEM 76 49
handbook for A congregation of Q+A LIFE
entrepreneurs Eurasia’s entrepreneurial A startup for startups Ten things not to say to
Get what you want, when world Philip Bahoshy wants digital professionals
you want it. Startup Turkey 2016 his online platform Our pick for the top
comes calling, and there MAGNiTT to create a phrase to avoid? “So is
14 will be entrepreneurial tighter knit MENA-wide this social media thing
EDITOR’S NOTE entities from three entrepreneurial like a real job now?!?”
By Fida Z. Chaaban continents present. ecosystem Yes, yes it is.
32
Dr. Kerry Healey,
President,
Babson College
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
All rights reserved © 2016.
Lama Ataya Ema Linaker Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.
Abdulla Barakji Suhail Masri Entrepreneur Middle East and all subsidiary publications in
Jim Camp Ross McCammon the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC
Amal Chaaban Rani Nasr Publishing in the MENA region by Entrepreneur Media Inc.
James Clear Neil Petch No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted
Haneen Dabain Soukaina Rachidi in any form or by any means without written permission of
Con O’Donnell May Rostom the publisher.
Shyaire Ganglani Mark Sephton
Images used in Entrepreneur Middle East are credited when necessary. Attributed use of Printed by Raidy Emirates Printing Group LLC
copyrighted images with permission. All images not credited otherwise Shutterstock. www.raidy.com
H
appy anniversary to our There is, in my opinion, a lot
readers! We’re excited to be said for our valued brand
that this edition marks partners- MENA ecosystem entities
two years of us support- and pillars who have supported us
ing entrepreneurship across the profusely by participating in our
MENA region. If you’re part of the events and who have invited us
ecosystem, you know that we’re to participate in their events over
on ground as much as possible, the past two years. Accelerators,
and that we’re talking to you in incubators, investors, conferences,
real-time via social media. But our mentoring programs: we will con-
work isn’t yet done- we want to tinue to support you to our fullest
draw in the outliers. There are tons capability across both print and TREP TALK ME started this venture [BNC
Publishing] along with my
of entrepreneurs (both new and digital, and further our already THE BUSINESS partners. Third, sticking
seasoned) across the region who solid relationships. BNC Publishing to the truth and principles
aren’t yet part of the ecosystem, Regarding our crazy level of inter- of honesty in business is
and that means they are missing action online, we truly appreciate THE ‘TREP always the best option.
out on valuable mentorship, cross that our readers share our content Wissam Younane This is simply that I never
sector collaborations and business, via social media platforms and want to fall short on
and possibly even funding oppor- that you interact with us on those Q What have you learned delivering what I say I will
tunities (that can scale an already same mediums. We’re really proud from your clients over the do, or even what I say I’m
profitable enterprise). that we’ve become the information past two years? capable of doing in terms
outlet for ‘treps in this region, and of client expectations and
we’re thrilled when you write to us A “First, a little extra care deliverables. Fourth, it’s
with your achievements and your in knowing what they truly true that clients like to feel
concerns. From our readership, the need can easily make them spoiled when it comes to
entrepreneurs across the region, we continue to spend, and to rates and benefits. Like in
receive candid emails about fund- consider exploring further every relationship, there
ing struggles, funding wins, venture opportunities with your must be a give and take-
scaling, and new partnerships. business. One example transacting business is no
Keep it up! We want to continue to is that a client of ours different. My fourth lesson
be the MENA entrepreneur’s go-to wanted to fully cancel or is about brand solvency.
So, all that being said, you know point of contact. We’re here to get pay half of the previously If you have a solid brand,
that by now that we apply our own your stories out there, and help you agreed amount for one work hard on keeping it
methodologies: we’re built on a get the recognition you deserve for of the spaces booked. solid- this will ensure that
lean business model and operation, your enterprising spirit, and tire- With a two-minute phone your clients are as loyal to
our entire team act as generalists less work. call, we understood her you as you are to your own
wearing many different hats, and Happy anniversary, ‘treps! concerns and managed to brand. Finally, and this
we growth hack our way forward. save the original contract is extremely important,
From a commercial perspective, amount. My second tip if your client is today
for our two year anniversary, I is that listening to the going through a financial
asked the entrepreneur behind customer is essential. It’s shortage or facing a crisis,
Entrepreneur Middle East, Wissam something I have always support them when you
Younane, to talk shop (that’s him in done with my clients, and can with your rates. They
our Trep Talk ME box). Like all of Fida Z. Chaaban that is one of the reasons won’t forget your gesture,
the entrepreneurs we feature, he’s Editor in Chief that they have never failed and it will come back to
constantly learning and iterating @fida | @fidazchaaban to support me when I you in spades.”
our business model as we progress. editor@bncpublishing.net
L
in a “less than supportive” 90% of the survey’s partici-
ondon Business To ‘trep or not to ‘trep? environment. While more pants are male.
School (LBS) has That is the question. entrepreneurial ecosystems in
released the data and When asked about their “ap- the GCC are becoming more F&B and tech is where it’s
results of a survey petite” for entrepreneurship, SME-friendly, some SMEs in at. Which sector appears to
they conducted about almost half (45.4%) of the re- other countries are struggling be the most promising in the
entrepreneurship and SMEs in spondents said that they have to reach their full potential. Middle East? The majority
the Middle East. The survey, considered setting up their It’s another case of flourishing (36.5%) claims it’s F&B, and
whose results were published own business, but haven’t pur- economics being able to pro- 29.8% say IT and tech. Travel
in December last year, was sued it just yet. Is it a matter of vide more for their entrepre- and tourism, hospitality,
conducted with 500 members confidence or comfort? While neurial ecosystem than others. marketing and media all fall
of the LBS community, which 23.1% of the respondents That being said, whether below 10%. Whether it’s the
included alumni, executive claimed to have already set up you’re in the UAE or in Egypt, GCC, the Levant, or North
MBAs, and members of the at least one business, 45.6% there is always more than can Africa, there always have been
school’s Middle East Club. are rather confident of start- be done to give SMEs a lift. many F&B ventures. We’ve
While the survey’s participants ing up their own enterprises noticed some external efforts
were from a variety of nation- soon, and 26.9% aren’t. All in More guardian angels to take them to a new level,
alities, it’s worth mentioning all, it’s safe to say that most –a.k.a. investors- are but not as much as tech. In
that 33% of them originate people are just waiting for needed. Given that there’s the GCC, we’ve seen Qatar,
from Saudi Arabia, and 25% the right time- maybe they’re more that can be done for the Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
from the UAE, which together trying to garner resources, or Middle East’s entrepreneurial heavily prioritize creating
make up 58% of the partici- looking for the right partner. ecosystem, what are some spaces and conditions worthy
pants. It’s also worth noting of the ways to do just that? of a flourishing tech industry.
that 89.2% of the survey’s SMEs are overcoming a When asked to rank certain In Lebanon, we’ve seen the
participants identified them- “less than supportive” measures that could be taken emergence of the UK Lebanon
selves as being male. environment. The survey’s as areas needing improvement, Tech Hub, and a similar
participants were asked to the highest average went to the initiative that the French
The vote of confidence is judge the current situation need for more “private” or an- ambassador announced at
high. Entrepreneurship for SMEs, and 56.3% say gel investors. That said, most the second edition of BDL
is growing in the Middle that there is certainly room of the other measures weren’t Accelerate last December.
East. Most of the survey’s
participants showed confi-
dence at the growth rate of London Business School,
the region’s entrepreneurial Dubai International Financial Center
Bro code
Teenage ‘treps Amer and Mohamed Yaghi
By Kareem Chehayeb
M
eet Amer and Mo- What inspired them to start up
hamed Yaghi: not only an enterprise of their own was
are the Jeddah-based a combination of their pas-
teens tech lovers, sion for tech and a tiny bit of
they’re also among the teenage angst. The young duo
region’s youngest entrepre- “hated the fact that our par-
neurs. That’s right; the ambi- ents were constantly bothering
tious Yaghi brothers are 16 us and invading our privacy on
and 15 years old respectively, social media,” so they designed
and they’re prepared to pitch Chillax, a social network “just
their ideas at you at any given for teenagers.” Unlike most
opportunity. major social media platforms,
Before getting bit by the Chillax allows its users to con-
entrepreneurial bug, the trol all sorts of privacy levels,
Jeddah-based Jordanian ‘treps all the way from their parents
were (and still are) working to potential cyber bullies.
hard at school, enjoying the Their passion for Chillax,
outdoors and playing sports. together with the support of
their forward-thinking parents,
paved the way for burning The Yaghi brothers
with Ronaldo
passion for entrepreneurship, Mouchawar at
and it became a life-changing Endeavor Jordan
experience. Unfortunately, DealMakers 2015
Chillax didn’t work out in the
long run, but the tenacious Whether its “different manage- in any way. According to the
‘treps didn’t give up: “Failing ment styles” or whether it’s Yaghi bros, the question that
is a stepping stone to success.” a greater passion for tech or most entrepreneurs, investors,
They were right, given that business administration, the and teachers ask them is: how
they later developed a more Yaghis maintain that their dif- do you balance time between
successful app, AidMaid. Sev- ferences make them stronger school and work? The brothers
eral experiences inspired them as a team. The brothers oc- believe that most people are
to develop the app, but what casionally need a mediator and wrong when they “think that
really “triggered” them to have older mentor, and “that’s when it’s impossible for someone
a go at their second venture we go to dad for help.” to attend school [and get high
is a somewhat traumatizing All in all, it’s rather impres- grades] while also working
experience for the younger sive that these two young tirelessly on a venture.” That
brother. Mohamed was riding innovators are able to pursue said, they are able to pull it
his bike and was nearly hit by their enterprising inclinations off, and give credit to two main
a speeding truck driver. While without it affecting their aca- factors: “strategic planning
discussing the event with demic performances or nega- and eliminating non-essen-
Amer, they both realized the tively impacting their lifestyles tials.”
need for “an emergency appli-
cation which would allow users
to ask for help” by pushing a
button or shaking their phone.
That’s what the AidMaid app is
all about, and it is today avail-
able for download on iOS and
Android devices.
As for co-founder dynamics,
how do Amer and Mohamad
work together on a venture as
entrepreneurs? While they
both have similar passions and
Yaghi brothers at Endeavor DealMakers the same admirable work ethic,
2015 in Amman they do have their differences.
I
“ f you’re looking to
succeed, keep your
2006 and ran until its sale in
2014), she’s been an investor
deals, and we are hoping
that this year, we’ll look at
eyes and heart open in and mentor for several even more. As the pipeline
to opportunities. startups in the Middle East grows in the region, and more
You’ll miss oppor- ecosystem (besides her own people start companies, and
tunities that come portfolio of past investments, more of the companies grow,
to you if you’re Sweid is also a member of more will filter into our pipe-
not open to them. Success is the Board of Directors at line. So, we are very active in
about seizing the opportuni- Endeavor UAE), and she’s terms of looking at deals, and
ties that present themselves currently a Managing Partner then assessing them and see-
to you.” This is what Noor at Leap Ventures, a MENA- ing how many really fit into
Sweid told the audience dur- based growth stage venture our verticals and our man-
ing her keynote address at capital firm. So yes –if that date.” It must be noted here
the Entrepreneur Middle East last sentence’s length didn’t that Leap is solely focused on
Achieving Women’s Forum in make it clear already- Noor growth stage companies- not
May last year, and one look at Sweid does seem to have done startups. So, of the 200 or
her impressive career graph it all. so enterprises Leap’s team
so far makes it clear that this But for all of her wins in reviewed, Sweid reveals that
is, indeed, a woman who has the realm of business, Sweid only 17% of them even quali-
(and continues to) put into had no airs and graces about fied as being in growth stage.
practice what she preaches. her when I met her for this But while the pool of qualified
Sweid definitely seems to interview, during which she applicants may be a small
have an uncanny eye for great freewheeled on everything one, the need for a firm like
opportunities- her work pro- from her work ethic to the re- Leap in the Middle East can-
file reads like that if someone gion’s ecosystem. In terms of not be understated.
who has, really, done it all. what she’s up to these days, “There are a few VC firms
She’s worked for big-name Sweid’s focus is currently [here] that look at early
corporates (these include on Leap, which launched a stage, so companies can raise
Charles Schwab and Accen- $71 million fund for Lebanon $1, $2 or $3 million from a
ture), she has facilitated her last year, and is now in the few different firms,” Sweid
family business’ (the Dubai- process of putting together explains. “But what happens
headquartered global interior an $80 million regional fund. to companies when they actu-
contracting company, Depa) “As with any venture capital ally have solid revenues, a
multi-million dollar growth firm, we do several things good team, they have growth,
and eventual US$1 billion simultaneously,” Sweid says. and they need a $5-10 million
IPO, she’s launched and “So we look at the pipeline, check? It’s that they can’t
run her own business (the we invest in companies, and raise that money regionally;
ZenYoga chain of yoga studios we raise our own funds. Last they have to go global to raise
in Dubai that she founded in year, we looked at about 200 money, which takes a lot of >>>
public listing of Depa, Sweid ness needs new blood every just in this part of the world, with a laugh, “I’m not going
says she felt the same way once in a while. The reason but everywhere.” you to tell about them!”
about her sale of ZenYoga as Aramex will grow is because As for other faults she sees Jokes aside though, she’s still
well. “My personal philoso- he implemented policies, with entrepreneurs today, reluctant to name anyone in
phy is that you build some- procedures, corporate gov- Sweid feels that they’d be particular (she does mention
thing that doesn’t need you,” ernance, structures, so as to better off if they were to focus UTURN here, but I feel that’s
she explains. “You should be make sure everything is being on just one thing at time. “I a safe answer just to placate
there because you want to be done properly in the manner think lots of entrepreneurs me, than anything else), and
there- not be there, because that he sees fit, without him are trying to do too many her reasoning for that again
if you’re not, it’s not going to being there.” things at once. So they are is so that entrepreneurs will
do well.” This drive to create a all, like, betting on several avoid misconstruing fame as
But wait- isn’t that at odds sustainable, long-lasting horses- but that’s not their success. “I find that when
with what industry leaders business is what Sweid en- job, that’s the investor’s job. people become role models,
say about entrepreneurs hav- courages (and wants to see) You go start one company, then fame and success get
ing to be hands-on with their in all of the entrepreneurs and put all your eggs in one confused,” she explains. “And
businesses? “When they are she meets in her role today basket- as an entrepreneur, I think that the ecosystem
first starting up, yes, they as a mentor and investor- ac- that’s what you are supposed is not yet at the stage where
need to live and breathe the cording to her, for a business, to do, so that someone comes we can afford that. We need
business; everybody does. I being successful and being along and believes you. If you our successful entrepreneurs
did for Zen Yoga, my father famous are two entirely dif- believe in what you are doing, to be focused on growing
did when he started our ferent things, and it’s crucial other people will believe in their businesses and being
family business- everyone that entrepreneurs don’t mix it too. If you are doing two successful entrepreneurs, not
does that at the beginning. the two up. “It’s important or three different things at on being role models and on
You have a few years where for people to realize that once, then that means you a speaking circuit. Because
you are the business, and success is not starting a com- don’t believe in any of them- our businesses [here] are not C
the business is you. But, ul- pany- success is growing a and lots of entrepreneurs do that strong yet- they aren’t M
timately, if you want to grow company,” she explains. “It’s that.” Sweid also wants to see enough success stories here
it to something sizeable, you easy to write a business plan, entrepreneurs talk less, and that we can afford that.” Y
need to think about how you [but] it’s not going to get you do more. “So many times, It may not be the answer I CM
can close your eyes, and know very far. It’s not worth the so many entrepreneurs, they was wanting to hear- but MY
that somebody else is doing paper it’s written on- because say, ‘I’m going to do this; Sweid does have a point. The
this the same way that you that’s definitely not what’s I’m going to do that.’ Well, region’s ecosystem is growing,
CY
would have done it, or even going to happen. It’s difficult why haven’t you done it yet? yes- but we need it to grow CMY
better. And that’s where your to go get your license and Don’t tell me what you are much bigger before we can K
policies, processes, teams registration and everything- going to do- tell me what champion it to the world at
come in, and that’s when you fine, okay, whatever, that’s you have done.” Sweid also large. And with people like
really start to scale. If you are just bureaucracy and money. sounds a warning note for the Sweid along for the ride, one
still needed in every meeting, Then you actually have to die-hard networkers in the hopes that it will happen
you should either be in the build your product. Then you MENA entrepreneurial eco- sooner than later.
startup phase, at which point have to convince people to system. “I think too many en-
that is totally okay. But if buy your product, at a price trepreneurs spend too much
you are a sizeable business, that makes sense for you to of their time in meetings, Noor Sweid’s tips
and you are still needed in make money so that you can and not enough time actually for ‘treps
every meeting, you are doing grow your business. And doing stuff. So unless you are
something wrong.” Sweid then, you have to do that a in a meeting because you are 1. “Know your numbers.”
uses the example of Aramex thousand times. And then, selling your product or ser- 2. “Stay focused.”
co-founder and Vice Chair- you have a company. And vice, don’t take the meeting. 3. “Create value… You
man Fadi Ghandour –one of then, it’s worth talking about! Don’t spend half your year have to create value that
the most vocal champions of I think a lot of people here on conferences. I think if you you can monetize. The
the region’s entrepreneurial confuse fame and success. have an awesome product, focus should not be on
ecosystem- to drive her point And that’s something we see you’ll have to network half as making a profit- but if you
home. “Look at Fadi Ghan- consistently- companies that much. If you have a decent are creating value that
dour- great example. Is he have amazing branding, lots product, you’ll have to net- no one’s willing to pay
involved at all with Aramex of fame, but, you just peel one work twice as much. So… go for, then that’s irrelevant.
[today]? No. And that’s the layer of the onion, and you build an awesome product!” Because you are not really
success of it. It’s that he realize that it’s much smaller At this point, I ask Sweid creating value.”
has built something that no than what one would think. to tell me the names of 4. “Don’t confuse fame
longer needs him. That’s the There are very little revenues, startups or entrepreneurs in and success.”
wow. If he was still day in there’s almost no traction- the region that have actually 5. “Don’t underestimate
and day out involved with but the entrepreneur thinks impressed her, or are worthy the value of corporate
Aramex, he would be helping they are incredibly success- enough to be considered as culture- it gets you a long
it grow, but also stifling its ful. So confusing fame and role models. She takes a mo- way.”
growth, because every busi- success is happening a lot not ment to think, before replying
PART 1
The entrepreneur’s
angle
THE NEGOTIATION
Finding your negotiation
comfort zone
By Neil Petch
HANDBOOK
While negotiation is one of the
most crucial business skills
to develop and develop well,
it must be said that it is, for
many, a rather painful part of
FOR ENTREPRENEURS
the corporate world. Due to a
potentially long list of reasons,
a lot of otherwise extremely
capable business people at all
levels –from the junior sales-
person all the way up to the
Get what you want, when you want it CEO– simply don’t like it.
I have had many colleagues
and friends tell me over the
years they are just not good
negotiators, or “bargainers.”
You probably hear that latter
term used more often on the
personal front, like when you
are on vacation and you get to
haggle with a vendor over the
price of some souvenir– some-
thing that many people simply
dread. While it’s not quite the
same thing as being seated
opposite a potential client or
vendor in an office setting,
there are certainly some paral-
lels. And studies will tell you
this lack of comfort –or this
extreme discomfort– comes
in large part from a lack of
preparedness.
There are those who many
would call “born negotiators,”
but upon a closer look, what
the majority of those so-called
“born negotiators” possess
is simply the gift of gab. That
alone won’t actually help you
too much when it comes down
to the finer art of deal-making.
What will, however, is the
preparation. The true “born
negotiator” is, in fact, the one
who properly prepares for
every encounter. So let’s start
on that note while going into
four other essentials that will
help you find your negotiation
comfort zone:
1. Do your homework be buying and talk to others have finished. And this is a to work on that product or
As the old saying goes –fail who have purchased it to see very important point, because service to improve it in order
to prepare, prepare to fail– how much they paid; find out the closing of the deal is to give you that leverage
and this is definitely true what you can about the pain often just the start of a very next time. In other words, a
at the negotiating table. I’m points the potential buyer important working relation- good negotiator does actually
sure these particular words of your product or service is ship or partnership, and you have something of value
of advice will sound rather looking to address; and so on. wouldn’t want that to begin to negotiate over, and no
obvious, but we often forget with one party having hard amount of smoke and mirrors
that the reason something 2. There doesn’t have to feelings. will help cover up a mediocre
turned out to be easier than be a winner and a loser offering.
you thought it would be, or A frequent mistake people 3. Know what you’re
worked out in your favor, is make when it comes to ne- worth, and then know 4. Get the information
because you prepared well gotiating is to go in with the how to leverage it you require
for it. mindset that there has to be As the seller, this one starts Being a good negotiator is a
A quick diversion here to a winner and a loser– or that by taking an honest look at lot like being a good detec-
make a point: consider the someone has to or will come what you are bringing to tive– you need to ask the right
art of public speaking. Again, out with a significant ad- the table. If you are offering questions, and listen carefully
those “born public speakers” vantage. The problem is that a product or service that is to the answers for clues that
are not actually those who anyone going into a negotia- available elsewhere (which is will help solve your case. Or
have simply mastered the ba- tion feeling they must win or pretty much always the case), in this instance, help you
sic tips and tricks, but those come out on top is unlikely to then what is it that makes close a deal with favorable
who prepare well for each compromise enough to seal a your package more attractive, terms. Call it “smart listen-
speech or presentation. You fair deal; and equally, anyone and how exactly does a deal ing,” but what it is about is
cannot, after all, be a good concerned about “losing” is with you bring more value uncovering what you need to
public speaker by turning going to naturally be on the than a deal with one of your hear. And maybe you won’t
up and asking what you are defensive, and may end up competitors? Only by know- uncover it too easily, in which
supposed to talk about, then passing on a very legitimate ing this can you find and then case you have to probe with
trying to smooth talk your and fair offer. subsequently exploit any le- more questions.
way through it. verage over your competitors That 70/30 listening rule
Instead, you research the Having the “walk away” option who are also negotiating with is a great one (that is, listen
material that will go into your is one way to ensure you your prospect. 70% of the time and talk
don’t say yes under too much
presentation, pull it together pressure. this is not to imply
As buyers, we are, most of 30% of the time), but it
in the most logical and engag- in any way that you should the time, naturally skeptical, means nothing if you are
ing manner, then practice it be too quick to call it quits. and we are all used to not getting the information
until you make it look like Negotiations will often be getting the same spiel from you need. You have to be
there is no better authority drawn out and require a lot competing vendors. How persistent and even dogged
on the subject than you. In of back and forth and will are you truly different? Are here. If the conversation is
generally have a fair number
other words, you worked you, in fact, any different? going in circles and you are
of hurdles that need to be
extremely hard to make it overcome. This one is very much based not uncovering what you need
look easy. in reality. That is, if you are to uncover, then you have to
What does this mean for In his book, Negotiation better than your competitors, keep at it. Try different ap-
the negotiation process? Boot Camp: How to Resolve you should be able to show proaches, ask different ques-
Well it can be a number of Conflict, Satisfy Customers, that in the form of results, tions, and if needed, get much
things. And how you prepare and Make Better Deals, Ed through case studies or client more direct.
depends on what side of the Brodow says that he enters references– or with the You will never feel as though
table you are sitting at (buyer every single negotiation look- strong reputation you enjoy you are 100% informed. You
or seller, for example), or ing for a “win-win” outcome. in the market. If you are on simply cannot be. As a buyer,
what the negotiations are Go for what you want, he par with your competitors for example, it is only after
about. says, but be prepared to give in terms of offering, then it you start using that product
Whatever the scenario, away what the other party quickly becomes a price war, or service that you will see
you need to prepare accord- wants too. Barrow says that which is often not much of a what the real value is. But it is
ingly. Find out everything not only will deal success help to anyone’s business. your right and duty to get to a
you can about the person or rates improve with this The point is this: knowing fairly comfortable place with
persons you will be holding attitude, but the style is es- what you are worth may be a respect to informed decision-
discussions with; get as many sential to a positive working bit of a wakeup call for you. making, and if that involves
details as you can about the relationship between both You may not like what you poking and prodding till the
product or service you might parties long after negotiations see. In which case, it is time cows come home, so be it. >>>
Neil Petch is the Chairman of Virtugroup. Petch founded Virtuzone in 2009 before launching Virtugroup, a holding company that has a wider mandate of
supporting startups from establishment; to successful market entry; and all the way through to exit. Petch is also the Chairman of DIFC-regulated GMG,
established in 2010 with offices in Dubai, UAE and London, U.K., providing brokerage services for commercial and investment banks globally. His most
recent venture, PrimalMD, was launched in the health sector and focuses on helping doctors addressing the root cause of illness rather than simply treat-
ing the symptoms.
any way that you should be Learning the tricks table. The skills required “Negotiating skills are incred-
too quick to call it quits. Ne- of the trade to navigate widely different ibly important! We [at Babson]
gotiations will often be drawn interests and goals during ne- believe that a successful
out and require a lot of back “Of the many public sector gotiation periods fraught with entrepreneur is by definition
and forth and will generally negotiations I have been stressors, and the impact of a successful negotiator in the
have a fair number of hurdles involved with, the most a well-negotiated deal is an broadest possible sense of
that need to be overcome. complex and impactful was achievement in itself. the term. The most successful
Those win-win scenarios that passing Massachusetts first- entrepreneurs have created
bring the most long-term in-the-nation healthcare products and services that en-
benefits are almost never reform legislation when I FOUR QUICK STUDY TIPS gage the customer where they
quickly and easily decided. In served as Lieutenant Gover- ON NEGOTIATING AS A ‘TREP are and move them to a place
fact, the bigger the deal and nor with Governor Mitt Rom- By Dr. Kerry Healey that the visionary entrepreneur
the greater or more impactful ney,” says Babson President, can see.
the long-term gains may be, Dr. Kerry Murphy Healy. 1. KNOW YOUR ALTERNATIVE The interplay between the im-
the more there is to discuss “While healthcare reform was ROUTE, AND That of the mediate needs of the customer
through in advance. In short, a broadly desired goal, there other party and the vision of the entre-
the more there is to win or were significant differences in “First, make sure to know preneur is in itself a type of
lose. the approaches and priorities your alternatives (what do negotiation. For example, Doug
of the numerous negotiating you do if you walk away from Rauch, former CEO of Trader
Seeking a favorable parties, including the federal a deal?), and know the other Joe’s and CEO of Conscious
outcome? There is government, the state legis- party’s alternatives. This type Capitalism, describes launch-
no substitute for lature, insurers, hospitals, of assessment and data gath- ing his newest venture, Daily
preparation doctors, and consumer ad- ering is important to perform Table, as an initially very tough
There are great business vocacy groups.” One doesn’t before you enter into a nego- negotiation between his tar-
lessons to be learned from need to be well-versed with tiation. This advice is often geted customers -hard-working
reading about Houdini. He healthcare reform or with what negotiation professors people on a tight budget and
was known for making his U.S. government policy and will say is almost the only no time to cook- and his vision
escapes look so easy and procedure to understand the advice you really need for any of providing healthy, delicious,
effortless that people were exceeding difficulty of the negotiation.” nutritious food to people with
sure that he was aided by situation Dr. Healy describes. limited financial resources.
some sort of magical power. The latter situation, one that 2. MAINTAIN YOUR Doug needed to hear that
The truth, however, is occurred during her tenure as DECORUM, BUT STAND financial constraints were only
that his tricks were often 70th Lieutenant Governor of YOUR GROUND part of the problem his busi-
incredibly grueling and Massachusetts from 2003 to “Second, never confuse ness would need to address
required tremendous physical 2007, proved successful not being ‘nice’ with giving up if his business model were to
ability, and Houdini practiced only for the state, but as a economic value. Being nice – succeed. ‘Negotiating’ with his
and prepared until the lasting hallmark of her career and striving to form positive customers changed the details
execution was perfect. since it has since been adapt- relationships- does not mean of his product; shifted his focus
Negotiation is one of those ed as a model for other states, you have to make monetary from selling low-cost groceries
things that the more prepared and “nationally in an effort concessions. As our students to adding affordable, healthy
you are, the more confidence to strike the delicate balance are often reminded, some- pre-prepared meals, while he
you have, and the greater between extending coverage times walking away from a held fast to his mission. It’s
the likelihood of a favorable to all, while engaging private deal is the best thing to do.” been a win-win outcome for
Doug and the neighborhood!”
3. KNOW Where to draw way. Negotiation is the effort can take that pain away, then The recommended read
the line to bring about agreement it’s time to align your prom- By Amal Chaaban
“When I asked some current between two or more parties, ise with a cost.
students this question, their with all parties having the Many entrepreneurs regard The Negotiation Book: Your
response was unanimous: right to veto. True, the their good or service as Definitive Guide to Successful
don’t compromise on liquid- topic of money is invariably merely another product the Negotiating by Steve Gates
ity- many young businesses involved in this process. But prospective buyer will stock,
fail due to inadequate cash to good negotiation includes or a service to replace the one There is perhaps no more
fund operations.” other critical components currently in use. However, important skill in business than
that most entrepreneurs if what you’re offering is the art of negotiation. A good
4. EVALUATE YOUR either ignore or are unaware unique, then you’re present- negotiator can sculpt favourable
APPROACH of. Here’s what you’re ing to the other side not an deals, advantageous employ-
“Babson faculty teach probably doing wrong, and interchangeable offering but ment contracts, or even diffuse
that you do not have to be how to get it right. an opportunity tied to the difficult situations using finely-
unpleasant to make your in- better vision you have just honed skills. Steve Gates has
terests and positions clear in 1. You think that you’ve painted for the buyer. Such released a second edition of his
negotiations. To avoid a tense told the other side opportunities often come book, updated for a world that
or tough situation, we teach everything they need with higher price tags, which has changed in expectations but
that the best thing to do is to know. you had better be prepared to still wants the best bottom line
to articulate what you want Do the following statements defend. for their dollar. He does this by
and why, and take a learning sound familiar to you? explaining how negotiation is
approach to understand why I. “My product has organic 3. You fail to realize both an art and a science that
the other side may not want ingredients.” that every moment with when practiced correctly, can
a specific aspect of deal. In II. “My services have a a potential client is a get the most out of a situation
these challenging situations, money-back guarantee.” negotiation. be it for a finite contract or an
we recommend adopting a III. “My customer support is This goes back to my original ongoing long-term partnership.
‘just want to learn’ attitude available 24/7.” observation that most en- Your Definitive Guide to Success-
rather than taking a ‘this is a Sorry, but those are just trepreneurs identify a very ful Negotiating uses the term
fight’ approach.” facts. What you must do narrow window as the time “Complete Skilled Negotiator”
is provide your potential frame in which to discuss instead of just “Successful Ne-
buyer with a vision. And I’m money. However, if the only gotiator” in referring to some-
PART 3 not talking benefits, which
are often just repackaged
time to seal the deal is when
you’re “negotiating,” then
one who has both the abilities
and the approach. Everyone can
The pro’s angle facts. Here’s the sequence: what are you accomplishing pick this book up as it will prove
Adjusting your after you describe the other when you network or partici- useful in both professional and
person’s pain and dissatis- pate in tradeshows? If you’re personal situations- after all, we
mindset to prevent faction, you present a true saving negotiating for some will all have to wrangle terms at
negotiation fails picture of what his or her life future date, then are you some point.
By Jim Camp will be like after using your simply handing out business
products or services. In other cards?
The reality is most entrepre- words, address how what Every moment you spend
neurs begin to think about you’re selling will dramati- with someone you might do
negotiation (this includes the cally alter the potential cus- business with -which means
word “negotiation,” setting tomer’s problem. Then let the just about anyone you meet
up a meeting, and the overall person take in the specifics of anywhere, at any time- is a
negotiation process) only the new peace of mind they chance to create a vision for
when it’s time to be shown will enjoy by doing business them. If you’re certain that
the cash. In other words, in with you. you would display a warm,
the minds of just about every nurturing and calm demeanor
small business owner, a ne- 2. You fail to connect during a formal negotiation,
gotiation is when the money the vision with your fee. then convey the same traits
talks. If you know your potential at a busy industry event
See this article in its entirety at Entrepreneur.com
Nothing could be further client’s pain (which could and see how you can make
from the truth, and I can’t be as simple as, say, their the other person realize you
imagine the millions of current supplier’s inability can help them achieve their
dollars entrepreneurs have to meet the delivery target goals. Every interaction with
lost, over the lifespan of dates) and you’ve rendered a potential client is a negotia-
their businesses, by defining a vision of that pain back to tion. No tables or conference
negotiation in such a limited them and explained how you rooms required.
Jim Camp is a negotiation coach with a global clientele and the creator and chief executive of Negotiator-Pro, a negotiation strategy and training platform. He is also
CEO of The Camp Negotiation Institute and author of Start with No: The Negotiating Tools that the Pros Don’t Want You to Know.
MENA Games
Conference
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DIGITAL GAMING
INNOVATION
LEADERS
Fawzi Mesmar Tom Crago Brie Code Teut Weidemann Sho Sato Amir-Esmaeil Jason Della Rocca Magy Seif
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Coming together
The Sharakah Forum in Oman brought
together the media and SME sectors to discuss
collaboration and growth for the Sultanate’s
entrepreneurial ecosystem
M
ore than 200 people Role of Media in Supporting
came together at the SME Development, the forum
first installment of featured speakers hailing from
the Sharakah Forum print, digital and broadcast
in Oman, which was held at media backgrounds, all of
the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah whom relayed their insights
Resort & Spa on December 15, on how entrepreneurs can Entrepreneur
Middle East
2015. The event, which was make best use of the various Managing Editor
staged under the patronage of platforms available to them. Aby Sam Thomas
Oman’s Minister of Informa- Speakers at the event included
tion H.E. Dr. Abdul Munim the Hon. Hatim Al Taie, Oman
bin Mansour Al-Hasani, was State Council Member and
inaugurated in the presence of Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya
Sharakah Chairman and Board Publishing, Ghassan Talhouk,
Member Hani Al Zubair, and Head of MENA Growth
saw attendees from a variety of Markets, LinkedIn, Turki Al
backgrounds- these included Balooshi, founder, Al Balad
entrepreneurs, SMEs, govern- Online Newspaper, and Aby
ment officials, academics, Sam Thomas, Managing Editor,
students and more. With the Entrepreneur Middle East.
theme of the event being The forum.sharakah.om
A
business. In fact, 62% of all employees
are currently thinking of starting their
ccording to the Entrepreneurship in the Middle East sur- own business, while 20% have tried in the
vey, November 2015, 64% of working-age respondents past but cite they have failed or could not
in MENA region would rather have their own business do so for different reasons. Only 11% of the
workforce in the MENA region have never
than be employed. Yes, you’ve read that right. 64% of thought of starting their own business.
people in MENA, aged 18 and above, would prefer to
be entrepreneurs according to the survey we executed on Bayt.com. The facts: Middle East
millennials want to be
Six of every 10! Self-employment has acquired much significance in entrepreneurs
recent years and in light of the political and economic turbulence in Our research has shown over and
over again that young people in the
the region, lack of jobs, oil price fluctuations, and a growing desire for region are becoming more interested in
independence among the youth population, it is nothing but a logical running their own business than being
by-product of these circumstances and a (very) plausible solution to employed. And unlike their parents
Reasons for preferring to be ‘ self - employed ’ – By country and grandparents, for many millennials
the problem of youth unemployment in the MENA. climbing the corporate ladders isn’t a
Q. Why do you say that you would prefer to ‘ be self - employed/ have my own businesses ’?
> Reasons for preferring to be self-employed, by country
Saudi
Total Algeria Bahrain Egypt Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Morocco Oman Qatar Syria Tunisia UAE
Arabia
Base: 5,249 429 64 1,457 346 156 152 348 89 158 1,048 26 195 781
Personal fulfillment 54 34 45 60 57 48 50 56 55 51 58 54 48 52
Freedom to choose
40 42 39 35 43 40 34 40 45 43 42 46 43 46
work
- life balance
Be my own boss 35 36 42 27 38 42 39 32 38 45 37 35 45 41
Freedom to choose
30 27 33 25 32 36 28 28 33 34 34 38 28 36
what to work on
Sense of pride 23 18 20 19 26 24 20 23 34 21 28 15 21 25
Freedom to choose
19 16 19 16 22 23 18 19 13 23 21 19 16 22
whom to work with
Avoid uncertainties
associated with 12 9 13 9 13 14 13 8 16 19 11 15 6 17
employment
3 3 2 3 3 4 7 2 4 3 3 - 3 5
self
- employed
Base: Those who say they would prefer to ‘be self -employed/ have my own business ’ (5,249)
All figures are % ’s Small base for Bahrain (64), Oman (89), very small base for Syri a (26)
Possibilities of a better job with a different major/school
The craze of self-employment has just > possibilities of a better job with a different major / school
begun and is expected to soon fuel the
next generation of jobs in the MENA region.
GCC Levant North Africa
Entrepreneurship has a ripple effect on
societies: it leads not only to new jobs, but
KSA UAE Qatar Lebanon Jordan Egypt Algeria
also to better services and an improvement All figures are %’s
Ease of >starting
ease up ofastarting
new businessup a new business The best cities for entrepre-
neurship in the Middle East
3 5 6 6 4 2 SMEs are a pivotal force for any flour-
10 14
14 18 10 12 9 11 ishing economy and are considered one
20 24 16 of the main drivers for innovation and
20 25
31
36
31 employment generation in a country, and
21 35
according to the Entrepreneurship in
25 21
23 23
34 the Middle East survey, 83% of MENA
19 respondents personally know at least one
11 32
26 37 19 entrepreneur in their country of resi-
22 26 25
3
13
dence; 97% of whom are believed to have
14 12
7 5 5 5 7 3 been successful.
Algiers Manama Alexandria Cairo Amman Kuwait City Beirut Casablanca In the MENA, both private and public
sector employees think of starting
their own business. In fact, 62% of all
Don't Know Bad Poor Average Good Excellent employees are currently thinking of >>>
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ETHICS | ESQUIRE GUY | SKILLSET | MARKETING | PRO
TREPONOMICS
starting their own business, while 20% include the unavailability of financing SMEs are a pivotal force for any
have tried in the past but cite they have (65%); economic instability in their flourishing economy and are considered
failed or could not do so for different country (28%); strict governmental rules one of the main drivers for innovation
reasons. Only 11% of the workforce in and regulations (28%); and a perceived and employment generation in a country,
the MENA region have never thought of need for personal connections or ‘wasta’ and according to the Entrepreneurship
starting their own business. Perceptions (28%). According to the Top Cities in in the Middle East survey, 83% of MENA
vis-à-vis ease of starting up a business the Middle East survey, October 2015, respondents personally know at least
vary, with 13% of respondents indicating Dubai ranks as the top city for starting a one entrepreneur in their country of
they believe that setting up their own business, followed closely by Abu Dhabi. residence; 97% of whom are believed to
business is somewhat easy or even In fact, Dubai ranked either good or have been successful.
extremely easy, while more than half excellent among respondents on the
(56%) of MENA respondents believe following factors: the ease of starting a What’s next?
that entrepreneurship in the MENA is new business (52%), lack of bureaucracy The craze of self-employment has just
somewhat difficult or very difficult. in procedures and paperwork (52%), ease begun and is expected to soon fuel the
The top three difficulties cited by those of finding finances to start a business next generation of jobs in the MENA
who have started their own business (50%), market willingness to accept new region. Entrepreneurship has a ripple
ideas and innovations (68%), market effect on societies: it leads not only to
When it comes to reasons for being saturation (55%), the ability to find new jobs, but also to better services
self-employed, 54% of respondents in the local talent to employ (52%), and the and an improvement in the standard of
Entrepreneurship in the Middle East survey affordability of taxes and fees (48%). living, giving individuals a greater stake
say they do it for personal fulfillment; Other cities such as Manama, Sharjah, in the future. Fortunately, more and
40% believe it affords them the freedom to Muscat and Doha, also emerged in the top more people in the MENA are looking
determine their work-life balance; and 36% cities that scored extremely well on the at entrepreneurship options. Despite
do it because they believe it brings about entrepreneurship factors used in the Top the challenges, our research indicates
higher monetary gains. Cities in the Middle East survey. that entrepreneurship has become more
popular than ever before.
Encouraging entrepreneurship should
Career> Growth
career growth be every country’s focus across the
region, as it bolsters the economy and
3
7 8 4 4
11
3
10
3 3
8
7 drives innovation. While young people
16 18
25 18
16 in the MENA are keen to start their
30 23 26 own business, financing is still a key
25
34 34 hindrance that business owners face. This
28 40 31 30
39 may suggest that the region needs more
30
22
investors to step in and help aspiring
22
entrepreneurs through funds, business
25 21 21 27 27
21 31 15 mentorship, lobbying for less bureaucratic
6 3
3 4 4 4 3 1 7 hurdles, micro-financing, and promoting
Algiers Manama Alexandria Cairo Amman Kuwait City Beirut Casablanca
the spirit of entrepreneurship, among
other solutions to turn the startup dream
into a reality.
Don't Know Bad Poor Average Good Excellent
Suhail Al-Masri is the VP of Sales at Bayt.com. Al-Masri has more than 20 years of experience in sales leadership, consultative sales, account manage-
ment, marketing management, and operations management. His mission at Bayt.com goes in line with the company’s mission to empower people with
the tools and knowledge to build their lifestyles of choice.
TREPONOMICS ETHICS | ESQUIRE GUY | SKILLSET | MARKETING | PRO
I
itself was a busy year in video Video consumption
n the ever-changing fast-paced world of digital, marketing: in July, YouTube in MENA
social and mobile communications, complete announced that 400 hours What’s driving increasing
of video were being uploaded consumption here in the
with 24-hour news cycles and Facebook, Twitter, to the site every minute, Middle East is the fact that
Snapchat et al reinventing the publishing model, and in November, Facebook you can easily watch video on
we will see video communications for brands and announced that they are the go on mobile platforms like
services become mission critical as newsfeeds become generating eight billion video YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat
overcrowded and result in reduced engagement over views per day. According to and Instagram, and in a
Tubular Labs, 654.7 million mobile-first market, this is
time. This, combined with ad blocking in various forms, videos have been uploaded very important for businesses
means that businesses need to focus on quality content, by 66.7 million creators in to understand. According to
and services with “fewer, bigger, better” video-first ads the last year to more than 30 IPSOS MENA’s 2015 Digital
that offer a powerful combination of superior audi- video platforms. And these Audiences in MENA report,
videos have 2.8 trillion views, video features in the top four
ence targeting, engaging creative, and user interaction. or an average of 4,390 views
Shows like CES this year have changed the game plan per video. But that’s old news. Let your communication
again, launching new technologies and new platforms What does the future of video be a reflection of your
like Peach, which means that entrepreneurs can be left marketing look like? And how voice and those within your
should you understand what’s business. The adage, ‘people
scratching their heads, wondering what this is all about, buy from people,’ still
best to deliver effective video
and how they can best catch up. If you haven’t heard marketing on your corporate
rings true, and nothing
is more effective than
already, video is the single biggest content format that websites, social platforms, and
www.youtube.com
companies, whether large or ture from the normal strategy and gender info, the
small, can become really smart of including a non-sports star resulting personal
video producers. It doesn’t in fitness/health messaging profile automatically
necessarily require huge campaigns. The release of tailors the short
production budgets (although Kevin Hart’s Training: Inner film to the perceived
that is a nice to have). Strength video is really im- preferences of the
pressive, and his attitude and viewer. For example,
1. Plan video as part of his drive are very inspiring. the action may be dif-
overall communications ferent in some scenes,
In the new era of video- 2. Be social one character may get
first where you can produce Rest assured, if you aren’t more screen time than
360-degree immersive video maintaining a strong online another, and certain
for your restaurant or hotel, it social presence, it’s likely scenes may be cut
is important to get the basics that your competitor is. altogether. Storyline
right, and that means you need Find the websites and social and direction aside,
to start with a plan and a plan networks your audience hangs the whole appearance
to invest both time, effort and out, and dedicate some time of a shot can be altered with remain the same– try and
some money into this highly (yourself or somebody else) different color grading, and the make sure you spend enough
effective way to sell. to developing a voice in that film’s score takes cues from time getting to know your
Video storytelling over time arena. You don’t need to be your music tastes. I know this customer well enough to tailor
requires thought, planning, everywhere; you just need might sound a bit in the realm the content and the platform
management, creation, pro- to be somewhere relevant. of Star Trek, but the principle you choose to their habits and
duction, deployment, analysis Choose which social networks for you and your business behaviors.
of what is resonating, ampli- you plan to utilize, and then
fication through smart media create a library of great What’s driving increasing 3. Have a GIGGLE- ENTERTAIN
activation, and fan/influencer content that genuinely engages consumption here in the people!
programs. It sounds daunting, with those that matter most. Middle East is the fact that Why is Netflix one of the most
but the rewards can be huge. The BBC has taken this one you can easily watch video on successful new brands of our
Find out what you want your step further by developing the go on mobile platforms time? Because it delivers
like YouTube, Facebook,
video stories to do for your a mobile app that analyzes Snapchat and Instagram, and
entertaining content to us
business, and then you can music listening habits, and in a mobile-first market, when we want it, how we
plan more efficiently. Already asks questions about users’ this is very important for want it, ad free! If you apply
in 2016, we can see a depar- personalities. Paired with age businesses to understand. a similar approach to your
www.youtube.com
4. Tutorials
Another way to get your
customer’s attention is by
posting tutorials. Tutorials
help viewers by offering them
valuable information, and
those who have benefited
from them will more likely
check your brand again. Over
time, it creates trust and
helps establish you as an
Emirates Benfica Safety Video campain
expert in the industry. The
secret to keep your audience
engaged? Make them wonder 6. Explore app marketing 8. Be authentic to your you should, wherever possible,
what happens at the end of with videos core business values make significant investment in
the video. Look no further There has been a seismic shift Let your communication be quality production to explore
than the queen of tutorials in in the way users utilize mobile a reflection of your voice and innovative methods in video
the UAE, Huda Kattan, for an apps. Whether it’s music, those within your business. creation such as 360, VR,
exemplary showcase of how games or entertainment, The adage, ‘people buy from interactive video.
you can turn how-to’s into a people are spending more time people,’ still rings true, and
multimillion dollar business. consuming content on apps, nothing is more effective than 10. Key marketing prin-
driving superior engagement watching real people with real ciples remain in place
5. Optimize your video and value for businesses. Get stories. Develop a content Finally, video marketing is
for search the best of both worlds by library that helps clients still marketing- the princi-
Don’t let your hard work go to utilizing video to allow your understand your business, ples remain the same. Create
waste. You can make the most audience to get a glimpse of how you operate, what you great ideas, which will make
out of your video marketing what your app is about. believe in, and meets the people either like, comment or
campaign by optimizing people that make up your share– if they don’t, then they
your content for search. Just 7. Experiment with new team. won’t be successful. Start with
like plain text, video can be technology listening, understanding, plan-
optimized for search engines. 360-degree video and 9. Budget ning; develop a list of what
In fact, search engines favor shooting in 4K might sound Remember to budget properly. you want to say, decide how
video content over written scary, but there are plenty Just because it’s online doesn’t best to say it (what format
content. The best way to of really fantastic agencies mean it’s cheaper, or that you you can produce and whether
impact your search ranking (like ours) that can create can get away with a bad job the story makes sense in that
using video marketing is to use this type of video content under UGC. On the contrary, format) and finally develop a
transcriptions. You can unlock for you, if you feel your story strategy of how you intend on
content in videos by making warrants the investment. For According to IPSOS MENA’s getting it out there, then ask
2015 Digital Audiences in MENA
it available to search engines some inspiration from the report, video features in the your communications team
using indexing and including masters of video storytelling, top four activities in KSA and or PR agency to support you.
transcriptions in the HTML I would strongly recommend UAE on desktop and mobile. They’re the masters at story-
of the pages where the videos you take a look at Red Bull’s YouTube clocked in the top telling regardless of platform,
three favorite websites to use
are on. A well-optimized Kaleidoscope. It is literally the on either your phone or at home
and can probably help you and
video will get people into your best piece of film work I have to consume video content in your business get started on
channel and deliver traffic. seen in over five years. both markets. this front.
Ema Linaker is the Director of Digital Middle East at Edelman. She is a digital native who has been working integrated communications for leading brands
and agencies for over 20 years. She has worked at Google, Nuance, Ogilvy & Mather, and prior to her current role at Edelman, she used to head up Leo
Burnett’s team of social, mobile and digital experts, working on multinational brands like McDonalds, Samsung and P&G.
W
hile e-commerce startups offer some advantages to shoppers with e-commerce companies
cheaper prices, product variety and the convenience of shopping from probably have also done
home, it can arguably lag behind established offline stores and big box the same, the chances are
that online shoppers will
retailers in branding, personalized assistance and customer service, not recognize the names of
the ability to instantly get the product that was bought, and a showroom that most of the online stores for
enables the shopper to try out the product before buying the same. However, a period of time until they
e-commerce startups can bridge these gaps and sharpen their value propositions actually try them out. While
by focusing on five key areas of online reputation, delivery and logistics, building trust takes time
and cannot be rushed, online
warranty and returns, customer service support and shopping experience. This
stores should focus from
article discusses the online shoppers’ “concerns” in each of these areas, the day one on building their
offline commerce advantage, and the practical ways e-commerce startups can online brand reputation
give themselves an edge and attract offline shoppers their way. through social media chan-
nels and providing excellent
customer service to build a
good reputation and generate
repeat purchases. Here are a
few things that you can start
doing today:
Haneen Dabain is the founder of pricena.com, the leading price comparison website in the Middle East. In two years, Pricena has grown to serve one
million monthly visits, comparing prices of more than one million products from 150 online stores in UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. In 2015,
Pricena was awarded the accolade of Online Startup of the Year at Entrepreneur Middle East’s Enterprise Agility Awards. Prior to launching Pricena,
Dabain worked in web development and management of digital projects.
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business unusual | LIFE | TRAVEL | DESIGN | TRAPPINGS
CULTURE
W
hether you’re check. Contract- check.
seated across the Salary- check. Yup, seems
table from a client, like a real job to me.
a colleague in a different
department, or even family 4. “I could do social media. I
and friends, the inevitable spend two hours a night on
perception of having a Facebook and 9gag.”
career in digi is that you’re I dare you to try dealing
automatically their very with trolls for a day. Then
own personal Facebook come up with a response
guru. You’re also the go-to protocol and crisis strategy.
person in the group for every Get it approved. Implement
Instagram/Snapchat related it. Go on. I dare you. Heck,
concern. When corporate let’s just take a quick gander
talk is being tossed around at Facebook’s Power Editor
the table, you’re looked at dashboard.
strangely for contributing 8. “What do you mean you you, Mr. Landscaper, build
your opinion because you 5. “So you’re into social media, haven’t seen [insert YouTube my entertainment room, set
“sit on Facebook all day and right?” viral video name here]? Don’t up my garden, dig the pool
call it a job.” So, on behalf of Please don’t ask me to do you sit on the Internet all day and in return, I’ll buy you a
social media professionals something for you or end for a living?” drink. Deal?
everywhere, I’d like to share this short exchange with, Let me do all social media
a few truths. Here are the “Could I pick your brain for professionals a favor and 10. “How can I make it go viral?”
top 10 things that we hear a few minutes?” explain this once and for Unless you’re talking
often (and that you should all: we’re usually logged about the stomach bug or
never say): 6. “Your job must be so much into a Facebook account flu, please don’t use that
fun. I actually have to work linked to our company/ sentence. What makes
1. “So do you get paid to sit on all day.” client or Facebook Business content go viral is a unique
Facebook all day?” I wasn’t aware that Manager. Same for Twitter connect with the audience.
Just no. Why? Do engineers developing proposals, and ditto for Instagram. So make sure your idea is
get paid to play arts and strategies, client servicing, So when we haven’t heard relevant to their interests,
crafts? Do surgeons get paid team-building, and of the new PSY video or is spontaneous and well-
to play Operation? Do not more doesn’t qualify as what 5/7 ratings mean, it crafted, and even a little
belittle somebody’s job. actual work. Enlighten shouldn’t come as that much bold. If all else fails- put a
me, corporate Zeus of of a surprise. Contrary to kitten in it and boom! Viral.
2. “How do I get more all universes. What does popular opinion, we do not
followers on my personal “working” entail? scroll through our personal
Instagram?” newsfeeds all day long we’re usually logged
This may come as a surprise 7. “How do you not have the LOL-ing and commenting on into a Facebook account
to you, but major global new Snapchat [or any other statuses and current events. linked to our company/cli-
brands don’t pay us to get currently trending platform] Also, we don’t care which ent or Facebook Business
their CEOs more followers update? Don’t you work in way dogs should wear pants. Manager. Same for Twitter
on pictures of their kids and social media?” and same for Instagram.
cat memes. Yes. And when you work 9. “Could you give me a social So when we haven’t heard
in auditing, do you have media strategy for my business of the new PSY video or
3. “So is this social media thing every update and app that this week?” what 5/7 ratings mean, it
like a real job now?” functions like Excel? No? “I’ll buy you lunch, in shouldn’t come as that
Let’s see. Line manager- That’s treachery! return.” Okay, cool! And much of a surprise.
Shyaire Ganglani is a true digital native in the field of consultancy with a keen interest in all things technology-related. Fascinated with the
power of digital and social marketing, she is currently a Social Strategist at Social@Ogilvy. Having previously worked with recognized brands to
connect with their target audiences via community management, creative copy writing, campaign management, and visualizing key social and
mobile apps, Ganglani now works with key government clients in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and global technology clients to create brand strategies
and adventures. www.shyaireganglani.com
EHang 184,
personal
Autonomous
Aerial Vehicle
Samsung Electronics
introduced a brand new
refrigeration category. The
Family Hub Refrigerator
reconnects families, provides
entertainment, organizes
groceries and home tasks
BMW head-up display with a digital kick. It does it all CES 2016 Virtual Reality
from a 21.5 inch full HD LCD The world as you know it
CES 2016 Automotive Get a head start screen located on the upper
right exterior door. The screen HTC introduced Vive Pre with a
Luxury carmaker, BMW, fuel level, travel speed and allows you to post, share and fresh design and new features. It’s
displayed a concept helmet selected gear, speed limit update calendars, pin photos improved visual system has brighter
with head-up display for and road sign recognition, and leave notes– all with the displays and an even deeper
motorcyclists. The intent is plus warnings of impending ease and convenience of your sense of presence. Regarding the
to give riders a safer way to dangers. The helmet, fitted smartphone. Outfitted with hardware, interchangeable foam
access information while on with an integrated mini- three high quality cameras inserts and nose gaskets make
the road. The BMW head-up computer and loudspeakers, inside which capture an the Vive Pre fit comfortably and
display projects traffic or is controlled from the image every time the door securely, and it’s easily adjusted to
vehicle information directly left-hand handlebar fittings closes, you can keep tabs on suit a variety of facial shapes and
into the rider’s field of view, using the BMW Motorrad consumption and even peek can even accommodate eyeglasses.
allowing you to keep your multicontroller. And, there’s inside your fridge remotely The newly-developed front facing
eye on traffic. All displays more to come: BMW plans to using your mobile device. Even camera allows you to do more both
are programmable and show give purpose to the cameras if you’re already at the store inside and outside your virtual world
safety-related information in the helmet by allowing the and forget to check on what by blending physical elements into
like tire pressure, oil level and rider to record journeys with you need, you can pull up the the virtual space. Being able to take
the forward-facing camera or Samsung Smart Home app a seat, find your drink, and carry
use the rear-facing camera and have a look right into your on conversations without removing
as a digital rear-view mirror. Family Hub fridge. How’s that your headset is only the beginning
According to BMW, the for making the grocery list of what’s possible with Vive Pre.
Motorrad helmet is an early obsolete! Completing the VR experience,
initiative to improve road the Vive’s controllers have been
Samsung Family Hub
safety for motorcycle riders. Refrigirator overhauled and enhanced with
It only gets better! softer edges, greater balance, new
textured buttons, and grip pads
for a more comfortable feel in the
CES 2016 Mobile Pick pocket hand. The new dual stage trigger
also makes interaction with objects
Speck unveiled a pocket- reality. When closed, retract- smoother, and haptic feedback
friendly virtual reality viewer able side panels fold into a delivers vital information about your
designed to give you a quick perfectly flat, self-contained interactions with the virtual world.
and easy VR experience. The package that shields lenses For power, the controllers now fea-
compact headset is a Google from dust and scratches, and ture integrated rechargeable lithium
Cardboard-certified viewer slides easily into a pocket polymer batteries with micro-USB
that works with Speck’s or purse for on-the-go ac- charging that provides over four
CandyShell Grip smartphone cessibility. Pocket VR with hours of runtime on a single charge.
case to provide a rich viewing CandyShell Grip will be With Vive Pre, HTC’s second gen-
experience for 3D content, available for iPhone 6s/6 and eration VR system for developers,
virtual and augmented Galaxy S6. the human imagination is bound-
less; create your virtual world.
Pocket VR
A
and provide great personal
s we enter the first leg of 2016, many of us, with our goals and revelations.
intentions in mind and on paper, take to the battlefield to cre- Success requires
ate a life of purpose, growth, and intention. We all start with sacrifice
The second reason we often
great intentions caught up in the euphoria of a new year. Each of us fail to achieve our intentions
know many men and women who start well but don’t finish strong. is passion and motivation
starts to fade with time and
Life throws us curveballs and challenges, motivation fades and, before people begin to second guess
long, well-intended goals and desires begin to fade into the distance. their desires, as well as their
that play to our strengths, Get serious We all need to who educate ourselves. We of making excuses we can so
passions and life purpose. be mindful that if we want to educate ourselves by opening easily fall into.
Mark Sephton is an international personal mentor to entrepreneurs, basing his program on a GPS system with eight key fundamentals. This system
reveals blind spots, efficiencies and deficiencies, and is used to find your “inner sniper” to improve your instinct, producing devastating results in
your own revolution of discovery. It is hard to see the picture when you’re in the frame. Changing the way you think through culture and mindset
shifts and being introduced to game-changing habits helps increase your productivity and skyrocket your personal brand. www.marksephton.com
Retail Leaders Circle is the perfect opportunity for senior retail executives to engage and network with some
of the most recognized leaders in the industry today. Here’s what’s in store for you at RLC:
Exclusive to 100 Retail Leaders Two Retail Days of powerful networking
Innovation Showcase and Inspirational Sessions One Leadership Day from Cass Business School
Take a breather at
Oscar-nominated Arab
movie Theeb
the office
B
reathing is a for a few moments, allow-
great way to ing your mind and body
prep yourself for to settle.
a big meeting or
calm down after 2. Rest your left hand on
a particularly stressful your lap or knee. Make a
situation. Entrepreneur peace sign with your right
and yoga instructor hand. Fold the two ex-
Danielle Abisaab says tended fingers toward the
that practicing alternate palm or rest them lightly
nostril breathing is an on the bridge of your
easy way to get a clear nose. Place your thumb
head in the midst of a gently onto your right
hectic day. “Our nose nostril. Place your ring
is directly linked to our and little fingers gently
brain and nervous system. onto your left nostril.
Breathing in through the
left nostril awakens and
energizes the right ‘feel-
ing’ hemisphere of the
brain, and breathing in
through the right nostril
awakens and energizes
T
activating and equalizing
he Middle East’s Center, British-Jordanian both opposing energies 3. Close your eyes and be-
cinema community director Naji Abu Nowar re- throughout the whole gin by softly closing your
is celebrating one of vealed that he was a fan of the brain.” right nostril (using your
its own- Theeb, a Western genre, and much like UnionSquareYoga right thumb) and inhale
Jordanian film about how acclaimed filmmaker Akira @Yoga_Holic slowly, deeply, smoothly,
a young Bedouin boy set in Kurosawa adapted it to Japanese gently and without strain
the World War I era, has been culture, Abu Nowar wanted to CALM DOWN IN SIX through your left nostril.
nominated for a 2016 Academy do the same for Bedouin culture EASY STEPS
Award in the Foreign Lan- with Theeb. 1. Sit in any comfortable 4. Close your left nostril
guage Film category. The film, Having traversed the film seated position. Relax the (using your ring and little
which has been privy to praise festival circuit since its world body and breath naturally fingers) and release clo-
from Jordanian royals like Her premiere at Venice Film Festival sure of your right. Exhale
Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdul- 2014 (where Abu Nowar won the through your right nostril.
lah and HRH Prince Ali bin Al Best Director award), the movie Inhale through your right
Hussein, was backed by SANAD, has also been nominated for the nostril.
twofour54’s development and British Academy Film Awards
post production fund, and Doha for the Best Film Not in the Eng- 5. Close your right nostril
Film Institute, and was also sup- lish Language, and Outstanding and release closure of
ported by the Switzerland-based Debut by a British Writer, Direc- your left. Exhale through
visions sud est. tor or Producer categories. Com- your left nostril. This
Theeb features non-profes- peting against Colombia’s Em- completes one round.
sional actors from the Bedouin brace of the Serpent , France’s Continue the pattern for
Theeb movie still image credit twofour54
community as its central cast, Mustang, Hungary’s Son of Saul as many rounds of breath
and has been described as a and Denmark’s A War, if Theeb as you wish.
coming-of-age film set against wins at this year’s Oscars, it
the backdrop of the Ottoman will be the first Arab film to be 6. When you’re finished:
empire in 1916. In an interview awarded an Academy Award. relax both arms, sit and
with the Film Society of Lincoln Fingers crossed, everyone! breathe naturally for a few
Beirut-based yoga instructor and moments before opening
entrepreneur Danielle Abisaab your eyes.
Indoor Pool
Four Seasons Amman
Lobby
Lobby
Executive Suite
Bedroom
Get settled in
of travel,” says Hoogewijs, his career that has crossed
listing the countless perks continents, Hoogewijs says
(comfortably)
that the 15-storey property that one salient lesson stands
offers guests and noting that out: “I have learned over the
the 192 rooms have a “resi- years that it doesn’t matter
The Four Seasons Amman prides itself on dential” feel that helps guests where you are, everyone
genuine hospitality to get settled easily. “This wants to be treated with
appointment to [our] Amman respect. Compared to our
W
“ e are primarily a
business hotel so
most of our efforts
and I’m excited to be leading
the effort. By introducing
so many new and unique
property was doubly satisfy-
ing for the opportunity it
gives me to finally experience
properties in Asia or the
Middle East, we are of course
very different, but as with all
in our strategy is things to the experience, we Jordanian culture. I have no Four Seasons properties we
targeted towards are showing guests and the worries about relating to the pride ourselves in offering
the business client,” explains Jordanian community that community or the hotel staff, genuine hospitality!”
Vincent Hoogewijs adding we are committed to moving which is 98% Jordanian.”
that 70% of the Four Seasons forward with the times.” As a global hospitality
Amman’s guest roster are Hoogewijs, who has served expert (he first joined the
visiting the Kingdom for at the executive level in company in 2004 as the
work. The General Manager more than a dozen countries Hotel Manager of the Four
of the hotel also serves in a including Australia, Morocco, Seasons Hotel Bangkok)
dual capacity as the brand’s and Mexico, says that the which Four Seasons does he
Regional Vice President, and executive guest prizes “unob- find a must-see destination?
is currently overseeing the trusive” and efficient service “I had the opportunity to stay
full top-to-bottom renovation above all things, followed by at both of our properties in
of the prestige property- no constant connectivity and a the Maldives and this trip
mean feat. “We want to bevy of available amenities. will remain in my memory for Four Seasons Amman General Manager and
evolve our brand in Amman, “Executives travelling to ever. Not only are both resorts Regional Vice President Vincent Hoogewijs
in all rooms and suites. The Four CCTV linkups, and intelligent light-
Seasons Executive Suite and the ing systems.” ences, we are renovating our first while discovering Jordan. We are a
Deluxe Four Seasons Executive floor to result in the launch of a city destination, with some great
Suite both include an executive MUNCH “I have a lot of favorite new concept restaurant/bar that resort and spa facilities so that
desk while the two-bedroom Royal dishes at our hotel restaurants, will reposition the hotel in the Am- your stay for business can also be
Suite has a dining room that ac- but if I had to pick just one I’d say man market. This French-inspired enjoyed with the excellent leisure
commodates 12 people.” our Levant cuisine restaurant Olea brasserie will be the ‘place to be’ facilities. The highlight of the hotel
is truly special. At Olea, you can for all city guests with its fresh, is our intimately scaled spa, where
experience home-style Levant cui- elegant and approachable atmo- guests can discover the relaxing,
Five Grill
sine in an atmosphere that reflects sphere. We will also be launching restorative benefits of Dead Sea
the renowned hospitality and an exclusive whisky and cigar bar mud treatments and salt scrubs
generosity of the Eastern Mediter- that will be a very unique and luxu- or enjoy the healing benefits of
ranean region. If I had to pick one rious experience for guests.” Balinese and Thai massages.
dish, I’d have to pick the Kebbeh Working out at the Fitness Center
Neyyeh, which is raw minced lamb DOWNTIME “Four Seasons Hotel motivates guests with magnificent
with crushed wheat, onion, herbs Amman is unique: we are not city views, and then unwinding at
and that delicious garlic cream on only located in the capital city of the indoor and outdoor swimming
the side. Celebrating Amman’s Jordan, but also very central for all pools makes for a perfect end to a
most sought-after dining experi- other sightseeing you wish to do relaxing day.”
Five Grill
images courtesy Four Seasons Amman
Rafael Nadal
‘Trep trimmings
The executive
selection
F
rom better goods to boardroom
wardrobe bests, each issue we choose
a few items that make the approved
executive selection list. In this issue,
we present men’s better footwear by Corthay,
a timepiece made for the best of the best
(seriously), and our suggestions for scents and
skincare to add to your grooming routine.
Corthay
Arvca Vernis
Framboise
Good sportsmanship
Richard Mille is made for the boutique, having visited the luxury
best of the best brand’s Middle East outlet during
Rafael Nadal, global influencer, award the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016. In
winning athlete, and dashing man partnership with Ali Bin Ali Watches
about town, was most recently seen in & Jewelry, the luxury mainstay’s
Qatar wearing nothing less than a rare newest outlet is located on The Pearl.
Richard Mille timepiece produced in Tennis champion Nadal will be put-
Hot stepper service that guarantees only 50 models. The RM 27-02 Tour- ting his eponymous fine showpiece to
Corthay creates discerning clients a billon Rafael Nadal, a feat of engineer- the stress test during his high impact
footwear that you 100% handcrafted design ing and industrial design, is shown matches. All in good time, my friend,
can take seriously over a 50-hour develop- here on Nadal during his visit to the all in good time.
There is almost noth- ment and creation phase newly launched Richard Mille Doha www.richardmille.com
ing better to get you on Rue Volney (situated
boardroom prepped than near the Place Vendôme). The RM 27-02
an expertly-made shoe. One interesting en-
Craftsmanship and fine trepreneurial factoid:
design by Corthay in a the French Ministry of
diverse range of inter- Culture bestowed the
esting hues and forms title of ‘Maitre d’Art’ on
ensures that you don’t founder Pierre Corthay,
have to give up your and he’s the only men’s
sense of individuality to shoemaker in history
find executive wardrobe- to receive the honor. A
appropriate footwear. In (literally) distinguished
images © RICHARD MILLE, CORTHAY
I
n the summer of 2010, Rachelle Friedman was top of the pool until her face emerged. It was immediately
preparing for one of the best periods of her life. obvious that something was wrong. “This isn’t a joke,”
She was recently engaged, surrounded by her she said. Her head had struck the bottom of the pool
best friends, and enjoying her bachelorette party. and shattered two vertebrae. In particular, the fracture
Friedman and her friends were spending the day at of her C6 vertebra severed her spinal cord and left her
the pool when one of them playfully pushed her into the permanently paralyzed from the chest down. She would
shallow end of the water. Friedman floated slowly to the never walk again.
or you suffer a serious injury another person lost the use of the change, but we forget the
James Clear writes at JamesClear.com, where he uses behavior science to share ideas for mastering your habits, improving your
health, and increasing your creativity. To get useful ideas on improving your mental and physical performance, join his free newsletter
JamesClear.com/newsletter. To have James speak at your entrepreneurial event contact him jamesclear.com/contact.
H
ere’s what the psychologists and co-author of bestselling manage-
think about praise: “Positive ment book The Carrot Principle- at
reinforcement works better Best Buy and many other businesses
than punishment.” the Harvard study looked at, simple
Here’s what the management recognition was the single most im-
experts think: “Employee recognition portant factor.
leads to profit.” “The number one driver of engage-
Here’s what the neurologists think: ment is opportunity and well-being,”
“Dopamine, which is released in the he says. “The number one driver of
brain any time we hear something we opportunity and well-being is recog-
like, is a powerful chemical.” nition and appreciation. The Harvard
Here’s what the psychologists, man- study showed that you don’t just
agement experts and neurologists want employees satisfied, you want
think when someone in a position of them engaged, because an engaged
power tells them they’re doing a great employee gives you their discretion-
job: “Hell, yeah!” (That, of course, is ary efforts.”
the dopamine talking.) For psychologists, the wisdom of
that investment is obvious. “Praising
It’s hard to come up with praise on people for what they do right seems
the fly. And the one being praised
knows that. If you take advantage to be more effective, regardless of
of a chance encounter -if the oppor- whether you think it’s nice or not,”
tunity to praise someone was never says Dr. Laura Carstensen, a profes-
even supposed to happen- then what sor of psychology at Stanford Univer-
you’re saying is perceived as authen-
sity whose work focuses on motiva-
tic. The moment is simply an outlet
for gratitude. tion. “People buy lottery tickets, and
mathematicians often say, ‘How can
How important is praise in business? you waste that money?’ Psycholo-
Extremely important. Research has gists have a slightly different view,
been done. Analytics, even. A 2010 and that is, if buying a ticket for a
study published in Harvard Busi- fairly small amount of money allows HOW TO GIVE IT
ness Review found that at electronics you to dream and to think you might Most management experts stress the
retailer Best Buy, a 0.1% increase get to savor the anticipation of what importance of specificity. “You want
in employee engagement drove that reward might look like, that’s to balance praise with construc-
US$100,000 in operating income to probably worth the money.” tive feedback,” says psychologist Dr.
the bottom line of each store per year. Praise is like that. It involves very Wayne Nemeroff, CEO and co-found-
Now, employee engagement involves little effort and produces a lot in er of PsyMax Solutions, a Cleveland-
lots of things, of course: personal return. It’s a no-brainer, even for based provider of “integrated human
fulfillment, career advancement and people who are otherwise ingrates. capital management tools.” Nemeroff
free coffee. But according to Chester So that’s why you should give suggests, “Recall a particular situa-
Elton -speaker, motivation expert praise. But how? tion and describe a specific behavior;
Is your
business going
to attract
THE funds you
need?
Regional investors in entities both big
and small tell you what they look for when
evaluating your pitch
W
hen evaluating a pitch, here are what some of the MENA region’s
investors look for in your business model, and what might sway them
in your favor. Some of these investors look at early-stage and even
ideation, others in this list only consider large-scale models. At the
core of the matter is that a pitch is a pitch, and you’ll notice that these investors
all mention a few essential points… like how much drive and motivation you and
your co-founders have to make your business work. Does your enterprise have
what (and who) it takes to secure funds?
“
W
hen evaluating a pitch,
investors have standard
guidelines for formulating an
investment decision. Beyond
the required basics, below are specific ele-
ments, unique to our investment philoso-
phy, that we particularly take note of.
Mehmet Atici
member of the founding team at Earlybird Digital East Fund | www.earlybird.com | @ms_atici @EarlyBirdVC
“
B
efore we invest, we’re crucial to show your progres- chunks of money to their solve, what value you provide
looking for startups sion and the results you got investors, that means every and how you make money.
that can demonstrate since you have started your opportunity they invest in Explaining your product at a
traction. Every smart inves- company. needs to be sizeable enough. basic level is sufficient and,
tor wants to see numbers and Third is team- includ- in fact, better; if it is inter-
Rather than long-term
will be driven by the momen- ing biographies in the deck esting enough the investor
financial projections, the
tum created by the founders. investor is more interested is a must to demonstrate will always dig deeper.
Although the satisfying level in 6-12-18-month plans which relevant work experience and Finally, we look at the raise
of traction may differ for are naturally more realistic education background. Every amount and use of proceeds.
different types of investors, and showing whether key large company built, without As an entrepreneur, you have
next steps or key hires are
the entrepreneur should be an exception, has amaz- to be sure about how much
already determined.”
able to complement his story ing people running them. money you want to raise
with convincing traction. Secondly, mostly referred as Scaling a small startup into and where you will spend it
At Earlybird, we seek to see the, ‘How big can this get?’ a sizeable business is quite on. Rather than long-term
product-market fit when question, opportunity size complex and requires high financial projections, the
developing our investment is one of the crucial fac- caliber, right skills besides investor is more interested in
thesis. Whereas a seed/angel tors. Targetable market size hard work. 6-12-18-month plans which
investor might be satisfied should be large enough for Fourth is value proposition, are naturally more realistic
by just seeing early results VC investors. In order for VC meaning that the investor and showing whether key
from a few number of happy mathematics to work, large has to be clear about what next steps or key hires are
customers. Either way, it is funds have to return huge you do, which problem you already determined.”
T
Sami Abou
expertise in the area of the
startup. For the technol-
years of operation. Some
red flags in startups that
Saab, CEO of “ he top five things I expect to see
in an investment pitch are:
Speed@BDD
ogy startups we invest in we see are: non-scalable
at Speed@BDD, we look business models, a business 1. Clarity I like to know that the
for at least one technical model that has to change in entrepreneur knows what he/she is
co-founder for the startup the future for it to remain talking about.
to totally own its plat- attractive to customers,
form and to develop it. We business models that have 2. Passion It is vitally important to
look for an idea that has very high customer acquisi- feel that the entrepreneur loves the
a sustainable and repeat- tion cost and that require a idea and is passionate about it.
able business model, and lot of initial investment for
for a scalable idea that goes proving the concept, and 3. Scalability Ideas should be
beyond the initial target business models that are scalable to ensure sustainability.
geography, and that can dependent on other players
4. Numbers The numbers should
Samih Toukan add up and should be realistic.
I
“ prefer startups ask for help and advice as the pitch thing, here’s what I’d be waiting see if it works or not!”
opposed to pitching. Their questions will to hear:
hold everything I need to know: team,
product, traction, challenges, what they’ve 1. INTRO Who are the team? What are
learned, and how I can add value. That said, you out to solve? What do you know that
if you manage to get me to watch you do others don’t? What have you proven to be
true that others believe is false? Use simple
terms, and no buzz words.
Mohammed Mohammed
Al-Ayouti,
“ W
hen considering an
investment pitch,
here are the first five
things I look for:
2. PROVEN ABILITY TO
EXECUTE Can the entrepre-
neurs pull it off? This would
be most apparent by how the
“
startup has progressed so far,
but can also be assessed from
their track record in previous
startups, and/or their career
experience.
3. MARKET UNDERSTANDING 4. COACHABILITY From expe- Can the entrepreneurs pull setting out to do 100x growth?
Does the team understand rience, the odds of success for it off? This would be most A big watch-out here is
the space they’re in? Do they an entrepreneur who is always apparent by how the startup founder compensation: entre-
know their competitors? Also, ‘right’ are very slim. It’s very has progressed so far, but preneurs seeking large salaries
I stay away from entrepreneurs likely that the startup will can also be assessed from imply that they seek comfort
their track record in previous
who say it’s an X billion dollar change direction a few times or aren’t confident about their
startups, and/or their career
market so if we get 1% we’ll be along the road as it seeks its experience. startup, and that they are
great. The question is how will product-market fit, and the diverting a large chunk of the
you achieve that 1%? Bottom- CEO has to show that he or 5. HUNGER Are the entrepre- investment -given that we’re
up sizing beats top-down she will listen and respond to neurs out there to create a in early stage- straight to their
sizing in my book. feedback. lifestyle business or are they pockets.”
I
nfiniti Middle East As a global marketplace
held its first speed wherein anyone can learn
pitching session in and teach with anyone on
December last year, a one-to-one basis in real
which gave 30 bud- time, Teach Me Now’s busi-
ding entrepreneurs ness model is as follows:
seven minutes to tutors can set up their
pitch their ideas to three own hourly rate, with the
judges in an Infiniti Q70, startup selling with a 15%
while being driven around markup for access to their
one of Dubai Autodrome’s virtual classrooms, and a
racetracks. Talk about a pay-as-you-go system, so
memorable elevator pitch, that students only pay for
right? That was how the time they spend learning
Teach Me Now founder with tutor of their choice. and CEO Dr. Ali Infinity Lab, Hong Kong
Thea Myhrvold described With an average hourly rate Baghdadi is a
the experience too. The of $25 per hour, some of the mentor and chair-
25-year-old founder of the platform’s classes include man of the board
educational tech platform languages, math, chess the- for Teach Me
was selected to represent the ory, programming and cur- Now, the startup
GCC and Levant region along riculums for IB, GCSE, SAT, also boasts of
with two other startups, and Ivy League graduates as a partnership
social network Fallaha and well. Myhrvold believes that with Microsoft’s
booking appointment app user feedback is essential in BizSpark, a three-
Bookr. The contest’s finish improving their product, so year program that
line (excuse our pun) was developing and creating new helps startups
held at the Infiniti Lab in features, such as launching by providing free access to how the legal and business
Hong Kong, where the three white-label and customized Microsoft’s cloud services, infrastructures can still be
finalists received mentoring solutions for schools, insti- tools and support. This improved, while commend-
and coaching sessions with tutes and governments for partnership with BizSpark ing startup hubs and incuba-
Infiniti and Nest executives. more teachers and students proved to be especially tors in5 and AstroLabs for
Myhrvold’s startup won to use their technology is worthwhile, because thanks helping in reducing setting
the final round of the pitch part of their next phase. Up to it, Myhrvold had the up costs. “It is hard for small
after a 10-minute presenta- and coming partnerships chance to meet Microsoft tech companies -who don’t
tion and a Q&A with the is also on Teach Me Now’s CEO Satya Nadella during need an office- to set up
panel of judges, and gained agenda. his visit to Dubai in January shop and hire people to even
US$40,000 in seed funding. While Aptec founder this year. “To have an hour get to MVP,” says Myhrvold,
with someone of his caliber noting that these hurdles are
listening to what we do, usually lower barriers to en-
giving us feedback and po- try elsewhere. However, she
tentially strengthening our insists the incentives to start
partnership beyond BizSpark up a business in Dubai and
thea myhrvold meeting satya nadella image courtesy microsoft gulf
N
and unfamiliar jurisdictions. If a startup is ine aspiring entrepreneurs have
planning to use IP that is not licensed or completed their three-month long
open source to use, this is usually a huge training and mentorship experi-
red flag to us. We definitely prefer startups ence with business and technology
that a) develop their own IP or b) use an leaders, under Qatar Science & Technology
Ramez Mohamed, CEO, Flat6Labs
external party IP legally.” Park’s (QSTP) second Accelerator Program.
QSTP, headed by Managing Director Hamad
Al Kuwari, is a part of Qatar Foundation
Research and Development, and this particular
initiative, aiming to help promising entrepre-
A congregation of Eurasia’s neurs bridge gaps between inspiring ideas and
entrepreneurial world feasible businesses, offers participants a mix
of both funding and mentoring.
Startup Turkey 2016 comes calling QSTP staged a demo day for startups on
W
January 18, 2016 to mark the conclusion of
ith 700+ invitees com- addition, attendees can expect to see the Accelerator Program. The entrepreneurs
prising of entrepreneurs, pitching sessions, and talks by relevant showcased their models in sectors and
investors, accelerators, investors and executives. industries that included media technology,
corporates and mentors, With a line-up of speakers including health and fitness, education, and enter-
the eighth edition of Startup Turkey Sebastiaan Vaessen, Head of Strategy tainment. The nine projects graduating the
2016 aims to bring together members of e-commerce, Naspers Group, Yousef current accelerator program include V3V,
the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Eu- Hamidaddin, CEO, Oasis 500 and Tweet Mogaz, Aingel, Gamified Self, Metis,
rope, West Asia, Middle East and Africa Kıvanç Onan, General Manager Turkey, EcoGym, Ergonomic T-Shirt, MaktApp, and
at Antalya this year. Besides offering Middle East & North Africa, PayPal, the Braille Touch. The demo day brought to light
a multitude of networking opportuni- event is also expected to include ven- ideas like TweetMogaz, a news portal that
ties through everything from dinners to ture capitalists and angel investors from crowdsources news from social media posts of
startup competitions, the event, which across MENA, Eurasia, and the U.S. individual users, and MaktApp, a portfolio of
is to be held from 25-27 February, The sponsors for this year’s event all-in-one cloud solutions for SMEs. Metis, a
will also include training sessions for include IBM, Microsoft, Intel, PayPal project by students at Carnegie Mellon Univer-
selected seed and early stage startups and Samsung among others. sity in Qatar, assists in academic planning for
applying for the startup challenge. In www.startupturkey.com undergraduate students, while Braille Touch
is a project that aids reading for the visually
impaired through the use of existing touch
devices.
QSTP’s Accelerator Program sets out three
clear objectives for those accepted into the
program to work on: create a conceptual
prototype, verify commercial viability, and ac-
cess potential investors. Key program partners
included Qatar Computing Research Institute
(QCRI) and the Supreme Committee for Deliv-
ery and Legacy’s Challenge 22.
www.qstp.org.qa/home/support-programs/accelerator
easier to gain seed money The process on questions that may arise
from various smaller inves- The process began with from prospective investors,
tors, instead of targeting just Mamarbachi submitting her with the Artscoops team
one or two high-net-worth business plan with a five then given the opportunity
individuals, or an institu- year projection to an invest- to pitch to a room full of
tion. Among the factors ment committee, which de- potential financial backers
that influenced her choice termines the proposal’s eligi- in Dubai.
were the benefit of Arts- bility to be on the website or
coops getting validated by not, checking “if it is viable, What happens next
the “crowd,” as well as the an interesting business or al- Mamarbachi has planned
ability to include her family ready has proof of concept.” the funds to be divided into
and friends who wished to In this stage, Mamarbachi two broad areas: 75% of it
“participate in [their busi- recalls an account man- will go into operations and
ness] journey.” The process ager was available “doing IT development, and 25%
also allowed Mamarbachi what’s called an ‘onboard- in marketing and advertis-
to learn how to evaluate a ing’ consultancy with us.” ing. On Artscoops’ agenda is
dollar
ing its financial projections, ments such as its executive a design platform, and a re-
and pitching in front of total summary, business plan and sponsive website, alongside
strangers, while being ready creating offshore company, goals to hold a live auction
signs
to answer potential ques- followed by a three-month in Beirut and further work in
tions on the site’s live Q&A planning for the launch. The marketing, SEO and gallery
feature. Eureeca team trained them expansion in the GCC.
MENA art platform
Artscoops gets Featured artworks on Artscoops’ website
I
nstead of going for the
usual funding routes taken
by startups in the Middle
East region, Artscoops
chose another option to grow
its business: crowdinvest-
ing. The MENA art platform
specializing in buying and
selling art from MENA
artists and commercial
galleries has raised funds
through equity crowd-
funding platform Eureeca.
Commenting on the raise,
co-founder Raya Mamar-
bachi says, “We raised
US$130,000, although we
have yet to receive anything
as we are still in the process
of finalizing the shareholder
agreement and issuing the
shares, but after Eureeca’s
fees are given, I think it will
be around $105-110,000.”
Mamarbachi decided to opt
for the equity crowdfund-
ing route than traditional
www.artscoops.com
startups
the MENA region.” A web the team is only Bahoshy and
directory for startups by a “an outsourced tech devel-
startup? Sounds interesting. oper.” That said, the founder
Philip Bahoshy wants his online platform While much of the focus of is focusing on raising funds
MAGNiTT to create a tighter knit MENA-wide the respective MENA en- this year to grow the MAG-
entrepreneurial ecosystem By Kareem Chehayeb trepreneurial ecosystems is NiTT team. So far, the costs
A
on a local level, MAGNiTT’s have been allocated to the
lmost all And it turned out that he vision is broader, in that it is website’s development- and
entrepreneurs wasn’t the only one strug- regional. it’s all been bootstrapped
who have com- gling with this problem: But developing a MENA- to date. A beta version of
pleted their “The more I spoke to entre- wide platform like MAGNiTT MAGNiTT was released with
MBAs want to preneurs in the community, was not an easy feat. After limited access, something
immediately I realized that this was a designing the platform that Philip Bahoshy found
get the ball rolling on their similar problem for many.” using “lean methodology,” very helpful in hindsight.
enterprise ideas once they Bahoshy also mentions that Bahoshy then moved on to “This allowed us to improve
graduate, but many end up after noticing the problemat- two primary focuses: having and tweak the platform
struggling. Founder and CEO ic aspects of pitching events user-friendly mechanisms before opening it up to the
of MAGNiTT, Philip Bahoshy and other challenges entre-
was one of them. This preneurs face to get their
Philip Bahoshy,
British-Iraqi entrepreneur ideas to development stage, founder,
has been living in Dubai for he began to notice a gap that MAGNiTT
seven years, after earning he could fill. All in all, the
his B.Sc. in Economics from focus was on what he calls
the London School of Eco- the “invest-ability” of the
nomics, and an MBA from startup, with minimal focus
INSEAD. Bahoshy had many on “support, mentorship and
ideas that he wanted to de- guidance.” And that’s where
velop after finishing business MAGNiTT comes in.
school but “struggled with In short, the founder
getting concept validation, describes MAGNiTT as “an
guidance and support, and online community connect-
funding opportunities.” ing entrepreneurs and their
MAGNiTT’s marketing
game plays on several
fronts, but “social
media is key” to the
platform, according to
Bahoshy. The startup
is active on Facebook,
Twitter, and LinkedIn,
and it has used social
media to directly
interact with startups.
Speaking in code from Egypt, MyU from Kuwait Ooredoo to continue its policy
Algeria plays host to the finals of and Gravilog from Palestine- of encouraging national talents
were qualified to compete at the and skills through its various
Arab Mobile Challenge 2016 Global Mobile Challenge, which programs, including iStart,
24
teams from 10 mobile apps that would be takes place at the GSMA World tstart, Oobarmijoo and Injaz.”
different countries able to make a positive impact Congress at Barcelona, Spain Entrepreneur Middle East was
around the Middle across their respective com- in February. This year’s contest a media partner for the event,
East battled it munities. While Sudan’s Vision saw Ooredoo acting as the tech- organized annually by IM-
out in the regional finals of the Geeks and Kuwait’s Bookr won nological partner for the event, TIAZ MIDDLE EAST, with BNC
third cycle of the Arab Mobile US$20,000 each to help bring with Ooredoo Algeria CEO Jo- Publishing Director Wissam
Challenge at Algiers, Algeria their apps to market, five other seph Ged saying the company’s Younane also acting as a judge
in January this year, with the teams –Synoos from Algeria, support was a reiteration of for the competition.
competition aiming to find Doha Guide from Qatar, Raye7 “the constant commitment of www.arabmobilechallenge.com
Initiative by
certified graduate
sponsored by dubai chamber
in the spirit of facilitating emirati
achievement via entrepreneurship
F
So we want to enhance, for truck village with a minimum
or Roundup, making Administration in Real Estate instance, the park experi- of six trucks on site and fur-
people’s entrepre- Management and a Higher ence. Our food trucks will be ther 20 F&B kiosks. Roundup
neurship dream a Diploma in Marketing, has fun- not just food.” Al Mulla, Market will come back for
reality has been our developed a large scale enter- active in the entrepreneurial another run this year, 2016.
goal from the very prise that not only develops ecosystem as part of Tejar We plan to make it bigger and
beginning. By help- homegrown brands, it actu- Dubai and the Dubai Business fun, and fully reach out to all
ing them with their ally facilitates those brands Women Council, launched people who have been craving
food truck businesses we getting out into the market 54º East with a large-scale to try and visit the Roundup
achieved this goal,” explains via Roundup food trucks, a vision. She later created her Market.”
Rafia Al Mulla, an entrepre- 54º East company. “Roundup
neur leveraging her own ven- handles everything from the
tures to allow other aspiring truck ordering, equipment fit
‘treps do the very same thing. out, licensing, registration,
Al Mulla’s impressive foray delivery and even site allow-
into UAE’s F&B space began ance, for a monthly fee on top
with a now 22-strong chain of the cost of the truck. We
of frozen yogurt outlets, and are a one-stop solution from
since then, she launched yet support to building up the
another successful and grow- company with trade licenses,
ing subsidiary. The industri- customization of menus,
ous founder of 54º East, a government approvals, and
graduate of Cornell Univer- locations.”
sity’s School of Hotel Ad- “The idea of Roundup is to
ministration in Foodservice give those interested in F&B
Management who also has a access to vehicles and access
Bachelor’s Degree in Business the areas they could not
Small
ing a hard look at how to General Electric. Google, models.
grow their business and Yahoo and Facebook, Corporations need to be
transform their industries. among others, adopted close to startups to under-
for big
effective for rapid growth business accelerators to they will be left behind.
than a company’s own boost startups. These Sadly, many big busi-
research and develop- big-name corporations nesses in the Middle East
business
By Con O’Donnell
ment. Internal R&D rarely
disrupts a company, much
less an industry; startups,
get it, and they have made
nurturing startups part of
their corporate DNA.
and North Africa region
and elsewhere are stuck in
the “look at the cute little
by definition, will. So Secondly, today’s start- entrepreneurs” phase.
W
hy are the big- maintaining close relation- ups will be tomorrow’s Creating an environment
gest corpora- ships to entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies. where entrepreneurship
tions in the startups that are driving An analysis of the business and innovation can thrive
world getting the innovation of entire landscape by Innosight, a should be business as
close to entrepreneur- industries is key to growing top global consultancy, pre- usual. With their ample
ship and startups? I’m not and innovating individual dicts that three-quarters of cash and know-how, large
talking about incorporating businesses ahead of the current S&P 500 compa- corporations are well posi-
them into some “aren’t- competition. This can be nies will disappear in the tioned to compete for the
those-entrepreneurs-cute” done by acquiring startups next 10 years. And who best and brightest in the
corporate social responsi- -and their talent- outright, will replace them? Mostly entrepreneurial ecosystem.
bility scheme. I’m talking or by investing in them to companies that don’t exist Yet venture capitalists are
about a serious strategy ensure the corporation has today. far ahead when it comes to
on the part of some of the a stake in their future or, Then there is the restora- financing new enterprises.
biggest and best-known better still, partnering with tion of an entrepreneurial For big business, opportu-
corporations that are tak- them early on. mindset. As companies nity is knocking.
Entrepreneur Con O’Donnell is an investor in 11 promising Egyptian tech startups. He co-founded Arabic dotcom pioneer Sarmady
Communications and was a first-mover in digital advertising for mobile apps. O’Donnell is also the co-founder of RiseUp, one of
the MENA region’s top entrepreneurship events.