Breaking through in the traditional automotive industry with innovative technology may seem extremely challenging. Nevertheless, it has been shown that a successful strategy revolves around putting the customer first, emphasizing education, and working together to create something new.

In this episode, Varun Shah, the co-founder of Eccentric, an omnichannel purchase platform powered by extended reality that focuses on the automotive sector, shares his experience in building an innovative technology company, building relationships through education and co-creation with customers, balancing the needs of manufacturers and dealers, taking risk, and more.

Quotes:

• "Our initial focus was the car manufacturers, who believe that our tech could help them take their product experience to a whole new level. Once we embedded ourselves on the websites and some of their interventions, it was a part of their team that deals with dealerships that saw a logical progression of the tech, on to the dealerships as well."
• “The first process in the system that I built was taking inspiration from a lot of companies who have been there and done that, and not just the software and tech companies; this included vendors who supply ball bearings to automotive companies."
• "Our systems are designed to be extremely customer-focused, to educate them, and eventually, get them to feel the need that you need this. And so, beyond a point, it doesn't feel that you're selling to them, you're just conversing with them."

Takeaways:

• When working with big industries like automotive, it's crucial to establish trust. One effective way is by sharing knowledge and working together on ideas. This helps in creating a strong relationship based on understanding and collaboration.
• In the automotive sector, it's vital to consider the interests of both the big car manufacturers and the local dealers. Finding a balance ensures that the needs and goals of all parties involved are met, fostering a harmonious and successful partnership.
• Keeping the customer at the center of operations is essential to growing any business. Understanding the different customer types and ensuring all teams are on the same page regarding providing a positive customer experience contributes significantly to overall growth.

Conclusion:

For entrepreneurs venturing into innovative technologies, the key takeaways emphasize customer focus, building trust through education and collaboration, and taking structured risks. Despite challenges in the large and traditional automotive sector, Shah's success demonstrates that passion, persistence, and learning from customers can lead to global success. The shared lessons offer a roadmap for startups to navigate established industries, creating value and fostering mutual growth through collaboration. The advice is applicable beyond the automotive sector, providing strategic and practical guidance for entrepreneurs.
Links Mentioned:
Website: https://weareeccentric.com/
Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-shah-7377958/

What criteria work best for assessing client acquisition channels as a cost-effective approach to business growth? It might be difficult to strike a balance between fulfilling customer requests and introducing things that are essential for customers. It involves assessing what is critical and urgent in relation to your business's development stage and the demands of the market. Christian's experience focusing on e-commerce businesses may inspire you about personalized outreach and understanding the demands of different kinds of users.

In this episode, Chris Morris, founder and CEO of Rush Roto, shares his story of pivoting from AR/VR to product photo AI during the pandemic and how he landed on e-commerce sellers as the ideal target customer through customer interviews and feedback. Chris discusses major topics, including client acquisition, product-market fit, and the difficulties faced by early-stage entrepreneurs.

Quotes:

• “The key to that was simply making sure you're trying to figure out what the user doesn't even know themselves because they may think that what you're delivering is precisely what they want because they are so used to the basic method they are using to solve the problem.”
• “In reality, all I've had to do to gain this rapid traction is to reach out directly.”
• “You want to make sure that you are the main person that's out there selling so you understand what needs to be done.”

Takeaways:

• Make better decisions and increase product-market fit to have a personal grasp of user needs.
• Direct outreach is an effective strategy for getting traction quickly, particularly in the beginning. Establishing a personal connection with prospective clients can produce insightful information and real connections.
• Spend some time getting to know your users better. Use techniques to find out what they might not even be aware they need.

Conclusion:

Through a blend of technological innovation and strategic insight, Christian's story shows the transformational power of AI in the e-commerce industry. He emphasized the importance of maintaining close customer relationships early in building a business. The e-commerce market is always changing as new competitors join the competition. Understanding target customer behavior, utilizing warm introductions, and continuously modifying systems based on real-time feedback and market trends are the main priorities when it comes to staying ahead of the competition.

Links Mentioned:
Website: https://www.rushrotostudio.com/
Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-morris-2b1127212/

How can you crack the code of engaging with big brands and platforms with complex web of interests and diverse stakeholders in the B2B world? Keep your eyes open for the next big thing. It requires more than just strategies; it demands an understanding of human dynamics, emerging trends, and the ability to adapt. David's experience focusing on B2B commerce may inspire you about B2B Ecosystems and seizing opportunities through unique strengths.

In this episode, David Grant, Co-Founder of Favored.live, shares his story of navigating the challenges in the B2B marketing world, and how he faced various matters working with large brands on TikTok Shops. David discusses major topics, including strategies for success in the TikTok ecosystem, insights on video commerce and partnerships, and reflections on scaling companies, systems, and processes.

Quotes:

• “We appreciate the jumpstart that TikTok is helping us with, but we know that if we're not among the best in this business, as well as constantly prospecting for new clients, we won't sustain success.”
• “Once you get to a point where we have learned a lot about what type of video drives conversion, there's really no limit to where and how that goes and what platforms that may end up on, including your own.”
• “Try to identify early on who's good at something. It's like coaching sports. Put them in a place where they're going to succeed. Don't try to put them in a place where they're going to fail.”

Takeaways:

• In the B2B landscape, it is important to identify the various interests and key performance indicators (KPIs) of different stakeholders within a large enterprise brand.
• Stay alert to emerging technologies and trends. Early adoption of platforms can present unique business opportunities, especially in new and aggressive ventures.
• Learn from past experiences about the risks of being too early in the market. Stay cautious, be adaptable, and recognize when it's the right time to scale your efforts.
• When incorporating AI into your business, be mindful of its limitations. Not everything can be formalized, and assessing situations often requires a human touch.

Conclusion:

In the fast-paced setting of dealing with B2B businesses, David's story shows the transformational power of adaptation, timing, and market awareness. He emphasized understanding the different roles within client organizations by recognizing the KPIs and motivations of individuals for effective communication and collaboration. The B2B market is rapidly changing, and the evolution of video communication has transformed the way businesses operate.

Links Mentioned:
Website: https://favored.live/
Guest Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgrantmedia/