In this episode, the Blocks 2 Bags hosts Micky Tesfaye and Sebuh Mesfin discuss the relevance and effectiveness of email marketing in today's digital landscape. They debunk the myth that email marketing is dead, emphasizing its continued importance and the need for quality content. The conversation explores the differences between good and bad email practices, the concept of nurture marketing, and the significance of providing value in email communications. Additionally, they touch on the role of AI in enhancing email marketing strategies and offer practical tips for crafting engaging emails. --- ✅ Why newsletters are outdated (unless done right) ✅ How brands can shift from "nets" (generic newsletters) to "spizz" (hyper-personalized emails) ✅ The #1 mistake that makes people ignore your emails ✅ The power of nurture marketing and real-world examples ✅ How AI can personalize email marketing at scale ---

00:00 The Relevance of Email Marketing Today 02:59 Understanding Good vs. Bad Email Marketing 05:28 Nurture Marketing: Building Relationships Through Email 07:58 Crafting a Modern Email Marketing Strategy 10:44 The Role of AI in Email Marketing 12:42 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways --- email marketing, nurture marketing, AI in marketing, email strategy, value-driven content, copywriting, marketing insights, email engagement, modern marketing, email effectiveness

In this episode of Blocks 2 Bags, hosts Micky Tesfaye and Sebuh Mesfin engage in a dynamic conversation with Kimberly Ofori, a global entrepreneur and thought leader. They explore her journey from early influences to her experiences in building businesses, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Kimberly shares her insights on the importance of understanding value in business, the concept of camels versus unicorns, and the future of technology and AI in solving real-world problems, particularly in Africa. The discussion culminates in a quickfire round of questions, revealing Kimberly's personal philosophies and future aspirations.

Takeaways

1. Building a business is about solving problems, not just making money.
2. Understanding your market and customer is crucial for success.
3. Failures are part of the journey and should be seen as learning opportunities.
4. The concept of camels vs unicorns emphasizes sustainability over rapid growth.
5. Technology should be applied thoughtfully to create real impact.
6. Investing in Africa requires a unique perspective and understanding of local challenges.
7. Personal growth often comes from navigating challenges and setbacks.
8. The future of business lies in making decisions that consider long-term impact.
9. Collaboration and community are essential for entrepreneurial success.
10. It's important to respect and learn from historical knowledge and practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kimberly Ofori

02:43 The Early Hustle: Curiosity Over Money

07:29 The Journey of Entrepreneurship: From Banking to Startups

10:37 Building and Selling: The First Startup Experience

14:41 Understanding Value: Lessons from the Exit

19:08 The Aftermath: Learning from Failures

24:12 The Importance of Focus and Expertise

24:58 Early Career: Becoming an Insurance Advisor

27:06 Overcoming Disrespect and Insecurity

32:45 Navigating Financial Challenges and Career Growth

33:53 Resilience Through Failure

35:45 The Importance of Perspective in Business

37:03 Building Sustainable Businesses: Camels vs Unicorns

43:43 The Role of Leadership in Shaping the Future

46:49 Unlocking New Levels of Impact

50:41 Quickfire Questions: Insights and Reflections

The health and wellness industry is, to put it frankly, booming. With platforms such as TikTok proliferating information about everything from what supplements you should be taking to how to improve your gut health, businesses have quickly followed suit. Not only are aisles stacked with choice, but a new creation or service seems to pop up every day. And particularly in a post-pandemic sphere where we’ve shifted to modes of internal healing and taking care of our bodies, it’s not an avenue to disregard.

Here at Blocks2Bags, we’re always looking for founders and creators who push the limits of their respective spaces and build something that stands out. This week, we sat down with our guest, Victoria Omobuwajo, founder of Sunmo, whose journey has seen her selling wildly popular naturally-sweet plantain crisps across stores nationally, to now selling a wide range of supplements online and in-store. With retailers such as Selfridges and Sainsbury’s stocking her products, she’s been able to cultivate a brand at the forefront of movements to heal our internal selves and treat our bodies with greater care. Sunmo has also seen Victoria win Gordon Ramsay’s BBC Future Food Stars, with the win securing an investment into the business for her, something which the brand describes as “[epitomising] Victoria Omobuwajo's vision and Sunmo's dedication to holistic well-being”. Wondering how you can level up your business and progress? Tap into this week's episode and find out.

Watch the episode on YouTube.

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