Richard Branson and Mathew Collins, founder of DigitalxMarketing, at a Virgin business launch in Johannesburg, South Africa
About 25 years ago, my career took a pivotal turn, and I found myself deep in the business world of London. It was a city where opportunities were ripe for those ready to seize them, and I had the privilege of working with several companies under the Virgin Group umbrella. My clients included Virgin Radio, Virgin London Broncos, Virgin Music, and other notable Virgin projects. But this wasn’t where my entrepreneurial journey started. In fact, it began much earlier, when I sold a New Zealand-developed digital advertising technology to British Aerospace, which eventually led me to the UK at the start of the 1990s.
This period shaped my approach to business and marketing in ways I never imagined, and much of it was influenced by none other than Richard Branson himself. Working alongside such a visionary was an eye-opening experience that forever changed how I viewed both challenges and opportunities.
Lessons from Richard Branson: The Power of Perspective
One of the most memorable lessons I learned came from an exchange I had with Richard Branson during a particularly tough period in business. The economy was becoming increasingly challenging, and I remember commenting to him about how well he had managed to navigate these rough waters. His response was both surprising and enlightening.
"Done well?" he replied. "I haven't even started yet."
At the time, I didn’t fully understand the weight of his words. But now, 25 years later, I see clearly what he meant. Richard's attitude toward business was one of perpetual motion, always looking ahead to the next challenge, the next opportunity. For him, success was never a destination but rather a continuous journey.
What struck me the most, however, was his uncanny ability to view problems as opportunities. When I mentioned the struggling economy, his response was: "That is just the opportunity we need to demonstrate how we add value and deliver a better customer experience than our competitors."
This mindset, where others saw problems, he saw possibilities. It was a game-changing perspective, one that I took with me throughout my career and one that eventually became the foundation of my own business philosophy.
From London to New Zealand: A Return to Roots
Fast forward to the beginning of 2020. After decades of international experience, I decided to return to New Zealand. It was a homecoming not just geographically but also professionally, as I embarked on a new chapter by founding DigitalxMarketing.
I returned with over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience spanning multiple industries and continents, including the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. From tech innovations in digital advertising to business growth strategies, I’ve had the opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt in dynamic and often unpredictable environments.
This wealth of experience is something I offer freely to my clients. Every story, every lesson learned, every challenge overcome is part of the package when you partner with DigitalxMarketing. It's not just about delivering a service—it's about sharing hard-earned insights that can make a difference in your business.
The DigitalxMarketing Difference: Pragmatic Solutions for Real Growth
At DigitalxMarketing, we pride ourselves on offering more than just conventional marketing services. We deliver pragmatic marketing and business growth solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Why pragmatic? Because we understand that marketing, no matter how creative or ambitious, ultimately has one goal: to grow your business.
If your marketing or advertising spend isn’t generating results—whether in terms of leads, sales, or brand visibility—then it's time to rethink your strategy. We don’t believe in pouring money into ineffective tactics. Instead, we take a grounded approach, one that focuses on measurable outcomes and delivering real value.
No Cookie-Cutter Solutions: Doing Marketing Differently
In an industry saturated with cookie-cutter solutions, we stand out by doing things differently. Every business is unique, and so too should be its marketing strategy. At DigitalxMarketing, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches.
We take the time to understand your business, your audience, and your specific challenges. Whether it's digital advertising, content creation, or brand strategy, we tailor our services to meet your exact needs. This level of customisation ensures that your marketing efforts are not only aligned with your business goals but also capable of achieving them.
Free Ideas and Inspiration: Why It Costs Nothing to Talk
One of the key principles we live by at DigitalxMarketing is that great ideas should be accessible. That's why we encourage anyone who needs inspiration or fresh ideas to reach out to us. We believe that the best marketing partnerships start with an open conversation, and we're always happy to provide our insights for free.
You won’t get a sales pitch or pressure to sign a contract. What you will get is genuine advice, creative ideas, and a fresh perspective on how you can grow your business. Whether you choose to partner with us or not, we believe in the power of sharing knowledge. After all, that’s how the best solutions are born.
What Experience Brings to the Table
When you work with DigitalxMarketing, you're not just getting a marketing agency. You're getting a partner with decades of entrepreneurial experience from around the world. This experience is what sets us apart.
We've navigated tough economic climates, worked with world-class brands, and adapted to the ever-evolving digital landscape. We’ve seen first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and how to pivot strategies in real-time to maximise results. This depth of experience informs every recommendation we make and every campaign we launch.
Your Success Is Our Success
Ultimately, at DigitalxMarketing, we measure our success by the success of our clients. When your business grows, so does ours. This is why we're committed to delivering tangible results that make a real difference.
If you're ready to think differently about your marketing, to embrace opportunities where others see problems, and to work with a team that genuinely cares about your success, then we’re here to help.
In Conclusion: A Legacy of Learning
Looking back on the last 25 years, I can now appreciate the significance of that moment with Richard Branson. His relentless drive, optimism, and ability to see opportunity in adversity have been guiding principles throughout my career. They are principles I carry forward into DigitalxMarketing and share with every client.
So if you're in need of ideas, inspiration, or a marketing partner who truly understands the challenges of growing a business, don't hesitate to reach out. After all, it costs nothing to talk.
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