In this episode of DCC we talk to Arrnav, a communication trailblazer and multimedia designer turned communications strategist. He excelled in influencer marketing for startups and played a key role in a national conglomerate’s digital modernization. Now at Adani Connex, he shapes narratives for the data center industry, emphasizing societal impacts.

Introduction

Arrnav started his career with his own startup, Idiot Theory, where he handled everything from design to communications. This taught him a lot about communication and data-driven decisions. Idiot Theory gave him a reputation (“Mr. Idiot”) in the industry. He emphasizes crafting campaigns that resonate with audiences.

After running his startup, Arrnav joined other startups focusing on digital marketing. He wanted to work with larger brands so he joined the Hinduja Group handling their PR and digital efforts. This exposed him to high-level communications and stakeholder management.

Now at Adani Connex, Arrnav focuses on communicating the importance of data centers. His goal is conveying the right messages about this industry to global stakeholders. He works on campaigns illustrating how data centers empower communications and digital infrastructure.

Originally a multimedia designer, Arrnav moved into marketing and advertising. He realized data was crucial, so he studied business analytics. For viral campaigns like his “Chai Wala,” Arrnav combines data, communication, and creativity when problem solving. He ensures decisions have a data backbone, though creativity matters too.

First Interaction with Data

Throughout his digital marketing career, Arrnav interacted with data daily. But running his own startup and seeing raw data on audience behavior and preferences informed his communications and product decisions. Granular data on location and demographics shaped targeted campaigns.

As one telecom campaign illustrates, Arrnav tapped customer preferences data showing geographic and seasonal variations to craft targeted sports entertainment packages. Through this geo-aligned customization, he generated 150,000+ new package sales in one month, increasing revenues approximately 10 percent.

Favorite Campaign

For the Hinduja Group’s cable TV business, Arrnav used data showing package preferences and sports interests across geographies. He launched targeted sports packages around major events. This drove over 150,000 package sales and 8-12% revenue growth that delivered major profits.

For Adani Connex, campaigns focused first on explaining what data centers are before promoting the company’s offerings. The “Data Center Heroes” campaign celebrated the industry without initially mentioning Adani. It brought pride to the data center industry while increasing awareness.

Key Metrics

For niche B2B offerings like data centers, metrics involve reaching the right targeted decision-makers with the right messages. Campaigns are strategic and customized versus mass communication. Metrics track engagement within key segments.

With “Chai Wala”, Arrnav knew the target metrics and audiences that would resonate. Influencers helped scale it. Metrics guided decisions on which platforms, regions and languages to emphasize. It grew his business 370%.

Impact of AI on Communications

While AI is talked about more today, it has long affected marketing communications. Arrnav uses AI for sentiment analysis, predictive analysis, and performance monitoring. This informs data-driven decisions on communication campaigns.

He predicts reliance on AI will grow significantly. But the key is how it is applied – using AI-generated insights rather than content. He believes AI should empower strategists rather than replace them.

My Two Cents

Arrnav recommends wholeheartedly embracing continual learning rather than ever feeling content with current skill levels. He has witnessed firsthand how dynamically communications fields evolve. Additionally, he rejects notions that healthy competition is negative. Within companies, it lifts collective talent. By avoiding complacency through education and motivational internal benchmarking, truly extraordinary marketing gains happen.