Welcome to KnowHowMarketing by David Chong.
Hello everyone, I’m David and I’m thrilled to share my journey and insights with you! Growing up in Malaysia and now living in Germany, I’ve experienced marketing from two distinct perspectives: the dynamic, fast-paced Asian market and the innovative, strategic Western approach.
In Malaysia, I immersed myself in the vibrant, diverse marketing landscape of Southeast Asia, where cultural nuances and local trends shape consumer behavior in unique ways. During my time there, I worked as a marketing manager in multiple startups, gaining hands-on experience and understanding the challenges and opportunities that come with launching and growing a business in a competitive market.
Now, based in Germany, I’m diving into the structured, data-driven world of Western marketing, exploring how different strategies and philosophies drive brand success. This international experience has provided me with a unique vantage point, allowing me to see the strengths and weaknesses of both Eastern and Western approaches to marketing.
Fast forward back in 2018 when I started my first business. It was a leap into the unknown. I co-founded a female apparel company, driven by a passion to bring vibrant, quality clothing to the market. We poured everything into it—flying to India to visit manufacturers, setting up shop at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and dreaming big. But then, the world changed. COVID-19 hit, and the lockdowns stretched on for two years. With cash flow dwindling, we had to make the painful decision to close the business and cut our losses. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it taught me a lot about resilience and the realities of entrepreneurship.
Refusing to be defeated, I pivoted. My next venture was an e-commerce platform offering groceries during the height of the pandemic. It was a fiercely competitive space, dominated by big supermarket chains with deep pockets. We faced challenge after challenge, from securing funding to managing logistics in an uncertain environment. Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t sustain the business in the long term. Another tough lesson, but that fueled my determination.
Not willing to give up, I co-founded an online education startup, offering students across Malaysia access to quality education during a time when traditional learning was disrupted. This venture found its footing, and I took on the role of overseeing marketing efforts. It was in this role that I truly found my passion and realized the power of strategic marketing in connecting with audiences and driving growth.
After years of building startups, learning from failures, adapting to new realities, one thing became clear: mistakes are some of the best teachers. I’ve learned that while there are countless paths to success, the lessons from failure are invaluable.
This realization inspired me to start KnowHowMarketing.co. This blog is my platform to bridge these two worlds. I aim to offer a blend of Eastern and Western marketing insights, providing you with a comprehensive view of how marketing strategies can vary across cultures and what you can learn from both sides. Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or simply curious about the global marketing landscape, you’ll find valuable perspectives and actionable tips here.
The name and origin of “KnowHowMarketing” reflects my philosophy of learning from the best. I am by no means an expert. This blog has been inspired by many entrepreneurs and top marketers around the world who have generously shared their knowledge and experiences. My goal is to continue this tradition of sharing, providing you with insights that can help you navigate the ever-evolving world of marketing. I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but I’m here to share what I’ve learned, standing on the shoulders of giants who have generously shared their knowledge with me.
I am a lifelong learner and passionate about marketing. This blog is my platform to bridge the worlds of Eastern and Western marketing. I aim to offer a blend of insights, providing you with a comprehensive view of how marketing strategies can vary across cultures and what you can learn from both sides. Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or simply curious about the global marketing landscape, I hope you’ll find valuable perspectives and actionable tips here.
This blog is for early-stage founders, marketers, and anyone curious about the global marketing landscape.
Join me as I explore and compare these two fascinating approaches to marketing, and let’s uncover what makes each unique and effective in its own right. Together, we’ll delve into case studies, marketing strategies, and industry trends, all with the aim of enhancing our collective understanding and skills.
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
Cheers!
David Chong