Archives September 2025

In today’s fast-paced business world, marketing professionals face the constant challenge of staying ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. While technical skills, creativity, and knowledge of digital tools are essential, one of the most powerful drivers of professional success remains business networking. Building meaningful connections, cultivating relationships, and creating a professional circle of trust can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and growth for marketing professionals.

This article explores the importance of business networking, strategies to master it, and its role in advancing careers and marketing effectiveness.

Why Business Networking Matters for Marketing Professionals

Marketing, by its nature, thrives on relationships—with customers, clients, partners, and colleagues. Networking extends this principle by helping professionals foster connections that can directly and indirectly influence their career and business trajectory.

Here are some key reasons why networking is vital:

1. Access to Opportunities
   Networking introduces professionals to potential clients, job openings, partnerships, and industry events that might not be publicly advertised. Many marketing contracts, speaking opportunities, and collaborations emerge from personal connections rather than formal applications.

2. Knowledge Sharing and Learning
   The marketing landscape evolves rapidly with trends like AI, influencer marketing, and data-driven strategies. Through networking, professionals gain insights into new tools, techniques, and best practices directly from peers who are actively experimenting and learning.

3. Building Credibility and Trust
   A strong network enhances credibility. When respected peers recommend you or your services, it boosts trust with potential clients and employers. This is particularly important in marketing, where personal reputation often influences decision-making.

4. Career Growth
   Networking can help professionals position themselves as thought leaders. By engaging with the right circles, sharing insights, and contributing to discussions, marketing professionals increase their visibility and stand out in the industry.

Types of Networking for Marketing Professionals

Networking doesn’t always mean attending large conferences or exchanging business cards at mixers. For marketing professionals, there are several avenues to build and strengthen networks:

1. Professional Associations and Organizations
   Groups such as the American Marketing Association (AMA), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), or regional marketing councils provide structured networking opportunities through events, seminars, and online forums.

2. Industry Conferences and Trade Shows
   These events allow professionals to meet potential clients, vendors, and collaborators face-to-face, fostering deeper connections.

3. Digital Networking Platforms
   Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and niche marketing forums offer space for professionals to share content, engage in discussions, and connect with industry peers globally.

4. Alumni and Local Business Groups
   University alumni networks or local chambers of commerce provide a close-knit community of professionals who often support each other in business ventures.

5. Mentorship and Peer Groups
   Joining masterminds, peer groups, or mentorship circles allows marketing professionals to exchange ideas and gain guidance from experienced leaders.

Effective Networking Strategies

Networking is not about collecting the most contacts but about building authentic, long-term relationships. Here are some strategies to help marketing professionals succeed:

1. Give Before You Ask

Offer value to others before seeking help. Share industry insights, connect people within your network, or provide feedback. This establishes goodwill and strengthens bonds.

2. Be Consistent

Networking isn’t a one-time event—it requires continuous effort. Follow up with contacts after meetings, engage with their posts online, and check in periodically.

3. Leverage Social Media

Share thought leadership content, comment on discussions, and participate in groups to expand your reach. LinkedIn, in particular, is a powerful tool for marketing professionals.

4. Personalize Your Approach

Instead of generic introductions, personalize your outreach. Show genuine interest in the person’s work and highlight common ground to build rapport.

5. Attend with a Purpose

When attending events, set clear goals—such as meeting three potential collaborators or learning about new marketing technologies. This ensures productive interactions.

6. Build a Diverse Network

Don’t restrict networking to your niche. Connect with professionals from related industries like sales, technology, and entrepreneurship, as cross-industry connections often lead to innovative collaborations.

Networking in the Digital Era

The rise of remote work and digital platforms has transformed how professionals connect. Virtual events, webinars, and online communities are now powerful networking tools. For marketing professionals, this means:

• Webinars and Online Workshops: Attending and speaking at online sessions enhances visibility and credibility.

• Content Collaboration: Partnering on blogs, podcasts, or social media campaigns with peers broadens reach.

• Virtual Networking Apps: Tools like Slack groups, Meetup, and Clubhouse foster real-time interactions with industry experts.

Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid

While networking offers immense benefits, some missteps can harm your reputation:

1. Over-Pitching Yourself
   Constantly promoting your services without listening to others can drive people away. Focus on genuine conversations first.

2. Neglecting Follow-Ups
   Failing to reconnect after the initial meeting results in lost opportunities.

3. Not Being Authentic
   Insincere or transactional networking rarely leads to strong connections. Authenticity builds trust.

4. Ignoring Online Presence
   An outdated or inactive online profile undermines credibility in today’s digital-first world.

How Networking Fuels Marketing Success

For marketing professionals, networking does more than build connections—it directly impacts performance:

• Client Acquisition: Referrals and introductions from trusted contacts often lead to high-quality leads.

• Partnerships: Collaborations with other businesses, influencers, or agencies expand reach.

• Market Insights: Networking provides real-time feedback on consumer behavior and competitor strategies.

• Professional Development: Exposure to new perspectives and mentorship helps professionals refine their skills and strategies.

Final Thoughts

Business networking is not just an optional activity—it is an essential strategy for marketing professionals looking to grow their careers and businesses. In a world where relationships often precede opportunities, building a strong, authentic network can be the key differentiator between good and great marketing professionals.

By embracing both traditional and digital networking avenues, avoiding common pitfalls, and consistently adding value to their connections, marketing professionals can position themselves as trusted experts while unlocking opportunities for growth, collaboration, and long-term success.

Mumbai, September 17th, 2025: S. P. Mandali’s Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Mumbai, and the ‘Lead from the back’ (LfB) Team, officially signed a landmark agreement to embrace and promote the LfB philosophy. The philosophy is grounded in a book written by former CEO, vice chairman, Tata Motors, Mr. Ravi Kant.

The signing ceremony, held at WeSchool, Mumbai campus brought together senior leadership and their teams, highlighting a shared vision to work towards embedding and spreading the philosophy of LfB across the world.

In his address Group Director – WeSchool, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, highlighted the importance of individuals and teams in creating value for both organizations and society. Dr. Salunkhe emphasized that this partnership reflects the institution’s core belief in ‘leading with purpose’, which connects seamlessly with the foundational principles outlined in Mr. Kant’s book.

Mr. Ravi Kant addressed the WeSchool team and shared his LfB philosophy about leadership and empowering teams. In his address, he encapsulated the philosophy of ‘lead from the back’ which gives people the expertise of creating powerful teams which go on to achieve the impossible. He expressed optimism that this collaboration would help embed this philosophy in organizations, educational institutions amongst students and professionals thereby strengthening the leadership ecosystem.

The signing of the agreement outlined the broad areas for joint initiatives, including leadership workshops, curated sessions for faculty and students, short-term programs, research projects and integration of Lead from the Back insights into WeSchool’s offerings. 

This partnership marks a transformative step in leadership education—one that aims to shape a generation of leaders who will embrace the philosophy and acquire expertise in creating powerful teams which will go on to achieve the impossible.

With the festive shopping season approaching, the excitement is higher than ever. Meesho’s Mega Blockbuster Sale begins on September 19, followed closely by Amazon’s Great Indian Festival and Flipkart’s Big Billion Days from September 23. These sales are expected to bring significant discounts across categories, ranging from smartphones, laptops and smart televisions to fashion, beauty, furniture, home décor, kitchen appliances and more.

However, great deals often arrive before payday, leaving many buyers worried about missing out. Quick loan apps are increasingly becoming the bridge that allows shoppers to access funds instantly and make timely purchases during such high-demand sales. Below are five apps that can help you be sale-ready without financial delays. 

BharatLoan

BharatLoan is designed with a simple three-step loan process that makes borrowing quick and efficient. The app ensures rapid approvals and fast disbursals, ideal for shoppers who want to act quickly during limited-period sales. With its streamlined system, users can rely on it for both big-ticket items and everyday purchases. From premium smartphones to festive gifting, BharatLoan enables buyers to shop without delaying their plans. Its convenience makes it especially appealing during high-demand events like Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho sales.

Rupee112

Rupee112 provides a completely digital loan journey, removing paperwork and unnecessary delays. Once users apply through the app, funds are credited swiftly after eligibility is confirmed. This speed becomes an advantage during lightning deals or flash sales that require immediate checkout. Rupee112 can support a wide range of purchases, from electronics and home appliances to fashion and lifestyle products. For those who want instant access to money when shopping opportunities arise, Rupee112 is a dependable option.

Lendingplate

Lendingplate positions itself as a flexible and modern loan platform that gives borrowers more control. Its application process is straightforward, with quick approvals and timely credit into bank accounts. The platform works well for higher-value purchases such as laptops, televisions and furniture that often feature in festive sales. By offering smooth digital services, Lendingplate appeals to busy professionals who do not want to spend time on lengthy procedures. It ensures that shopping plans during big sales are not restricted by monthly cash flow limits.

KreditBee

KreditBee is among the most widely used quick loan apps, particularly trusted by younger professionals. The app offers loans up to three lakh rupees, making it suitable for both small and large festive purchases. Its intuitive interface allows borrowers to apply, track and manage loans with ease. KreditBee’s speed of disbursal ensures that customers can seize attractive offers before stocks run out. For those aiming to shop across categories during Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho sales, KreditBee provides the flexibility they need.

CASHe

CASHe stands out with its use of AI-powered systems to process applications quickly and reduce waiting times. The platform has built its reputation on delivering funds on the same day, which is critical during festival discounts. It caters to both small-ticket and mid-size loans, covering everything from gadgets to lifestyle shopping. CASHe’s user-friendly app design makes the borrowing process simple for working professionals. With its focus on speed and convenience, CASHe is well-positioned for the demands of the upcoming festive season sales.

During festive sales, deals often disappear within minutes. By keeping these loan apps installed and ready, you’ll always have a backup plan to shop electronics, fashion, home essentials, lifestyle products and more without stressing about cash in hand.

Delhi,17 september 2025: Motorists using automated driving systems overestimate their situation awareness and readiness to respond but are slower to recognise hazards compared with active “hands on” driving, a new study from Macquarie University shows. The findings, published in the journal Applied Ergonomics, raise significant concerns about driver performance and road safety as increasingly advanced automation systems are integrated into new vehicles, the authors warn.

Researchers from Macquarie’s Performance and Expertise Research Centre studied participants who used a sophisticated simulator to “drive” about six kilometres in automated and non-automated driving modes, asking them to rate their situation awareness and measuring their responses to hazards. Surprisingly, drivers under automated driving conditions self-reported higher levels of situation awareness than those actively driving in non-automated mode. However, they also demonstrated significantly poorer hazard recognition compared to those participants in non-automated driving conditions, taking a longer driving distance to react to both anticipated hazards (such as another vehicle with its turning indicators on) and surprise hazards (such as a pedestrian emerging suddenly from behind a sign). Globally, there are approximately 54 million automated cars, which is expected to grow to 80 million units worldwide, and in India, there are 1.2 million units, and the number is expected to grow to 4.5 million by the year 2030.

Shedding a little light on the psyche of the drives, Mr. George Nasser, the researcher, said, “This paradox is an example of what we call the ‘out-of-the-loop’ phenomenon. When they’re relieved of responsibility for control, and as their trust in the vehicle increases, drivers tend to pay less attention to monitoring what the automated systems are doing. Under these conditions, the driver’s situation awareness declines and so does their ability to get back ‘in the loop’ and take control should they need to in the event of a hazard or malfunction.”

The disconnect researchers found between drivers’ perceptions and their actual driving performance suggests they develop inaccurate understandings or “mental models” of the automated driving system and what it does. As an example of a worst-case scenario, Mr. Nasser cites a fatal 2016 crash in the US involving a Tesla electric vehicle in which the driver had his hands on the steering wheel for only 25 seconds while the vehicle’s ‘autopilot’ system was active for 37 minutes. An incomplete understanding of the system’s limitations led to the driver not intervening when the automated system failed to detect and respond to a truck crossing the vehicle’s path.

Speaking on the subject, Mr. Nasser said, “The driver’s mental model – in other words, how fully and accurately the driver understands the automation system and the information it feeds back to them – determines their ability to take control. What complicates this area is that our mental models of driving are constantly changing as we encounter more automated systems built into new cars.”

Mr. Nasser further added, “What the review highlights is a need to keep drivers ‘on the loop’ — monitoring without direct control but remaining vigilant and ready to intervene, if necessary. Evidence suggests interfaces and visual displays that provide the driver with continuous, easy-to-interpret feedback about system status and limitations are the best way to support accurate mental models and optimise take-over performance.”

“Automation in vehicles is here to stay, and the challenge now is ensuring it works with drivers, not against them. If we design systems that keep drivers engaged, we can enjoy the safety benefits of automation without compromising lives on the road,” concludes Mr. Nasser.

Bengaluru, India, 17th Sept’25 -– OrbitAID Aerospace, India’s first space-tech startup in the field of On-Orbit Servicing and Refueling (OOSR), today inaugurated its state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) facility spanning 6500 sq.ft in Bengaluru with an investment of over $2 million to extend the lifetime refueling services to current and upcoming satellites. 

The R&D facility was officially opened by Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who unveiled OrbitAID’s next chapter of innovation and growth in the upcoming years. This facility is India’s largest commercial and one of the world’s biggest for Rendezvous Proximity Operations & Docking (RPOD) infrastructure, for servicing and refueling operations. The facility consists of a high end control room for operating the RPOD facility, class 10000 cleanroom, and fuel transfer facilities for assembling and integrating its satellites. OrbitAID’s new R&D center represents a significant step in India’s journey towards space sustainability at a global stage after the success of ISRO’s SPADeX mission. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO congratulated the OrbitAID team on their achievement and emphasized the importance of developing technologies such as docking & refueling interfaces and the significance of providing services such as life extension for satellites in shaping the future of India’s space ecosystem. He also spoke about how ISRO has recently opened up to private players in the space ecosystem & in the upcoming missions, ISRO will also invite companies specialising in On-Orbit Servicing and Refueling (OOSR) technologies to work with the organisation. 

Sakthikumar Ramachandran, Founder & CEO, OrbitAID, said, “This facility begins a new story in OrbitAID’s journey in making India, the champion of space sustainability at a global stage. With this new development and our TRL 7 docking and refueling interface SIDRP, we are positioned to provide life extension services for the current and upcoming satellites in both Indian and global markets.”

OrbitAID, which raised initial funding earlier this year from Unicorn India Ventures, is also planning to expand its footprint in Tamil Nadu, where the company will establish a manufacturing facility to build India’s first private propellant handling and satellite servicing hub with an aim to build a circular economy for the global space tech ecosystem. The Company will strengthen collaborations with local universities, startups, and global partners.

Together, the Bengaluru facility and the upcoming Tamil Nadu expansion will serve as cornerstones for developing and validating critical subsystems, laying the foundation for OrbitAID’s future missions and India’s leadership in OOSR technologies. 

Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, added, “We are proud to be one of the early backers of OrbitAID. They have demonstrated that audacious goals can be achieved without becoming a capital guzzling machine. The discipline and focus of the team has led them to open a state of the art R&D facility and to have it inaugurated by Dr Narayanan is just the encouragement and inspiration OrbitAID needed. We congratulate them and will continue to back Sakthi in his future expansion plans.”

The inauguration was also graced by the presence of His Excellency Achim Burkart, Consul General of Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency  Mr. Giandomenico Milano, Consul General of the Italian Republic, His Excellency Beat Schmid, Deputy Consul General of the Swiss 

Federation, and Mr.Sivarajah Ramanathan from StartupTN and Shreya Ganesh from Unicorn India Ventures. Also, officials from ISRO, Indian Space Association (ISpA), defence officials, policymakers, academia, and executives from the space ecosystem were also present during the opening ceremony. 

Mumbai – India – September 17th 2025 – AnyMind Group [TSE:5027], a BPaaS company for marketing, e-commerce and digital transformation, has announced the launch of AnyLive for Creators, enabling influencers and content creators (collectively creators) to generate their own AI avatars.

The Asia-Pacific live commerce market is projected to exceed US$77 billion by 2030. At the same time, the region’s creator economy is on track to surpass US$75 billion by 2032. As these two spaces converge, new challenges emerge such as longer streaming demands, limited creator bandwidth, and a lack of data-driven feedback loops.

AnyLive for Creators addresses these challenges by giving creators the ability to develop AI avatars that can host livestreams on their behalf. This allows creators to passively earn income through affiliate campaigns delivered via livestreams, freeing up more time for content creation and creative exploration.

The AI avatars can stream 24/7 on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, delivering content in eight languages: English, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Melayu, Thai, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Japanese.

The recently launched analytics module on AnyLive also enables creators to benchmark their performance against their AI avatars and use AI-generated scripts to improve livestream outcomes, whether delivered by themselves or their digital twins. This move marks a strategic expansion of AnyLive beyond existing connected e-commerce platforms, democratizing and enabling creator-driven commerce for both AI avatars and human hosts.

On the launch of AnyLive for Creators, Aditya Aima, Managing Director, Growth Markets; Co-MD, India and MENA, said: “In every era, creators have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Today, the fusion of AI and live commerce marks this next leap. AnyLive for Creators is our answer to the growing need for both scale and authenticity: giving Indian creators and brands a frictionless way to engage audiences, convert that engagement instantly, and unlock truly borderless opportunities. With this launch, we’re laying new track for the future of creator commerce.”

AnyLive is an AI-powered live commerce platform that empowers businesses to run 24/7 live commerce activities across a range of e-commerce and social commerce platforms through AI avatars that deliver content in multiple languages. In addition, AnyLive includes a bank of AI avatars, deep analytics for human-led and AI avatar-fronted livestreams, and AI-powered generation and optimization of host scripts.

As of June 2025, AnyMind Group supports over 2,300 creators across APAC with monetization, channel optimization, content production, and brand collaboration opportunities.

Hyderabad (17 September 2025) — The 19th edition of CII PaperTech, a flagship conference advancing energy efficiency in India’s pulp & paper sector, will be held on 16th & 17th September 2025 at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). Themed “Make Indian Pulp & Paper Industry World Class”, the event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for elevating the sector to international standards.

Mr. Pawan Agarwal, President, Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA) and MD, Naini Papers Ltd., highlighted: ” The Indian pulp and paper industry can become world-class with a simple shift in mindset. Small steps, such as scaling operations, ensuring export consistency, and creating unique value propositions, can make a significant difference. By moving beyond just commodities and focusing on value-added products, we can create a thriving ecosystem for engineered solutions.”

Mr. Sushil Kumar Khetan, Vice President of the Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association (INMA) & Chief Executive Officer, Emami Paper Ltd., shared: ” CII’s PaperTech has become a powerful platform for ideas, innovations, and change. The paper industry has rapidly embraced technology, with recycling at its very core. Our next big step must be to make paper mills efficient without coal, moving decisively from intent to action.”

Mr. Pramod Agarwal, President, Indian Agro & Recycled Paper Mills Association ( IARPMA) & Chairman & Managing Director, Rama Paper Mills Ltd. remarked: “Paper is not just a product—it is an integral part of our economy. The growth of this industry is directly linked to the progress of the nation. As the largest contributor to recycling, the paper industry perfectly aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister.”

In addition to insightful discussions and keynote addresses, PaperTech 2025 featured the release of the “Best Practices Manual in Paper Sector (Volume 13),” showcasing advancements and innovations within the industry. The conference also honored N Gopalratnam, Chairman, Seshasayee Paper & Boards Ltd. with the Distinguished Personality award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the pulp and paper sector.

PaperTech 2025 is being organized alongside the 24th CII Energy Efficiency Summit and the 26th CII National Energy Awards for Excellence in Energy Management, where leading paper mills and other industries will be awarded after evaluation of their achievements in energy efficiency.

Bengaluru, India – September 16, 2025– ANSR Foundation, in collaboration with Aravani Art Society, today announced the launch of Namma Dhwani (Our Voice), a unique initiative that harnesses the power of theatre and art to spark meaningful conversations among adolescents from underserved communities.

Through short, issue-based performances created for young people, Namma Dhwani shines a light on challenges such as discrimination, mental health struggles, and social exclusion — all told authentically from the perspective of youth. Each performance is followed by an interactive dialogue, giving adolescents a safe space to share, reflect, and discuss approaches to dealing with difficulties and vulnerabilities in life.

“Namma Dhwani is about providing a stage to express adolescent, marginalized experiences and a space to discuss these challenges. I see young people as future decision makers whose voices matter. By combining art, theatre, and community transformation, we are opening up vulnerable conversations about society’s problems that affect young lives so that the next generation feels truly seen and supported” said Caroline Fernandez, Managing Director, ANSR Foundation.

In parallel, ANSR employee volunteers are working with Ride for Cause to transform government schools and local community spaces into vibrant, welcoming environments. By designing and painting murals with bright, positive imagery, these spaces become more inspiring places for students to learn, grow, and express themselves.

Every child who attends the performance will also receive a preventive health and art kit — including essentials such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, crayons, watercolours, and a scrapbook.

With the support of Aravani Art Society, Ride for Cause, and ANSR’s employee volunteers, Namma Dhwani will impact thousands of young people across Bengaluru, helping them discover the power of storytelling, creativity, and collective action.

National, 16th September 2025 –  Zupee recently announced the launch of Zupee Studio, a short-format video content platform designed to deliver fresh, engaging stories to audiences across Bharat. With episodes lasting just one to two minutes, Zupee Studio is designed for today’s fast-paced lifestyles, offering light-hearted, snackable content at your fingertips.

Zupee Studio currently offers a series of romance, drama, thriller, comedy and more, all designed for mobile-first entertainment. This makes the content both refreshing and relatable to Indian audiences.

How to watch –

• Download the Zupee app from www.zupee.com
• Open Zupee app and sign in by entering your mobile number
• On the Home screen, tap the Studio icon to start watching
• Select and play the free episodes of your choice.
• Tap Zupee Plus to access full series and extra content, with plans starting at ₹2, then complete the in-app payment safely.

Key Features of Zupee Studio:

• Each episode runs just 1 to 3 minutes across genres such as romance, drama, thriller, comedy and more, perfect for on-the-go streaming.
• You can unlock premium content at just INR 2 per episode.
• Enjoy seamless and uninterrupted entertainment with Zupee Plus subscription at INR 599.

At present, Zupee Studio can be accessed directly within the Zupee app on Android devices. Users can download the app from the official Zupee website. An iOS version will be available soon, enabling users to enjoy the same experience.

Zupee Studio marks a bold new chapter in the company’s growth journey, expanding its horizons from online social gaming to shaping India’s digital entertainment landscape. For more details and to start watching, download the Zupee app today.

Bengaluru, 16 September 2025 — The Science Circus is bringing its signature mix of science and theatre to Bengaluru this month with a live stage show on 20th September, 5:30 PM at the Curiouscity Science Centre Auditorium. Tickets are available now on BookMyShow.

In less than a year, The Science Circus has performed across three cities and 21 schools, reaching more than 8,200 children. Its Bengaluru debut promises to transform “wow” classroom experiments into a high-energy evening designed for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Expect cryogenic demonstrations that freeze and shatter, color-changing chemistry, booming explosions, and even indoor clouds — experiments that many may have seen online, but which come alive in an unforgettable way on stage.

The show is created by Rohit Chotai, who has collaborated with National Geographic, The Viral Fever, Unacademy, and Vedantu, and guided thousands of JEE/NEET students. His approach ensures the experience is both spectacular and meaningful.

Following Bengaluru, The Science Circus plans to take its live production to major cities across India.

Event Details

📍 Venue: Curiouscity Science Centre Auditorium, Bengaluru

📅 Date: 20 September 2025

🕠 Time: 5:30 PM onwards

🎟️ Tickets: Available on BookMyShow (limited seats)