Pervez Mohammed at Prism Market Solutions LLC
In this episode, we chat with Pervez Mohammed at Prism Market Solutions LLC. Pervez is an international business development consultant solving marketing, sales, and market development challenges. In this discussion, we are going to talk about his international background in global experiences with the supply chain, the importance of seeking great marketing intelligence, and Pervez’s view on the impact of the coronavirus. The following is a condensed transcript of the interview:
Can you share a little bit about your background and career history?
I'm originally from India where I worked for a company called Unilever. I worked my way through the company eventually to work in their international branch of marketing and exports. My background is in marketing, sales, and marketing development. From there I moved to a large dairy conglomerate called Friesland Coberco Dairy Foods in the Netherlands. I worked in exports and market developments in England. In early 2000, they moved me to the US to be the VP of business and development but when they wanted me to come back to Europe I decided to go into business for my own and started Prism Market Solutions. Luckily, Friesland Coberco retained me as a consultant where I represent them as a local market manager and broker.
What advice would you have for someone who is looking to have an international career?
Having started my career in a challenging shortage economy in India, I've always looked internationally or “westward” and became fascinated with other cultures. If someone wants to get involved in international markets they need to have an interest in countries outside their own, not only for production purposes but also for cultural purposes. Then after you have the interest of other people and cultures, find a career that can take you there.
What has been the impact of digital on your career?
I've always been a little late to digital but now with the coronavirus I've been impressed with the digital readiness, we had behind the scenes and see it as a savior. You can have meetings, consult doctors, and run a business online - and without it, the world would have been up you know what creek.
Why do you find market intelligence so important?
Information and data are what give you a competitive advantage. The more information and the better quality of information you have the better you can perform in the marketplace. During the pandemic when everyone was feeling slightly alone I sought out Aborn and Co.’s roundtable meetings and thought they were relevant, useful, and loved hearing the challenges and problems people were having. I am always searching for the most information I can find because I'm the eyes and ears for his company.
How do you manage to find what is most relevant with the sheer amount of information out there?
You have to pick out key performance indicators. I typically look at API and supply chains as well as the market. Although I do limit myself to certain sources that I believe will provide relevant and useful information. Right now channels I'm checking out are The Harvard Business Review, Mass Export Sites, and Aborn & Co. to name a few.
What is the coronavirus impact as you have seen?
I think the biggest realization that will come out of this pandemic is that we are all interconnected. This idea of globalization has been said many times but now people can feel it. The ability to connect digitally and remotely will surpass business travel. Diversifying your supply chain will be the most important thing going forward - it is an old message people have forgotten about that has been brought back to life.
Has anything surprised you?
I was very surprised by how unprepared everyone was for this, I was shocked! I think it's in my DNA to be slightly prepared coming from a shortage economy
What advice do you have for shippers as the world starts to reopen?
Determine what business you are in and what drives that business. You need to know you have the supply lines well oiled with whatever you need to satisfy your customer. Another piece of advice is it is imperative to be able and ready to react to market conditions.
