EPISODE 15

Habib Salo on Mastering The Value-Add

How would you define your value proposition? Tune in to today’s episode where Andy Murray talks with entrepreneur and CEO, Habib Salo. They cover the gains of customer-centric marketing, innovative digital strategies, and the light bulb moment that inspired Habib to run the family business in a totally new way.

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3 Insights from Habib

1. A lightbulb moment came when Habib realized he could do something completely different than others in the industry.

Instead of utilizing the marketing and distribution channels he’d been using for decades, Habib spotted an older couple using a decidedly young tool — a smartphone — and realized that people of all ages and backgrounds are accessible through technology.

2. A “yes” culture is the secret behind innovation.

“If you ask even our marketing team, if you ask our operations team, one of the things about our culture is if you have an idea, let's try it. Everybody knows my answer is yes 99% of the time. You ask, ‘Hey Habib, can I try?’ the answer is yes. I don't care what follows.”

3. The value proposition is in solving the customer’s problem. Your product should come second.

“I always say we have a very indirect sales approach. It's never product first, it's customer first. We're going to solve your problem. And then if you give us a shot and buy our product later, we believe that you are going to be a very loyal customer because you're not buying based on any trickery or magic.”

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About Your Host

Andy Murray

CEO and Founder of bigQUEST

Andy is a highly effective senior leader with a passion for growth, creating cultures that unleash talent, and building capabilities through collaboration across functions. He has held leadership roles across retail (Walmart), CPG (P&G), start-ups (Mercury 11, Saatchi X) and global organizations (Asda U.K.). A creative problem solver, innovator, and marketer, he is known for building high-performing teams and delivering results.

Andy is a lifetime Honorary Board member of the University of Arkansas's Center for Retail Excellence where he helped developed the Center's presence and Innovation conferences. He is also an Early Board Member for the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics college. Andy was inducted into the Shopper Marketing Hall of Fame in 2013 for his pioneering work in developing best practices and industry leadership in the emerging field of Shopper Marketing. He currently serves as Chairman of Asda Foundation.

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About Our Guest

Habib Solo

CEO of Young Nails

Habib's mother decided to start Young Nails at the age of 49, and in an effort to support her passion for the nail industry, Habib and his older brother Greg did everything they could to help run the business. Habib took a detour from medical school and a life in music, while his brother switched from being a firefighter in training to a licensed nail technician.

They have been serving the nail care industry for over 20 years. Young Nails Inc., is a professional nail care manufacturing company that exports to over 40 countries and distributes to over 3000 stores domestically.