Hannu Marketing was established in 1998. The company has been a pioneer in the wide-format printing, branding and signage industry for the last 25 years. They offer a comprehensive menu of services, ranging from Large Format Digital Printing to all types of Signs and Signages (ideation to installation), POS and Retail Displays, Shop In Shops. The company is now capable of handling digital printing and branding work on a Pan India basis.
Why did you think of joining your family business, although around the world there are numerous other career choices?
As soon as I finished my MBA, I decided on joining my father in the advertising and digital printing business. According to my, this business is quite dynamic and creative, which opens up a plethora of expansion opportunities. Being born and brought up around this business, it was always a dream for me to be able to assist my father in this business and to take it to new heights.
The printing and signage sector is male-dominated. So, was it difficult initially to adjust yourself and how did you overcome difficulties?
Yes, initially it was a bit difficult to adjust as there are very few female members in this industry. However, the industry as a whole is very welcoming to the young generation. I realised that being technically strong in my field will help me overcome this challenge as it will make me more confident in conversing with the members of this industry. And to add to that, my father’s guidance and support helped me to make a mark of my own in this industry.
What is your observation about the trends now and in future in advertising…branding and signage industry?
As I mentioned earlier, I find this industry dynamic and ever-changing. Agencies and other players are coming up with new and innovative ideas regularly and it is very important to keep abreast with the changes happening around. Like all other industries, our sector was also affected by Covid and our industry is also seeing an increased role of digitalisation. Brands are looking forward to exploring technology-related solutions which can last longer and create more impact for the consumers.
Another noticeable trend in our industry or something which I feel is the future is sustainable solutions. I feel that the printing and signage industry is slowly becoming conscious of the importance of sustainability and we as players in this industry should encourage brands to Go Green!
Your views about: International Women’s Day 2022 theme – “gender equality for a sustainable future:
To me, the meaning of sustainability is leaving a better planet for our future generations than the one given to us by our ancestors. And to ensure a sustainable future, it is of paramount importance that gender equality is imbibed in all children from a very young age so that they grow up with the same fundamentals. I don’t think the world needs more examples of what women can do. Rather it is time for the world to accept that there is nothing that women can’t do.
How do you strike a balance between work and home and what are the challenges?
When you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work. My work has equal importance as my home and I don’t feel that there is any issue in balancing both. Understanding priorities and urgencies, multi-tasking and time management help me get the best of both worlds.
What were the learning lessons from the Covid pandemic?
The biggest learning lesson from Covid for everyone I think is that Life is unpredictable so make the most of it while you can. At home, I have realised the importance of my loved ones and the important role they play in my life. In professional life, my biggest learning has been that one should not be afraid to take risks for we all have a limited time. And the second most important lesson is, nothing is permanent, so one should always be prepared to face change.
Shalu Gupta
Director – Marketing
Hannu Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
Shalu Gupta completed her MBA (International Business) from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and B.Com (Hons.) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University. She is fond of traveling and cooking.