For the 1st time I’m trying this audio blog that’ll be used in almost of my future blogs – that’ll help you listen to this detailed article

 

Introduction

The IIT Powai SARCathon was more than just an event—it was a hub of innovation, networking, and brand engagement. For brands looking to connect with Gen Z and student communities, such events offer a unique opportunity to build visibility and trust. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of our experience at the Sarcathon, what worked, and key takeaways for brand managers.

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Event Overview

• Venue: IIT Powai, SOM Building
• Occasion: SARCathon + Alumni Meet
• Audience: IIT alumni, professors, students (first-year, second-year), school students, and general visitors
• Stalls: 10 stalls in total, primarily food and beverage brands

Our stall stood out by offering exclusive deals for IIT students, gifting options, and interactive engagement through the GenZDealZ App.

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Pre-Event Challenges

• Gate Pass Issues: No gate pass was ready when we arrived at 11:30 AM, which delayed setup.
• Weather: Heavy monsoon made logistics tricky.
• Stall Relocation: We had to shift our stall three times due to lighting and space constraints.
• Materials: Carrying standees, banners, and marketing kits through security was a challenge.

Pro Tip for Brands:
Always confirm stall number, building name, and gate pass details in advance to avoid last-minute chaos.

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https://www.instagram.com/p/DQlqYC5Amg8/

Here’s a short reel of the event

Engagement Highlights

• Student Influencer Support: Vidit from Pillai College helped amplify our initiatives.
• Audience Interaction:
  • IIT students showed interest not just in deals but also in understanding our backend business model.
  • School students and parents engaged with curiosity about entrepreneurship.
• Giveaways: Distributed 200 smiley balls:
  • 70% IIT crowd
  • 10% professors and parents
  • 20% school students and general visitors

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Operational Insights for Brand Managers

1. Essential Materials: Carry tapes, gum, and extra lighting for banners and standees.
2. Volunteer Support: Have at least one college volunteer to direct traffic to your stall.
3. Peak Hours:
   • Opening time
   • Lunch hours
   • Evening (5 PM – 7 PM)
4. Food Strategy: Pack your own meal—monsoon limits options to expensive, less nutritious food.
5. Team Presence: Ensure your team is active during peak footfall hours.

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Social Media Strategy

• Capture high-quality photos and videos when VIPs or seniors visit.
• Record authentic student conversations and problem statements.
• Offer tangible gifts (smiley balls, vouchers) to create shareable moments.
• Edit content professionally for targeted platforms.

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Performance Metrics

• Set clear goals: App downloads, website visits, or lead captures.
• Align team efforts around these targets for measurable success.

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Key Takeaways

• Pay volunteers well—they drive engagement during peak hours.
• If footfall drops after 5 PM, wrap up early and focus on the next event.
• Always plan for contingencies like weather and stall changes.

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Final Thoughts

Events likeSARCathon are not just about visibility—they’re about creating meaningful connections with students and alumni. For brands, the key lies in planning, adaptability, and authentic engagement

 

The digital marketing landscape in 2025 demands speed, power, and adaptability. With AI tools, automation workflows, and creative software becoming central to every marketer’s workflow, choosing the right laptop is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re running multi-channel campaigns, designing creatives, or managing analytics dashboards, your laptop needs to keep up.

Below is a practical guide on choosing the best laptop for digital marketers—covering beginners, professionals, accessories, repairs, and buying tips.

1. Understanding Your Role as a Digital Marketer

Before buying, assess your stage in the digital marketing journey:

• Beginner: Focus on cost-effectiveness and durability.

• Intermediate: Prioritize multitasking and portability.

• Professional: Go for high performance, advanced GPU, and long battery life.

 

 

2. Best Laptops for Digital Marketing Beginners (2025)

New digital marketers can start with mid-range laptops offering stable performance and value for money.

Recommended Specs:

• Processor: Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 (minimum)

• RAM: 16GB for smooth multitasking

• Storage: SSD (512GB+)

• Graphics: Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA GTX or Apple M-series GPU)

• Battery: At least 8 hours

• Display: Full HD (1920×1080) minimum

 

Brand	Model	Key Features	Price Range (Approx.)
HP	Envy 14	i5, 16GB RAM, lightweight	₹70,000 – ₹80,000
Dell	Inspiron 15	Balanced power for marketing tasks	₹65,000 – ₹75,000
ASUS	ZenBook 14	Great battery and portability	₹75,000 – ₹85,000
Apple	MacBook Air (M2)	Ideal for light design & automation	₹95,000 – ₹1,10,000

 

 

3. Best Laptops for Professional Digital Marketers (2025)

Experienced digital marketers handle AI automation, high-end design, and data-heavy work. These users should invest in high-performance laptops.

Recommended Models:

• MacBook Pro (M3, 2025 Edition): Industry favorite for marketing pros.

  • Exceptional battery life (up to 20 hours).

  • Optimized for Adobe Suite, Final Cut Pro, and automation workflows.

  • Excellent heat management and long-term durability.

• Dell XPS 15 (2025):

  • Ideal for video editing and analytics.

  • Sharp 4K display and robust GPU for design work.

• ASUS ProArt StudioBook:

  • Tailored for design-heavy users and creative professionals.

  • Excellent performance-to-price ratio.

 

 

4. Getting the Most from Your Mac

When purchasing a Mac, request a Technical SPOC (Single Point of Contact) from the Apple Store.
They’ll:

• Explain ideal configurations for your use case.

• Offer training on optimizing performance.

• Provide fast, reliable support if issues arise.

Once you start using macOS, you’ll experience smoother workflows, better battery optimization, and tighter software integration for tools like Canva, Figma, and HubSpot.

5. Common Accessory Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid wasting money on unnecessary add-ons.

Don’ts:

• Don’t buy thick or heavy laptop cases. They trap heat and can damage screen sensors.

• Don’t purchase extra mice—Apple’s trackpad or Windows Precision Touchpad is efficient enough.

Do’s:

• Do get a screen guard, keyboard protector, and trackpad cover to prevent dust buildup.

 

 

6. Is AppleCare Worth It for Digital Marketers?

Yes. If you use your Mac 12–15 hours daily, AppleCare is a must.

Why:

• Regular heavy use causes battery wear, haptic pad malfunction, and screen sensor degradation.

• Apple repairs are expensive (diagnosis alone costs ₹3,000+ in India).

Tip: Opt for 2-year AppleCare+ for long-term peace of mind. The first year rarely has issues, but the second year can bring wear-related problems.

7. Student Discounts on MacBooks (2025 Update)

Students can claim up to 5%–10% discounts on Apple products through:

• Apple Education Store

• UNiDAYS, StudentBeans, or GenZDealZ.ai

Requirements:

• Valid student ID

• Fee receipt

• Personal details

You can even use a family member’s college credentials (as long as they’re verified).

Note:
Apple won’t apply discounts if you use EMI or finance through HDFC/Bajaj.

8. Best Time to Buy a MacBook (India 2025)

Top Seasons for Discounts:

• Festive sales: Diwali, Independence Day, or Republic Day.

• Online clearance events: Amazon & Flipkart Apple Days.

• Education months (June–August): Student deals and free accessories.

Pro Tip:
Combine bank offers with verified brand vouchers from platforms like GenZDealZ.ai or UNiDAYS to maximize savings.

9. MacBook Repair Costs and When to Replace

Service	Cost Range (₹)
Basic Diagnosis	3,000 – 5,000
Battery Replacement	12,000 – 18,000
Trackpad/Haptic Repair	15,000 – 25,000
Screen Replacement	25,000 – 40,000

 

Recommendation:
If total repair costs exceed 40% of your laptop’s resale value, sell it on Cashify.in or Quikr and upgrade.
Example: The author sold an old MacBook for ₹7,100 with screen and battery damage.

10. Financing Options for Digital Marketers

If your budget is tight, you can:

• Buy on EMI and pay with freelance or agency project earnings.

• Improve your CIBIL score by making timely payments.

• Choose 0% EMI plans on select cards during Apple sale events.

 

11. Key Takeaways

Level	Recommended Laptop	Price Range	Priority Feature
Beginner	HP Envy / Dell Inspiron	₹65K–₹80K	Balanced performance
Intermediate	MacBook Air M2	₹95K–₹1.1L	Lightweight, stable
Professional	MacBook Pro M3	₹1.7L+	Performance & durability

 

 

12. FAQs

1. Which is better for digital marketing — Mac or Windows?
Mac offers better design, reliability, and battery life. Windows laptops provide better customization and affordability.

2. Is 8GB RAM enough for digital marketing?
Minimum is 16GB for smooth multitasking, especially with Chrome, Canva, and automation tools.

3. Do I need a dedicated GPU as a marketer?
Yes, for video editing, design tools, and running AI automation workflows.

4. Can I run Adobe Suite smoothly on MacBook Air?
Yes, M2 and later chips handle Adobe apps efficiently for non-4K projects.

5. Should I buy refurbished MacBooks?
Only from verified Apple Refurbished Stores with warranty.

6. What are the must-have software tools for digital marketers?
Google Analytics, Canva, Notion, ChatGPT, Mailchimp, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Conclusion

Choosing the right laptop in 2025 depends on your professional level and workload intensity.
Beginners can start with solid mid-range devices, while advanced marketers will find the MacBook Pro M3 unmatched in performance, reliability, and ecosystem integration. Always factor in long-term costs like repairs, AppleCare, and accessories.

Invest once, optimize forever.

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In today’s hyper-connected world, WhatsApp has evolved beyond a simple messaging platform. With over 2 billion active users, it’s now a powerful marketing tool for brands and campuses seeking direct engagement with their audiences. One underrated yet highly effective feature is WhatsApp Status Boost—a feature that delivers real, measurable results.

Recently, Chef Dheeraj Bhandari, founder of Billionaire Chef Media Pvt. Ltd., tested this strategy while promoting hospitality career services under the IHM Gurukul brand. The results were remarkable, proving that WhatsApp Status Boost isn’t just a feature—it’s a conversion engine.

 

Case Study: IHM Gurukul x Billionaire Chef Media

When we set out to test the WhatsApp Status Boost feature, the goal was simple: increase awareness, drive engagement, and generate real inquiries. Partnering with Chef Dheeraj Bhandari, we implemented this feature to promote multiple offerings.

Services Promoted:

1. Resume & Cover Letter Services – Specializing in international resumes and customized cover letters tailored for chefs and hospitality professionals.
2. ChefDhundo.com Launch – A platform built to host the largest collection of chef resumes worldwide. Chefs could easily submit resumes and connect with employers.
3. Hospitality Ebooks & Programs – Targeted campaigns to promote educational content and training opportunities for hospitality aspirants.

Each of these promotions leveraged WhatsApp Status Boost to reach the right audience with minimal effort.

How We Discovered the WhatsApp Status Boost Feature

Initially, the WhatsApp Boost option appeared similar to traditional Meta Ads, but upon closer testing, we realized its potential is far greater. Unlike standard ads that run across Facebook or Instagram, WhatsApp’s boosted status is personalized and high-touch.

Here’s what happens when you use WhatsApp Status Boost:

• Your boosted story appears on Facebook Stories, Instagram Stories, and WhatsApp Status simultaneously.
• Interested users can message you directly on WhatsApp, providing verified contact numbers.
• Once users interact or save your contact, they continue seeing your future WhatsApp updates—creating an ongoing remarketing loop.

This combination of personalization and persistence creates a relationship-based marketing funnel, rather than a one-time impression.

Real Results: What We Achieved

To maximize engagement, we took a bold step: we made our resume and cover letter services completely free of costfor the initial phase. The goal was to attract both candidates and employers and build momentum for ChefDhundo.com.

Outcomes:

• A significant spike in resume submissions on ChefDhundo.com
• Direct inquiries from hospitality business owners seeking staff
• Increased visibility for Chef Dheeraj’s video content and short-form media
• Stronger remarketing opportunities through future WhatsApp broadcasts

The trust factor played a crucial role here. With Chef Dheeraj’s established presence and daily video content, the audience was already familiar with the brand, making engagement frictionless.

Why WhatsApp Status Boost Works for Brand & Campus Engagement

1. Direct Audience Access – Messages land straight into users’ WhatsApp inboxes, not just social feeds.
2. Verified Contacts – Every response comes from a real WhatsApp-registered number.
3. Cost-Effective Reach – Lower spend compared to traditional Meta Ads while maintaining high relevance.
4. Remarketing Made Easy – Once users save your contact, they remain connected for future promotions.
5. Cross-Platform Visibility – Simultaneous display across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

For campus engagement, especially in education or hospitality sectors, this approach ensures your message doesn’t get lost in digital noise. It builds genuine relationships with students, alumni, and industry professionals.

Strategic Insights from the Experiment

• Offer Value First: Providing free or high-value services initially builds trust and accelerates visibility.
• Leverage Existing Content: If your brand already produces video content, tie it into your boosted status campaigns for stronger recall.
• Optimize for Retention: Encourage users to save your contact for future updates and offers.
• Analyze & Iterate: Monitor metrics such as link clicks, direct messages, and conversion rates to refine your next campaign.

The Bigger Picture: Future of WhatsApp Marketing

The WhatsApp Status Boost feature has opened new doors for direct marketing. As brands and campuses look for authentic ways to connect, WhatsApp offers a rare combination of reach, intimacy, and continuity.

For educational institutions like IHM Gurukul, or for career platforms such as ChefDhundo.com, this means creating engagement that doesn’t feel like advertising—it feels like a conversation.

FAQs

Q1: What is WhatsApp Status Boost?
It’s a Meta-integrated ad feature allowing brands to promote their WhatsApp status across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp simultaneously.

Q2: Is WhatsApp Status Boost different from Meta Ads?
Yes. It’s more personalized. Messages lead directly to your WhatsApp chat, allowing instant communication with verified users.

Q3: Can small brands or campuses use this feature?
Absolutely. It’s affordable and scalable, making it ideal for startups, institutions, and local brands.

Q4: What kind of content works best?
Short, visually appealing videos or clear call-to-action graphics perform best.

Q5: Is remarketing possible through WhatsApp?
Yes. Once users save your contact, you can re-engage them via status updates or broadcast messages.

Q6: How can campuses use this for student outreach?
They can promote admissions, webinars, and placement drives directly through personalized WhatsApp messages.

Conclusion

The WhatsApp Status Boost feature isn’t a myth—it’s a measurable, proven marketing tool. For brands and campuses seeking genuine engagement, it bridges the gap between digital advertising and human connection.

The success story of IHM Gurukul, Chef Dheeraj Bhandari, and ChefDhundo.com is proof that with the right strategy, WhatsApp can be your most powerful growth channel.

📢 Next Steps:

• Try your own WhatsApp Status Boost campaign.
• Visit ChefDhundo.com to explore opportunities.

College festivals, competitions, and cultural activities offer brands a powerful platform to connect with young, dynamic audiences. Sponsorships not only help brands gain visibility but also create lasting engagement with students through relevant and meaningful contributions. Below are some innovative ways brands can actively participate in and sponsor college events.

 

Judging the Competition

One of the most impactful contributions a brand can make is by providing qualified judges for competitions. This ensures professional, unbiased evaluations and adds credibility to the event.

Example: Recently, Akshay Shah was invited as a judge for CODE Storm at Thadomal Shahani College of Engineering. He reviewed the problem statements, picked the winning team, and infused industry knowledge into the judging process.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• Distribute brand vouchers to participants.

• Secure speaking slots (e.g., a 10-minute brand/business pitch to the audience).

• Build future collaborations with colleges for annual fests or recurring involvement.

Winner Prize Distribution

Brands can amplify their presence by sponsoring attractive prizes for winners. This not only motivates participants but ensures direct brand association with success and achievement.

Example: GenZDealZ.ai partnered as a rewarding sponsor, offering subscription vouchers tailored to the winners’ rankings. For instance, top 3 winners received premium vouchers, while runner-ups were given smaller but high-value rewards.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• Gift cards, digital vouchers, or premium subscriptions.

• Tiered rewards based on performance levels.

• Branding on prize certificates or announcement banners.

Digital Standee & Firewall Placements

Brands can opt for strategic visibility by booking digital standee space or firewall sections on a college’s admission or fee portal. These pop-ups, integrated with QR codes, make it seamless for students to access brand platforms.

Advantages:

• QR code-enabled standees drive instant engagement.

• Firewalls redirect new students via UTM tracking to brand websites.

• Access to a wider audience, including alumni, through promotional emails sent to college mailing lists.

In the absence of digital infrastructure, brands can place physical standees at high-footfall spots on campus to draw attention from students.

Fest Stall Sponsorship

Setting up a branded stall during college fests creates direct interaction with students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. With engaging activities, brands can foster curiosity and build loyalty.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• Collaborate with the college fest committee to design fun games and activities.

• Offer instant rewards for participation to drive footfall on Day 1.

• Use volunteers to create excitement and assist visitors with brand information.

Interactive stalls become experiential touchpoints that transform casual fest attendees into active brand participants.

By combining credibility (judging), aspiration (winnerprizes), visibility (digital/physical presence), and engagement (fest stalls), brands can create a multifaceted sponsorship strategy that resonates with students and builds long-term goodwill on campus.

Recently, our team experimented with a LinkedIn campaign to promote the NISM XIII Common Derivatives LIVE Webinar. The goal was simple: drive registrations from finance professionals, build credibility in the Securities Investment Fund (SIF) training space, and ultimately expand our live training batches.

Our LinkedIn Ad Approach

We designed the campaign in two phases:

• Static Creative Ads – These directed users straight to the registration page. While straightforward, this format gave us limited engagement.

• Video Reels Ads – Once we switched to short video ads in reel format, engagement significantly improved, even with a slightly higher budget.

The real success came from the video campaigns, which drove stronger visibility and better brand connections overall.

Campaign Performance & Insights

• Registrations from webinar ads: ~30 total attendees

• Static Ads (Display): High CPM (> INR 100) with very few registrations

• Video Ads: CPM around INR 146 but generated 20 registrations alone

• Indirect Benefits:

  • Boosted LinkedIn followers

  • Enhanced brand image and awareness

  • Increased website and app visits

  • Premium LinkedIn insights for better strategy building

Clearly, video-based storytelling resonated much better with our target audience compared to static ads.

 

Organic + Paid Growth Strategy

Another key learning: running LinkedIn ads alongside consistent organic content helps tremendously. When a LinkedIn page is active with relevant updates, success stories, and industry insights, paid ads act as reinforcement rather than isolated efforts.

Additionally, integrating offline corporate training and classroom sessions further accelerates engagement, as professionals prefer trainers with a strong presence both online and in-person.

Participant Testimonials

Some of the learners shared valuable feedback after completing NISM XIII with us:

• Arun Gopi – “I cleared the NISM XIII Common Derivatives exam with ease, thanks to Sheetal Kunder Ma’am’s question banks, videos, and simplified concepts. Having tried mocks on other platforms, I found this the most affordable and comprehensive with valuable video-based learning.”

• Rakesh Kumar – “I attended the 2-day SIF training by Ms. Sheetal Kunder in New Delhi. She made the toughest derivative concepts very easy to understand. I truly admire her teaching style and look forward to more sessions. Wishing her the best for future programs.”

These testimonials not only validate the training methodology but also strengthen credibility within the finance professional community.

Multi-Channel Marketing Efforts

Our outreach wasn’t limited to LinkedIn. We backed the campaign with:

• Email and SMS reminders

• Consent notifications and community updates

• Google announcements

• Social media and app-based posts

This multi-channel follow-up maximized conversions and kept registrants engaged until the webinar.

Final Takeaways

LinkedIn ads proved a powerful marketing lever for finance professional training promotions. Despite higher CPMs for video ads, the improved engagement, registrations, and brand awareness make it worth the investment.

As we move forward, we plan to continue blending LinkedIn ads with organic presence and offline touchpoints to grow our NISM XIII Common Derivatives LIVE training and position ourselves as pioneers in the SIF & Derivatives education domain in India.