In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with marketing expert Kerim El Gabaili to explore why 80% of marketing efforts fail for small and medium-sized businesses. Drawing on his experience as the Managing Director of a leading marketing agency, Kerim discusses how businesses often skip vital strategic steps, leading to poor outcomes. He emphasizes that marketing should focus on delivering commercial results, not just using trendy tools like SEO or Google Ads. The key lies in starting with a solid plan, much like calling an architect before building a house.

Kerim shares practical advice on understanding customer profiles, retention strategies, and building effective marketing foundations. He highlights the importance of measuring results—such as cost per acquisition—and tailoring marketing channels to align with business goals. Throughout the conversation, both Paul and Kerim stress the significance of putting customers at the centre of your business strategy and why businesses must invest in long-term marketing plans to achieve sustainable growth.

Kerim El Gabaili Kerim’s key achievements include:
Managing Director at OnePoint: Kerim has consistently driven innovation and transformative strategies, resulting in multifaceted value for clients and a plethora of prestigious accolades, including two AMIA Awards.
Global Financial Crisis Leadership: Amidst the 2009 Global Financial Crisis, Kerim led OnePoint to clinch the Deloitte Fastest FBA Growing Business award in NSW and ACT for businesses under 15 staff.
Pioneering Marketing Strategies: Under the Prografica brand, Kerim spearheaded Australia’s pioneering adoption of Multi-Channel Cross Media strategies with PURLs.

  • 4 years on the B2B Expert Panel at ADMA
  • 6 years Advisory Board at IBSA and PwC
  • 3 years Chair of Sydney Digital Co-op $130M group turnover
  • Podi Award winner for an international campaign in California, USA
  • 2 AMI Awards for Subaru & Accor
  • 2 Terms as Board Member of ICCI (Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
  • President, Vice President, and Board Member of AABC (Australian Arab Business Council)
  • Board Member at SHBCC (Sydney Hills Business Chamber of Commerce)
  • CPM & Fellow of the AMI (Australian Marketing Institute)
  • Australian Marketing Institute Awards judge in 2023/2022
  • External marketing manager for 6 companies responsible for $250M in sales.
  • Football coach of the year 2024 at Epping FC

Website 1pt.com.au
Email kerim@1pt.com.au
Phone 0414 442 217