'iBrandConnect' is a consultancy that helps connect brands, retailers, distributors, influencers and customers. The founder, Mr. Shaji Shanmughan has nearly three decades of experience in the field of photography and photographic equipment business, including both their technical and marketing aspects. This includes twenty years experience with leading photo distributor in Dubai, UAE, where he headed the sole distribution of world-famous brands like Nikon, Fujifilm Etc, as well as other major photography and accessory brands, to retailers, enthusiasts and professionals in the Middle East and Africa.With Mr. Shaji's experience, contacts and networking skills at the core, iBrandConnect would engage in the promotion of professional photography and training in the requisite skills, as well as the e-commerce (shop.ibrandconnect.com) wholesale distribution of photographic equipment and accessories. Besides, iBrandConnect would provide management consultancy for brands in entering and engaging the field in the Middle Eastern and African markets.

Helping brands and institutions connect with distributors, retailers, professionals, influencers and customers to collaborate and grow in the Middle East and Africa

Directly Managed Distribution Brands coordinating with Brand Managers are:|Nikon|Fujifilm|Sigma|Rollei|Zhiyun-Tech|Benro|Sirui|Saramonics|Interfit|H&Y|Hahne|Ansmann|Temba|Bresser|Imo Straps|Permajet|Green Clean|Feelworld|Small Rig|Tolifo|Falcon Eye|Marks|Fifish|Carion|Nanuk|Source and Procure International premium brands and do complete Business+Marketing plan.Develop selling strategies based on with company’s competitive and success elements. Assist in coordinating and executing the business tactics for development, marketing and sales of the brands in the category. Develop and execute category plans to meet revenue goals. Manage inventory levels to maximize sales. Assist in preparing capital budget plan and expense management plan. Make changes to the brand/product line to increase profit margin. Implement monthly promotional strategies to achieve sales goals along with Brand Managers.Analyze customer requirements and develop product promotions to drive sales. Address customer queries and concerns in a timely fashion. Perform customer negotiations and determine new customer contract terms. Stay updated on industry trends and market competitions. Attend International and National industry events and trade shows for promoting company products/ Adding additional innovative brands in the Category.

-Build Nikon's Brand image in UAE & to lead, manage and motivate team Nikon in multi cultured and disciplined environment to carry out administrative & operational functions associated with Sales, Marketing & Technical support.-Close co-ordination between the principles & channel partner in UAE.-Representing Nikon-UAE for the biannual Nikon distributers meeting.-Representing Nikon-UAE for the Nikon's Asian Technical Officers training and maintain the Nikon call center, the Nikon UAE website.-Responsible for forecasting Category wise/ SKU wise/ Retailer wise & compare achievement to target.-Ordering complete product lineup with right product mix in consultation with Retail Sales Channel Partners.-Adapt International Marketing plan of the brand to local market.-Weekly sell through analysis of key category stores viz Power retailers to ensure all products are given maximum focus & to avoid slow moving situation.-Coordinate with Sale/Retail/Merchandising team for executing targeted business plans.-Expand Market reach &distribution channel by opening new accounts in electronics/Digital lifestyle category stores & untapped avenues.-Regular Dealer visit and ensure proper merchandising in all key retail outlets and formulate specific retail programme.-Arrange product training for Sales/Retail/Merchandising team & dealer network.-Check and control parallel market.-Overall responsible for Trade Shows / Open House etc.

• Administrating, recruiting and training sales staff for effective promotion of products, sales forecasting and achieving departmental goals.• Reviewing, restructuring and innovating processes, procedures and execution methodologies to ensure all trainees attain international standards of compatibility.• Training and developing personnel into an effective, supportive team, overseeing their performance and motivating them to accomplish set targets• Liaising with manufacturing representatives, distributors, and contractors regarding work orders, problems with machines or new products.• Representing company at trade association, meetings to promote products.• Organizing meetings with key clients, handling important client accounts, assisting sales representatives in resolving client queries, negotiating and closing deals.• Strengthening and building customer base, conducting sales promotions of new products, establishing sales goals and continually exceeding targets.• Managing, marshaling and augmenting human and infrastructural resources for optimal deliverable efficacy.• Directing market research, competitor analysis, providing market feedback and accurate forecasting to management team to optimize sales strategy.• Acting as the single point contact between various teams, dealers, distributors, and clients for brand enhancement.• Staying attuned to the latest digital technology, to improvise on the quality delivered.

• Liaised with commissioned officers for assignments, appraised them on developments and completion of assignments.• Stored, processed and supervised still, continuous and computer generated aerial images using sophisticated technology.• Scanned detailed images for a given object being sought (such as a missing aircraft), for abnormalities in the surrounding area, or for changes from previous records.• Created tables, schedules, charts, graphs, schematic drawings, sketches, pictures and icons to support base level staff for investigations and emergencies.• Analyzed and performed imagery tests, certified, monitored and regulated imagery equipments.• Captured and enhanced crops, prints and transits by means of telephone, satellite or secured transmission systems.• Checked and maintained camera and flight equipment to ensure proper working condition in case of unforeseen contingencies.• Contracted with a pilot to fly the plane or helicopter, ascertained high quality photographs are taken on the first attempt.• Managed tasks, returned calls, maintained network, as well as ensured photographs are delivered within the specified time frames.