[quote style=”boxed”]I would invest more in branding. It’s so important to have a reputation and an image attached to your name. People are skeptical of working with people who aren’t established – people want to see what you’ve done and who you’ve done it with.[/quote]
Hassan Bawab is the Founder and CEO of Magic Logix, an interactive Digital Marketing Agency in Dallas, Texas. Magic Logix combines dynamic website development, professional website design, SEO and integrated online marketing to drive new leads with high conversion. He is committed to high standards in every aspect of his business and actively leads his team of professional developers, designers, and online marketers. Key to their success is Hassan’s emphasis on clear, open communication among employees and with clients
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on expanding my business; I’m planning to launch a new location in the Silicon Valley area, as well as another location in the Middle East. It’s great to be able to provide services to people in different areas around the globe. It shows just how valuable your services are, and it creates a more connected marketplace.
Where did the idea for Magic Logix come from?
The idea for the name itself was mine. I was thinking about how to deliver creativity through logic – our niche is the intersection of creativity, technology, and digital marketing, so it seemed like magic mixed with logic. The business concept came about once I realized the strong need for good web designers who can maximize SEO. It’s something every company needs, but not something every company can do.
What does your typical day look like?
My typical day consists of having a lot of meetings with employees about their needs. I spend most of my time focusing on how employees can function more efficiently and effectively, particularly in providing the best output for our clients. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing in high-level meetings if the people working with our clients can’t get their work done.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas come to life by utilizing the latest innovations in technology and marketing, in addition to following recent news and anticipating the next steps. Things change all the time, and finding the right place, time, and customer for your idea is all about staying aware. You have to see 5 steps ahead of where you are at any given time in order to develop a really good idea with lasting power.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
HTML5 is exciting. It’s still under construction, but the newest version of HTML programming will allow sites to support the newest multimedia – while keeping things simple for both users and programmers. It will correct so many syntax errors that exist today from combining different programming languages. It will be a huge win for designers and the general public.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I used to wait at a restaurant, and the most valuable thing I learned is how to keep the customer happy. It’s one thing to keep someone temporarily content, but it’s another thing to make someone satisfied enough to keep coming back to your business for more. Waiters have a hard time keeping people happy – if you’ve ever walked into a restaurant full of screaming babies, chain smokers, and football fans, you know why. Conquering customer satisfaction there meant I could do it anywhere.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would invest more in branding. It’s so important to have a reputation and an image attached to your name. People are skeptical of working with people who aren’t established – people want to see what you’ve done and who you’ve done it with. The other thing I’d do, in hindsight, is groom salespeople with IT backgrounds. You can’t beat the know-how of an IT professional in explaining technical terms.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Marketing, marketing, marketing is so essential. Seriously, brand and image are the most valuable possessions your company owns. If you don’t toot your own horn, who will? Have confidence in your business and show other people why they should be just as invested as you are.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Build an effective website that is very simple and drives conversions – your site must be optimized for search engines. Your business will live and die on the internet. Not taking advantage of all the tools at your disposal for getting your name out is ensuring you die on the internet, rather than thrive.
Tell us a secret.
I’m originally from Lebanon, and I love mixing American and Middle Eastern ideas of business to create a different perspective in the marketplace.
What are your three favorite online tools and what do you love about them?
Dropbox and box.com are valuable for online file storage, FTP replacement, and creating team workspaces online. Skype or Google+’s hangout feature are great for meeting clients online. Magento is, hands down, the best e-commerce system out there. If you haven’t used it before, use it now.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The E-Myth is highly recommended. This book is great for entrepreneurs; it teaches you how to run your business, without constantly being on top of it, by showing you how to build an effective system.
What’s on your playlist?
Drake, Eminem, Nirvana, DJ Tiësto, and Armin Van Buuren are in constant rotation.
If you weren’t working on Magic Logix, what would you be doing?
I can’t imagine having my passion lie somewhere else. I am a very good manager and I like dealing with people. I couldn’t give that up – I thrive on developing relationships, as well as my employees. It’s important to know what your strengths are, and build upon them.
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
Pete Cashmore, founder/CEO of Mashable, the social media blog.
Follow: @mashable
David Berkowitz, emerging media director at 360i.
Follow: @dberkowitz
Jeff Lanctot, chief strategy officer at Razorfish.
Follow: @lanctot
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
I laughed out loud the last time I was meeting with someone and she tried to explain something to me but just couldn’t find the words. I eventually got so confused that I blurted out, “What are we talking about?!” We had to laugh at my reaction. If you can’t understand someone, sometimes you’ve just got to break the ice!
Who is your hero?
Steve Jobs was incredible. He helped develop so many advancements in technology, and you got the sense he did it not just because he loved it, but also because he knew how much it would benefit others. He had an admirable sense of what achievement looked like. He never wanted to create the second-best version of anything.
What’s one thing every single person should do to maximize their return on their social media accounts?
I always recommend that people invest in tracking management tools for their social media accounts. There is no way to know how successful you are online if you do not have a means of tracking engagement.
What’s your favorite thing about Dallas?
Dallas has a lot to offer young professionals. It’s a fun and active community with plenty of things to do and see. Dallas also offers a low cost of living, especially when compared to many other large cities in the U.S.
Connect:
Internal Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn:
Website: www.magiclogix.com
Twitter: @hassanbawab
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.