The Visionary CMO: Ma Qing’s Journey In The Fintech Industry

Market Daily Staff on July 17, 2024

By: Caleb Hellinger

As only the third marketing hire for the investing platform, Qing saw an untapped opportunity to revolutionize fintech marketing by leveraging influencer partnerships. Her innovative strategies and visionary leadership quickly paid off, resulting in explosive growth for the company and establishing her as a pivotal figure in the fintech marketing space.

Recognizing the Power of Influencers

Ma Qing’s journey in fintech marketing began with a keen observation of the challenges that everyday consumers face in understanding personal finance. “To me, the biggest problem when it comes to personal finance is that people are intimidated by the concept of finance,” Qing explains. She realized that traditional financial education methods were often dry and inaccessible to the average person. Instead, Qing saw the potential of leveraging social media influencers to make financial literacy more relatable and engaging.

Influencers, with their ability to connect personally with their audiences, offered a unique avenue to demystify complex financial concepts. Qing’s innovative approach involved partnering with influencers who could break down financial topics in an entertaining and comprehensible manner. This strategy not only expanded Public.com’s reach but also helped build a community of informed and engaged users.

Strategic Partnerships and Breakthrough Campaigns

Under Qing’s leadership, Public.com formed strategic partnerships with several high-profile influencers. One of the first and most significant collaborations was with YouTube legend Phil DeFranco. Known for his ability to explain news and complex issues in a straightforward and engaging way, DeFranco was an ideal partner for Public.com. His involvement brought a massive influx of users to the platform and significantly boosted its visibility.

Another key partnership was with Erika Kullberg, a TikTok money expert known for her concise and informative financial tips. By collaborating with Kullberg, Public.com tapped into a younger demographic that was eager to learn about investing but often found traditional financial education unapproachable. Kullberg’s engaging TikTok videos demystified financial concepts and encouraged her followers to take control of their financial futures through investing.

One of the standout campaigns during Qing’s tenure at Public.com was with Michael Reeves, a popular YouTuber known for his humorous and creative tech projects. It showcased the power of influencer marketing in fintech, driving thousands of new users to Public.com and garnering over millions of views. The success of this campaign highlighted Qing’s ability to create engaging content that resonated with a wide audience.

Achieving Explosive Growth

Qing’s innovative strategies and successful campaigns led to remarkable growth for Public.com. Within a year, the platform’s user base grew from 250,000 to 1.5 million. This exponential growth was a testament to the effectiveness of Qing’s influencer marketing approach. By making financial literacy accessible and engaging, Qing helped Public.com build a loyal and active user community.

The success at Public.com also attracted significant investment. Under Qing’s leadership, the company secured significant venture funding, boosting its valuation to unicorn status. This influx of capital allowed Public.com to expand its services and reach even more users. Qing’s work demonstrated the transformative power of influencer marketing in the fintech sector, proving that innovative marketing strategies could drive substantial business growth.

Moving to Republic: Expanding the Vision

Following her achievements at Public.com, Qing joined Republic to further her mission of democratizing financial markets. Republic is a platform that allows anyone to invest in startups, real estate, and more, making private investment opportunities accessible to a broader audience. At Republic, Qing took on the role of leading US Marketing and Digital Growth, with a focus on creator-led business fundraising deals.

“Republic is at the forefront of this new era of retail-driven private investment,” Qing notes. “By supporting creators in launching their own businesses and enabling fan investment, Republic is paving the way for a more democratized and accessible private market.” Qing’s role at Republic involved developing a pipeline of creator-led business fundraising deals, including ventures for well-known creators like Mr. Beast and Emma Chamberlain’s coffee brand.

One of her standout accomplishments at Republic was the launch of Republic Note, a digital token. This innovative financial product allowed users to invest in Republic itself and benefit from its success. The launch was a massive success, raising a substantial amount in less than a month. Qing’s ability to harness the power of digital innovation and creator partnerships to drive significant financial outcomes was once again evident.

Leading Marketing at Firstcard: A Personal Mission

Currently, as the Chief Marketing Officer of Firstcard, Qing continues her mission to democratize financial literacy and credit building. Firstcard is a fintech company dedicated to helping people build credit, with a particular focus on immigrants, international students, and people of color. “Joining Firstcard was a natural choice for me,” Qing explains. “My personal experience as an immigrant and the company’s significant social impact aligned perfectly with my values.”

Firstcard’s innovative roadmap includes future features such as an AI financial advisor and advanced budgeting tools, aiming to earn recognition as the premier credit card for students by top-tier publications like Forbes and CNN. Currently, Firstcard offers robust features including faster credit building, acceptance of applications from international students without an SSN, up to 15% cashback from over 29,000 selected partner merchants, up to 4.25% APY, and 5% monthly cashback on popular educational platforms like ChatGPT, Chegg, Grammarly, Canva, Adobe, Headspace, and more. Ma Qing’s marketing strategies at Firstcard focus on promoting these existing features, making them accessible and engaging, and empowering users to take control of their financial futures.

One of Qing’s significant initiatives at Firstcard is the $10,000 Student Scholarship program, which supports international students. “When I was an international student, there were very few funding sources available,” Qing recalls. “By including international students in our scholarship program, we ensure that they are not left behind.” This program reflects her commitment to inclusivity and her understanding of the unique financial challenges faced by underserved communities.

A cornerstone of Qing’s work at Firstcard is her emphasis on financial education. She believes that financial literacy is fundamental to achieving financial freedom. “A lack of financial literacy is the biggest barrier to achieving financial freedom,” Qing asserts. “To truly democratize credit building for everyone, we need to change the experience of many underserved communities.” Firstcard’s features, such as AI-driven financial advice and personalized budgeting tools, are designed to equip users with the knowledge and resources necessary for building a strong financial foundation.

Qing’s marketing strategy at Firstcard is not just about growth; it’s about creating meaningful impact. Her campaigns are crafted to educate and empower users, fundamentally altering their interactions with financial products. This educational philosophy is a thread that runs through all her endeavors, from influencer partnerships to her initiatives at Firstcard.

Advocacy and Thought Leadership

Beyond her professional roles, Qing is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and inclusion. She frequently speaks at conferences and industry events, sharing her insights and advocating for broader financial education. Her thought leadership in the fintech industry has positioned her as a visionary leader shaping the future of financial services.

In her commitment to social responsibility, Qing collaborates with non-profit organizations and educational institutions to develop programs that promote financial literacy. “It’s important to ensure that everyone has access to the knowledge and resources they need to succeed financially,” she emphasizes.

Qing’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements. She is a strong advocate for financial literacy and inclusion, frequently speaking at conferences and events to share her insights and experiences. Her thought leadership in the fintech industry has earned her recognition as a visionary leader who is shaping the future of financial services.

Looking towards the future, Qing is optimistic about the continued potential for innovation in the fintech sector. She believes that advancements in technology will further enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of financial services. “We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with fintech,” she notes. “Especially with the integration of AI, there are immense opportunities to create solutions that address the unique needs of different communities and make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Qing is particularly excited about the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to revolutionize financial services. She sees these technologies as key enablers of more personalized and efficient financial products that can better meet the needs of diverse users.

Ma Qing’s journey from investment banking to leading innovative marketing campaigns in fintech is a testament to her vision, determination, and strategic acumen. Her work at Public.com, Republic, and Firstcard showcases her ability to leverage influencer marketing and digital innovation to drive significant value and growth. Qing’s commitment to financial literacy, inclusivity, and innovation is reshaping the fintech landscape, making financial services more accessible and engaging for all.

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Published by: Khy Talara

Buying a Home Now: Expert Tips from Jose Berlanga

Market Daily Staff on July 17, 2024

By: Evan Freeman

If you’re looking to buy a home, the current housing market presents a unique and perplexing landscape, defying the clear-cut trends of past decades. According to Jose Berlanga, co-owner of Tricon Homes and author of The Business of Home Building, these times are particularly unique. While the situation is indeed complex, there are also significant opportunities available. Berlanga offers three essential tips for new home buyers during our recent conversation:

What is your take on the current housing market?

After being in this industry for nearly 30 years, these are some of the most interesting times I have encountered. Experience is everything right now because information, both good and bad, is flowing at an unprecedented speed, confusing us all as to whether it’s best to buy or rent. You must master the art of interpreting factual economic data versus emotional economic data. Normally, the market is either getting better or beginning to deteriorate. This is currently a difficult subject because some markets are better, some markets are worse, and it takes true experts to determine how and where to find those deals. There are mixed emotions across the board because there are promising signs regarding where this market is heading, but there is also more uncertainty than ever between wars abroad, elections, high interest rates, and a lack of economic and political transparency.

What will the housing market do for the rest of 2024? 2025?

It will remain stable for the remainder of 2024, but things will be tough for builders and developers because buyers are not showing any sense of urgency. On the other hand, there are great opportunities. Higher-end properties show no signs of slowing down as the rich are getting richer and not being as affected by interest rates, but the lower price points are taking longer to bounce back.

What advice do you give those looking to buy a home in the current market?

Do your homework, understand the market you are looking at, but do not wait! I haven’t seen builders offer the kind of discounts and concessions that are currently being offered. When interest rates drop, there will be a buying frenzy like we’ve never seen before, especially in areas with a growing population and strong job markets. Large corporations are attempting to corner the single-family home industry by turning homeownership into home rental subdivisions. There is a huge movement going on where many large funds are absorbing a lot of the inventory, turning housing developments into rental developments. It will become harder for the average consumer to own a home in the future, so now is the time to buy.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the current housing market requires patience, research, and strategic action. While the landscape is undoubtedly complex and fraught with uncertainty, there are also significant opportunities for well-prepared and informed people. As Berlanga emphasizes, the key is to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the true economic indicators and acting decisively when the moment is right. Whether you are considering buying or renting, the insights from experienced industry professionals like Berlanga can provide the guidance needed to make sound decisions in these unprecedented times.

Buying a Home Now: Expert Tips from Jose Berlanga

Photo Courtesy: Jose Berlanga

Jose M. Berlanga, an entrepreneur from Mexico City with over 35 years of experience, has made a significant mark in Houston’s real estate industry, notably through co-founding Tricon Homes. His diverse background, including degrees in Business Administration, Economics, and Philosophy, has fueled his success in various sectors, making him a source of inspiration and mentorship in the business community. He is the author of The Business of Home Building: How to Start and Operate a Residential Construction Company.

Published By: Aize Perez

How to Share Accomplishments on Social Media: Tips from Grant Lira of The Empathy Firm

Market Daily Staff on July 17, 2024

Are you using social media to its fullest potential to showcase your accomplishments? Grant Lira of The Empathy Firm, along with his brother Gavin Lira, has some powerful insights on how to leverage online media features to build your authority and credibility. Here’s a breakdown of their expert advice.

First Impressions Matter: Crafting Your Bio

Your social media bio is like a digital handshake; it needs to leave a strong, lasting impression. The Lira brothers emphasize the importance of controlling the narrative. As Grant Lira says, “Smart people want to be judged, but only in the box they control.”

When someone lands on your profile, they make quick judgments based on what they see. Your bio should highlight your achievements to guide these judgments in a favorable direction. Grant Lira and Gavin Lira recommend including phrases like:

Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc.
Podcast Features Linked Below
Press Features Linked Below

Those using lines about linked content suggest utilizing a Linktree, with your website at the top, followed by your press and podcast features.

The Power of Posts: Combining Visuals and Content

When posting on social media, content must be both educational and engaging. Highlight your credibility by sharing media features or major podcasts you’ve participated in. However, don’t just post a screenshot of an article. Social media algorithms tend to limit the reach of text-heavy images.

Instead, pair a visually appealing snippet of the feature with a good image of yourself. This approach works well with algorithms and effectively showcases your accomplishments.

Additionally, pinning significant posts to your profile ensures new visitors first see your major achievements.

Captions that Connect: The Art of Humble Storytelling

Captions can make or break your posts. The Lira brothers advocate for a storytelling approach to avoid coming off as boastful. Consider these two sentences:

I own a home in a gated community.
When I was behind on rent, I would walk past gated communities and wish to have a friend who lived there someday. Now, I own a home in a gated community.

The second sentence pairs an achievement with a relatable struggle, creating a more engaging and humble narrative. Social media users prefer relatable stories over outright bragging.

For a practical example of this approach, check out this Instagram post: Example Caption.

Maximizing Video Content: Repurposing for Multiple Platforms

If you’re featured on podcasts, don’t let that long-form content go to waste. Grant and Gavin suggest repurposing it for social media. Extract snippets to create engaging short-form videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Stories.

TikTok Tips: Tailoring Content for the Platform

TikTok isn’t just for kids. If you’re venturing into this platform, tailor your content to its audience. Educational content performs well here and can be repurposed across other platforms that favor short-form video content. These posts help grow your following, engage prospects, and attract talent organically.

Final Thoughts

Having employed these social media strategies for their own business, The Empathy Firm, Grant Lira and Gavin Lira are confident in their effectiveness. After all, they’ve witnessed it firsthand. By following their advice, you, too, can successfully leverage social media to highlight your accomplishments and build an authoritative online presence.

Remember, the goal is to create a favorable first impression, engage your audience with educational content, and tell relatable stories. The right approach can significantly enhance your social media impact through well-crafted bios, strategic posts, engaging captions, or repurposed video content.

Published by: Martin De Juan

Impact of Glove Choice on Fighter Career Longevity

Market Daily Staff on July 17, 2024

By: Hit N Move

In the high-stakes world of professional fighting, the choice of equipment can significantly impact an athlete’s career. Among the critical gear, gloves stand out as paramount for both performance and protection. While some fighters might prioritize gloves that enhance striking power, this short-term gain can lead to substantial long-term risks, making the case for protective gloves even more compelling.

Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Risks

Fighters who opt for gloves that increase striking power often experience immediate benefits. These gloves can lead to harder hits, which potentially result in more knockouts and quicker victories. This immediate impact can provide a competitive edge, boosting the fighter’s confidence and potentially swaying judges in close matches. The allure of these short-term gains is undeniable, as the immediate results are visible and tangible.

However, the long-term risks associated with such choices are significant. Harder-hitting gloves can drastically increase the likelihood of hand injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and chronic pain. These injuries not only compromise a fighter’s career longevity but also require extended recovery periods, disrupting training and competition schedules. Repeated hand injuries can hinder effective training, limit improvement in other areas, and even lead to severe injuries requiring surgery, resulting in prolonged absences and potential permanent damage.

Moreover, the ethical implications of causing severe injuries to opponents cannot be ignored. A balance between immediate performance and long-term health is crucial. Fighters must consider proper glove selection, emphasizing both protection and performance, to mitigate these risks.

Impact of Glove Choice on Fighter Career Longevity (2)

Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move

Hand Injuries in Professional Fighting

It is relatively common for professional fighters to break their hands during fights. The intense impact and repeated force exerted on their hands when striking an opponent often lead to fractures in the small bones of the hand, such as the metacarpals. Despite using protective gear like hand wraps and gloves, the risk of hand injuries remains high due to the nature of the sport. Proper technique, conditioning, and sometimes surgical intervention are necessary to prevent and treat these injuries effectively.

Impact of Glove Choice on Fighter Career Longevity (3)

Photo Courtesy: Hit N Move

The Role of Proper Gloves in Fighter Health and Career Longevity

Fighters must prioritize gloves that offer adequate protection to ensure their health and career longevity. Proper glove selection can significantly reduce the risk of hand injuries, allowing fighters to maintain consistent training and competition schedules. High-quality gloves, like those produced by Hit N Move, provide the necessary balance between performance and protection, helping fighters achieve their goals without sacrificing their long-term well-being.

Ozhan Akcakaya and Hit N Move: A Commitment to Fighter Safety

Ozhan Akcakaya, founder and CEO of Hit N Move, understands the critical balance between performance and protection. His company, known for producing ultra-premium, lightweight, and durable fight gloves, is dedicated to maximizing speed, agility, and confidence in the ring while ensuring fighter safety. Hit N Move’s products, approved by state athletic commissions in Nevada, New York, California, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Florida, and Texas, are handcrafted by skilled artisans and designed in the USA.

Ozhan’s vision is supported by his wife, Alaina Akcakaya, who serves as the VP of Public Relations for Hit N Move. Together, they emphasize the importance of using high-quality, protective gear to enhance performance without compromising safety. The gloves produced by Hit N Move feature 100% genuine cowhide leather for a sleek and responsive feel, a compact design for a smart fit, and proprietary moisture-wicking technology to keep fighters comfortable throughout their bouts.

Final Remarks

While the temptation to use gloves that enhance striking power is strong, fighters must consider the long-term implications of their equipment choices. Protective gloves are essential for reducing injury risks, ensuring career longevity, and maintaining ethical standards in the sport.

Published by: Holy Minoza