“Back in 2007, we educated a lot of marketers to come across to mobile advertising. Through our persistence in getting the message across that a mobile advertising campaign would be successful, OpenRice, Hong Kong’s biggest restaurant search platform, named Hotmob as their exclusive mobile advertising arm – to monetise their app traffic. Now, Hotmob is the largest mobile ad network in Hong Kong with more than 60 exclusive mobile platforms. We are dedicated to delivering quality ads to help advertisers achieve the best return on investment,” explained Johnny Wong, Hotmob Limited’s CEO.
Hotmob was the first mobile advertising network in Hong Kong and was launched in 2007, several months after the first iPhone was launched, Hotmob is moving regional and set up branch office in Japan last year, successfully make a name in the local market.
“Hotmob is the pioneer in mobile advertising in HK. There are now a few direct local competitors and several international indirect competitors, but besides monetising our partners’ traffic, we provide professional advice to our partners to enhance their apps for a mobile-friendly user experience. We have thorough testing for each campaign on various devices to make sure it runs smoothly on different platforms. Our clients and partners appreciate our attention to detail and our professional know-how,” Wong elaborated when asked about their competitive strengths. Indeed, this value-added service has led to Hotmob clinching some top tier advertisers, including Samsung, HSBC, American Express and McDonalds, to name a few.
What of the man leading this company? CEO Wong studied Information Systems at university, a subject that “enables me to make use of technology to enhance business objectives,” said the man whose role model is Bruce Lee. Why Bruce Lee? “He’s a local Hong Kong guy who became recognised worldwide through hard work. Nothing is impossible, but hard work is a must.”
Having said that, he also believes in taking it easy. “This is a fast moving world. You can check email, do your work anytime anywhere. But during vacation I try not to touch my phone. I try my best to work hard but play hard too.”
Wong also feels that success isn’t just gauged financially: “To be able to lead and influence a team who are dedicated not just because of their salary is also a factor in success.” In fact, he feels that Hotmob is a leader in its field because of the care given to his team. That and, on suspects, Wong’s “never give up because success is just ahead of you” attitude.
In 10 years time, Wong aims to be playing an assisting role to his team, which, hopefully will lead the industry in this region. He hopes that his team will be taking care of the company on its own – perhaps so that he can spend more time pursuing his favourite past times of playing survival games (wargames) and golf.
Asked what three tips or pieces of advice he would give a young person wanting to start their own business, he replies: “Think out of the box. Do things that no one is doing now. Build your own core team.”
