Starting a business is rarely a straight line, and Dmitriy Makarov knows that better than most. The entrepreneur and founder of an international marketing agency says the key to building something really important comes from a willingness to test, fail and adjust quickly. “Do not be afraid to experiment,”he emphasizes. For Makarov, the ability to pivot is more valuable than a big budget for Global Marketing, especially in the early days of a startup.
Experimentation as a strategy
Dmitriy Makarov argues that no detailed business plan will survive real-world conditions without constant adjustment. Instead of relying on rigid strategies, he encourages founders to test different marketing channels, audiences and approaches until they find what resonates. “Successful startup marketing is always the result of a series of failed attempts that lead to a working solution,” he says.
But trial and error is only part of his formula. Another cornerstone, according to Dmitriy Makarov, is learning from others. By examining how companies in different industries succeed or stumble, he believes entrepreneurs can adapt lessons to their own fields. With podcasts, blogs and case studies readily available, the chance to learn from global examples has never been greater.
He also stresses that marketing should be integrated into the product itself. Startups often lack funding for traditional advertising, so products that naturally attract attention or spark conversation can create their own momentum. Whether it is a design that stands out, features people want to share or values that connect with communities, Makarov says smart design can double as marketing.
Listening, too, is central to his approach. Customers, he believes, often provide the clearest path forward.“If you sincerely listen to customers, adapt to their feedback, and create value for them, marketing begins to work naturally,”he explains.
Building a team, not just products
Success in business also depends on the strength of the team. In the beginning, Dmitriy Makarov recruited friends and acquaintances, some experienced and others not. Instead of résumés, he focused on potential and shared values. Over time, many of those early hires grew into leadership roles, shaping the company alongside him.
Conflicts were unavoidable, but he chose to treat disagreements as opportunities for growth. “Conflicts often gave a point for growth, reassessing approaches, and improving communication,” he says. Training followed the same philosophy; those willing to learn were given space to try, fail and improve. The result, the entrepreneur says, was a culture built on resilience, trust and adaptability.
The GMG framework
At the heart of Dmitriy Makarov’s journey is a personal philosophy he calls GMG: Grind, Mastery, Growth. It is the principle that guided him from his teenage years in Ukraine to building a career as a self-made consultant and later the founder of a Global Marketing. The idea is simple: work tirelessly, build expertise step by step and keep moving forward.
“GMG is more than a motto, it is a mindset,” he explains. For Makarov, success is less about quick wins and more about long-term discipline and continuous improvement.
From campaigns to company culture, Dmitriy Makarov sees marketing as more than advertising. For him, it is about resilience, adaptability and listening Global Marketing. And for startups ready to grind, master their skills and keep growing, he believes there will always be a way forward.
Luys Parker