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IACCGH Small Business Series Shines Spotlight on Digital-First Growth – Siva Yenneti

By Somdatta Basu

Houston, TX — July 22, 2025 — The IACCGH brought business owners together at Elite Restaurant for its latest Small Business Series, featuring Siva Yenneti, President of IT Vibes, Inc. Speaking on “Digital-First Growth: Leveraging Website, Social Media & AI to Drive Success,” Yenneti delivered an engaging and practical session packed with strategies for small business growth in the digital age.

The luncheon opened with IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia welcoming guests and the speaker. “I’d like to begin by thanking Siva Yenneti, President of IT Vibes, for accepting our invitation to speak today,” he told the audience, also extending gratitude to Elite Restaurant “for graciously hosting today’s event and for the wonderful food.” Ahluwalia acknowledged the chamber’s executive committee, past and present board members, directors-at-large, advisors, and sponsors, as well as sister chambers including the Houston East End Chamber, Texas West Africa Chamber, Filipino American Chamber, and Asian Chamber of Commerce.

Yenneti, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in software development and digital marketing, wasted no time diving into the realities of post-pandemic business. “The shift to digital-first is no longer optional,” he told the audience, stressing the importance of mobile optimization, fast-loading websites, and AI-powered tools to meet customers’ growing expectations for immediacy. He humorously compared different marketing approaches to a scene in a nightclub, using the analogy to highlight the difference between “push” tactics and “pull” strategies like brand recognition and PR.

The speaker emphasized that content is king, urging businesses to develop a content strategy before investing in marketing tools. He encouraged using the 80/20 rule — dedicating most marketing efforts to providing value, and the rest to direct promotion. He also advised maintaining consistency on social media platforms and adapting to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), a rising trend in AI-driven search.

Audience members were quick to engage during Q&A, with one asking if IT Vibes could assist in refining existing websites. Yenneti confirmed his company offers a complimentary first-hour consultation followed by paid services. He expressed interest in returning for a future, more in-depth session focused solely on website building, potentially involving other chambers to expand its reach.

The event closed with a round of thanks, a group photograph, and an open invitation for continued conversation. For attendees, the luncheon offered more than just a meal — it served up actionable insights on staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

Pic Credit: Bijay Dixit