Winston Utomo and William Utomo, the founders of IDN Media, have taken the digital media industry by storm with their unique business partnership. What makes their story stand out is the fact that they are not just colleagues or friends, but brothers who have built a successful company together. In an exclusive interview, they shared the perks and challenges of working with a family member and how they turn it into a strength instead of creating boundaries.
A key to successfully work with family members
Growing up in Surabaya, Winston Utomo and William Utomo did not always know that they wanted to be entrepreneurs. Instead the brothers first planned for their own respective lives before committing full time to build IDN Media back in 2014.At the beginning, they both had a passion for media and saw an opportunity to create a digital media company that catered to the needs of Indonesian millennials at the time. However, from the start, they knew that building a company with a family member could be tricky, and they needed to find a way to make it work.
According to Winston, one of the perks of working with a family member is the level of trust and understanding that comes with it.
"We've known each other all our lives, so we already have a deep connection and a level of trust that's hard to find in a business partner," he said according to the statement, Tuesday, 11 April 2023.
"We know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we can communicate honestly without worrying about hurting each other's feelings,” he added.
However, working with a family member can also be challenging, especially when it comes to separating personal and professional life. William explained that they had to set clear boundaries and communicate openly to avoid any conflicts.
"We have a rule that when we're at work, we're colleagues, not brothers. We focus on the business and leave personal issues at home. But we also make sure to spend quality time together outside of work to maintain our relationship as brothers," William stated.
Innovative approach for better Indonesia
The Utomo brothers believe that working together has been their biggest strength. They complement each other's skills and have a shared vision for the company, despite different interest that they have."We have different strengths and interests, but we share the same values and goals for IDN Media. We trust each other's decisions and work together to achieve our vision," said Winston.
Their partnership has proven to be successful, as IDN Media has become one of the fastest-growing digital media companies in Indonesia. The company has over 70 million monthly active users and has expanded its reach to other Southeast Asian countries. The company currently runs on several divisions including :
1. Digital Media : IDN Times, Popbela.com, Popmama.com, GGWP, Duniaku.com and Fortune Indonesia.
2. Content Platform : IDN App, Yummy.
3. Commercial : IDN Creative, Indonesia Creators Economy (ICE), IDN Event and BlueBird IDN OOH.
4. Entertainment : IDN Pictures and JKT48.
What sets IDN Media apart from other media companies is its innovative approach to content creation. The company uses data analytics and insights to understand its audience's preferences and interests, which helps it create content that resonates with them. IDN Media also leverages user-generated content, encouraging its audience to contribute their stories and opinions, making them feel more involved and invested in the company's mission.
Looking to the future, the Utomo brothers are confident that their partnership will continue to thrive. They believe that their bond as brothers gives them a unique advantage in building a successful business. "We're not just business partners, we're family. We have a special connection that drives us to work harder and achieve more," said William.
The Utomo brothers' story is a testament to the power of family ties in entrepreneurship. They have turned their relationship into a strength and have built a successful company together. Their story serves as an inspiration to others who are considering starting a business with a family member. With the right mindset and approach, anything is possible.
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