"My personality development classes changed me completely. In IIPM that’s the best thing I learnt."
Q. How did the idea of starting your entrepreneurial venture come about ?
A. It all started when I was doing my internship at the Rayat Bahra Group. It is an academic institution and I started doing a host of events for them related to entrepreneurship like startup competitions etc. With every successful event that I organised I realised that this is something that I loved doing and that’s when I decided to take it up as a full time career. Since that day there has been no looking back.
Q. What is the most unique aspect of your venture that differentiates it from others ?
A. The various IP’s (intellectual properties) that I have created have given a unique edge to my venture. To list a few -
1) Crossblade Music Festival - the only Punjabi Music Festival in the world.
2) Lager n Barrel - the only Beer Festival of northern India.
3) Just Comedy - the second Comedy Festival of India.
Apart from consistently creating new IP’s I have brought in professional management practises, seen for the first time in the punjabi entertainment industry. These initiatives have helped me build a financially sound , and well-managed company.
Q. What is the best advice you ever got ?
A. That is a funny one though. The founder of Rayat Bahra - Gurvinder Singh Bahra told me once “Kamao te vand khao”. He meant earn well but also distribute your earnings amongst your team members , because they are the ones who are going take you to the next level.
I have always tried to follow this advice of his and it has helped me build a strong and loyal team.
Q. "Great leaders are also great speakers” Do you agree ? How did your personality development classes help you in your business ?
A. I totally agree. Because its the ability to speak with conviction and impact that takes you to the next level. The more you improve this skill, the more you grow. My personality development classes changed me completely. In IIPM thats the best thing I learnt.
Q. What are the key elements to starting and running a successful business ?
A. There are two aspects to it and it is universally known - hard work and smart moves.
Q. Marketing is the most important aspect of a business. Do you agree ?
A. Well marketing has two very interesting aspects. One is that with good marketing you get work. Second is with good work you get marketed. So yes I totally agree that marketing - be it paid or word-of-mouth, both are very important for a business to run successfully.
Q. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out what would it be ?
A. If there is a desire in you to do something you must definitely go ahead and try it. Give it your best shot.
This I can say with 100% surety that if you are true towards the goal, and honest in your work you will not fail.
Q. What motivates you ?
A. The happiness on the face of my parents motivates me.
Q. What makes you happy ?
A. I am not sure if I should write it but - work & beer.
Q. What sacrifices have you had to make to become a successful entrepreneur ?
A. Well I still can’t call myself a successful entrepreneur. I have just started. But for sure there are a lot of sacrifices I have had to make to reach where I am. Its been 3 years and I have not taken a single holiday. Since my work is in the entertainment sector so we get to be a part of the glamour world, but its hard work nevertheless.
Q. What is the secret to your daily productivity ?
A. Focus
Q. Which other company apart from yours do you admire the most ?
A. Wizcraft
Q. Your favourite quote ?
A. You can’t stop me !
I know I am giving my best to the business and till I keep working hard no one and nothing can stop me.
Q. Your favourite vacation spot ?
A. Amsterdam
Q. Your favourite designer ?
A. My favourite brand is Abercrombie n Fitch