"The personality development classes taught me how to speak with greater impact and express my view points more effectively and convincingly which I feel is the most important factor while representing any brand or product or even while communicating to others on a day to-day basis."
Q. What ignited the spark in you to start the business? How did the idea for your business come about ?
A. From the very beginning I had this feeling that I could never do a regular 9-to-5 job or be a part of the corporates. I had always believed in doing something of my own.
It is also absolutely true that there are much better and more avenues in today’s day and age, than there were 20 years back, and our generation believes in exploring those possibilities. With so many opportunities available I decided to take the less-beaten path and start something on my own. Incorporating my own agency at the age of 21 is what kick started my journey and still keeps me highly motivated to do more each day.
When I was perusing my engineering, I got an opportunity to plan out the Annual College festival. I got immensely involved in the whole process. All the aspects of planning an event and managing it- whether it was bringing in sponsorship or collaborating with artists, everything fascinated me. The opportunity to work with people from diverse fields and the adrenalin rush of realizing the idea into actuality pushed me to start my own agency. From the age of 21 till now, only more things have been added to what I do and want to do.
My management studies helped me learn more about the different spheres of marketing and how they could be applied to my work. Gradually, my work grew and soon people started asking me for advice and help which in turn helped me grow faster.
Q. What is the best advice you ever got ? From whom?
A. The best advice I ever got was from my brother. He told me that "The path of an entrepreneur is not rosy, and you will encounter thorns at every step!" His advice was important especially because I had chosen to start something of my own without going the traditional way of first getting a job and some corporate exposure in a big firm.
My brother told me to stay focused, work hard, be patient and believe in what I was doing. And one day, it would all become true. His words reiterated my thoughts and beliefs and kept me going even when the going got tough.
Q. "Great leaders are also great speakers” Do you agree? How did your personality development classes help you in your business ?
A. Being a good orator involves more than articulation and grammar. In my opinion, what matters the most is the knowledge you impart to others, with utmost self-confidence. If you are confident, you have won the battle because people listening to you will gain faith in you. And for me, a leader is someone who can hold peoples’ faith and confidence in him.
The personality development classes taught me how to speak with greater impact and express my view points more effectively and convincingly which I feel is the most important factor while representing any brand or product or even while communicating to others on a day to-day basis. These skills nurtured inside the classroom eventually became my strength, giving me the confidence and the ability to influence people in a positive manner.
Q. What are the key elements to starting and running a successful business ?
A. Taking the plunge to start your own business is not easy. Beyond discovering the right product, the right target market, the technical knowhow to sell it, the one thing, which is the most important, is PATIENCE. Patience is the biggest virtue. There are going to be several hurdles and failures. All one needs to do is believe in oneself, be patient, give it their 100% and leave no stone unturned. The right combination of persistence and patience is what yields success.
Q. Marketing is the most important aspect of a business. How do you market your business ?
A. Marketing is an essential factor to turn your product into a brand and be successful in the present scenario. Being a part of an industry that is still growing and evolving in the country, my best bet is network marketing. To be effective in that one needs to have a good knowledge of the digital media and how it works.
However the one thing I personally believe in is, being at the right place at the right time. This is what makes our networks stronger and bigger. Today a great network is essential to succeed.
Q. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out what would it be ?
A. Never be afraid of failure. It is your biggest learning and a stepping-stone towards success. Always follow your passion come what may.
Q. What motivates you ?
A. When you are able to make a living by following your passion and chasing your dreams, there is nothing like it. Everyday I am chasing my dream and reaching newer heights, and that is what keeps me motivated.
Q. What makes you happy ?
A. Spending time with my dogs makes me the happiest.
Q. What sacrifices have you had to make to become a successful entrepreneur ?
A. Family time and social life are the casualties in my case.
Q. What is the secret to your daily productivity ?
A. Secret to my daily productivity is
1. Good Sleep
2. Positive people around me
3. Effective Communication
4. Music
Q. Which other company apart from yours do you admire the most ?
A. There are many and truth be told, everyone is trying to do their best. Anyone and everyone who is trying to make their place and leave their mark is admirable.
Q. Your favourite quote ?
A. For the work that I do, my favorite quote is - "Your network is your net-worth".
Q. Your favourite vacation spot ?
A. All time favourite – Goa
Q. Your favourite designer ? Dress ?
A. Comfort is fashion for me. I enjoy wearing everything from formals to casuals- whatever is comfortable. I have no favourites as such.
Q. Your favourite actor ?
A. I have actually got more than one favourite. Leonardo Di Caprio, Shahrukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor are actors I admire.