"Our ex-com classes by Rajita Ma’am helped an introvert like me go on stage and speak in front of 400 students without hesitating."
Q. Tell us about your business venture ?
A. My business venture is called ‘Veerson Group’ and there are various verticals under this. To mention a few, we are one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of consumer electronic products. Our brand is called ’Vemax’. We make LED TV’s, home theatre systems, public address systems and numerous other home audio and video products. For the past 20 years we have been exporting our products to more than 15 countries around the globe. Our prime markets are the Middle East and Africa.
We are amongst the top e-commerce sellers in the country in the consumer electronics segment with a strong presence on almost all e-commerce portals.
Apart from this we have been manufacturing plastic components since 1971. In the past 47 years we have developed a huge expertise in this area. Today our plants are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and our products can pass the highest levels of quality control tests. Thus today we are the most trusted OEM’s (original equipment manufacturers) of plastic components to some of the biggest brands of India like Airtel, Godrej, BSNL, Luminious, UTL etc.
Q. What are the changes you are planning to implement in your business ?
A. I joined the family business after finishing my studies at the Institute. We were doing very well in the plastic component manufacturing vertical. Our other business verticals were also doing very well and were profitable. However I realised that there was no awareness about my brand among the consumers in India. So the first initiative I took was to develop a strong online presence of my brand. Today we are selling our brand on all e-commerce websites. Very soon we would be expanding to the US and European markets through our online channels. This will prove to be a big turning point for my business. Here I must add that my digital marketing classes at IIPM taught me a lot and were instrumental in helping me promote my brand in the digital space.
Q. What is the best advice you ever got ? From whom ?
A. The best advice I got was from my grandfather. He said “Do your best always and do it everyday”. I have seen my Dad also follow this advice of my grandfather and just like him I also strive to give it my best daily.
I also learnt a very important lesson from my father which I never forget and that is “Work like a labourer and live like a king”. In a nutshell both my father and my grandfather always showed me the importance of hard work and continuous perseverance both though their words and actions.
Q. “Great leaders are also great speakers” Do you agree? How did your personality development classes help you in your business ?
A. I strongly believe that, a great leader should be a great speaker, as it is very important for a leader to put across his views in such a manner that others start believing in him and his dreams and make them their own dream.
Our ex-com classes by Rajita Ma’am and our NEP classes at IIPM helped an introvert like me go on stage and speak in front of 400 students without hesitating. My ex-comm classes really helped me in developing my self-belief and my confidence which later helped me in taking my business further.
Q. What are the key elements to running a successful business ?
A. I believe there are 3P’s for running a successful business. They are Passion, Patience and Perseverance. The slow and steady ones always win the race. Don’t panic if growth is slow, because as long as it is not negative it’s fine.
Secondly, I strongly believe that its very important that we keep learning and adapting in this dynamic world if we want to stay ahead in the race. Not only should we learn from our experiences but also from our competitors.
Q. Marketing is the most important aspect of a business. How do you market your business ?
A. Yes marketing is extremely important for any business. As the power of the internet grows each day so does the role of digital marketing, which is the most effective and efficient way to market one’s business. A good online presence is a must for any brand today. So we also focus a lot on online marketing to build our brand presence globally.
Q. If you had one piece of advice to give to someone just starting out what would it be ?
A. There are two things I would like to tell. First, proper research is the most important tool that one has before starting a business. So before you venture forth do a sound survey and have full knowledge of the business you want to enter. Secondly, however difficult it gets, never give up till you succeed.
Q. What motivates you ?
A. Success and successful people motivate me.
Q. What makes you happy ?
A. Travelling and good company.
Q. What sacrifices have you had to make to become a successful entrepreneur ?
A. I had to cut down on my leisure time and devote more hours in the day towards growing and expanding my business.
Q. What is the secret to your daily productivity ?
A. A well spent weekend makes me ready for the weekday hustle.
Q. Which other company apart from yours do you admire the most ?
A. Apple. Its the most loved electronic gadgets company.
Q. Your favourite quote ?
A. Discover the diamond in you.
Q. Your favourite vacation spot ?
A. Bora Bora islands.
Q. Your favourite actor ?
A. Leonardo Di Caprio