As a part of our ASK RODINHOODERS series, we have on board Sushrut Munje who doesn’t really need an introduction. He is one of our “youngest-mature” founders who loves to write and attend startup events. He helps us organise our events in Mumbai whenever he can! We call him da #MopStar !!!

Ask Sushrut 

“Was a good student till engineering struck! Internships helped understand I didn’t want to graduate. Dropped out to start up on my own. First project was an online magazine (because I am a writer). Bombed. Second project has been Hammer and Mop – more than 3 years and still going strong.

Ask me about: customer service, communication & branding

What did I learn in the roller coaster ride?

Customer service proves to be a major differentiator when you start up. With no one to guide you at the start, look at your customers as a key support – asking for their feedback and evolving accordingly. They do not look for yes-men, but for genuine entrepreneurs. If you’re honest, open and hard working – your customers would convert into brand evangelists which lends an intangible edge.

Is ‘effective communication’ more than just a fancy term?

Yes, because it is something we can live in our daily lives. It makes sense to talk to people once your opinion is being communicated and is being understood in the same context. It is easy to miss this, and assume all our communication is effective. This leads to gaps, and we often don’t realize what led to the breakdown. Communication (as validated by Ronnie Screwvala in his latest book) is one of the most important aspects of building an organization. I learnt it the hard way.

Isn’t branding done when I have a fancy logo?

Logo is just a start. Branding is a perception that we develop around ourselves and our organization. When you ‘train’ others to look at your company (and yourself) through a certain lens, you’re actually creating a favorable situation to sell your offerings. Right from how your website looks to what you say when you receive a call – it all defines what you are.

Am I an expert?

Hell no! I’m a fellow traveler who has learnt it the hard way, and will help you make sure you don’t make the same mistakes I did 🙂 Do feel free to reach out!”

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Sushrut is following this page – so go ahead and ask him stuff you’ve always wanted to in the comments below!

Ping him on twitter! @sushrutmunje 

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