After having watched ‘Rocket Singh’ for the second time on TV, I decided to go tell this world what I learnt from it. After all, I am that great man who strongly feels my opinions are some of the most valuable things that would do this world some much needed good; and more to all those soon-to-be-launched and just-launched start-ups. (Remember I am no AK yet I dare to)
Before you read further, I suggest you go watch the movie if you haven’t till now. Else, my compilation would be just another read.
It so happened that this movie was telecasted at a time when my plans and planning to launch my start-up, kept me awake on nights unlimited. And then the learning’s from this movie reinforced some of my beliefs. I share those with you hoping they might help you too (if you need it and if they are right).
- The sooner you realize businesses and brands are about people, the easier things become.
Be it the team you work with or your customers, always remember people drive your business and your success is dependent on them. Harpreeth’s belief in this makes him succeed in finding the right team, the right customers and to retain them all.
- Homework compulsory.
Harpreet Singh first visits the market, talks to people and analyzes his interactions to foresee the opportunity and plan his approach. Don’t expect people to flock to you for a product that is YOUR dearest creation. Only things people want get sold.
- Start small and look for a team that would really help.
Harpreet Singh successfully coverts his pitch into a sale and that is how he validates his skill. It gave him confidence to handle the Business function and to be good at it. He partners with Girish Reddy. He motivates Koena Sheikh, the receptionist to join his team. Lesson: When looking for a team to start with – look for people with complementary skills and diversity and just one for each department to be handled. You won’t need 5 cooks to feed 5 people. Chotelal Mishra and Nitin Rathore were brought in only when they were doing good, to deliver quality and to scale up.
- Big or small – all costs matter
Harpreeth makes a note of all expenses incurred by his company. Money management is a vital part of any Business. Small things prepare you for the larger things to come. Always be fair and be meticulous in monetary issues.
- Love makes family overlook ill-treatment; your colleagues/partners/subordinates would not stand it.
Chotelal Mishra; the peon at AYS is brought in to work in the service function. Everyone at Rocket Sales Corporation respect for what he is – a fellow human being and for the talent he brings to the table. Recognizing and acknowledging talent that is. Always respect your team and if you know they are capable – believe in them. It gives them a reason to contribute for the collective good of the organization.
- ‘Customer Satisfaction’ and ‘Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM)’ – your most reliable keys to success.
No company, no organization and no product have ever seen success without its customers being happy about them. Your efforts, your services, your products, your communication and everything should be directed to improve and retain customer satisfaction. In service industry, you only survive till your customer remains happy. Paid advertising and special campaigns could get you more attention, but nothing can beat what ‘WOMM can do to your brand or business. All through the movie, Harpreeth and his team strive for that godly cause and take full benefit their efforts.
I would be glad if anyone who watched this movie can notice and share more aspects they could notice which might enlighten us more on crucial issues we often neglect or underestimate. My contribution in this form is both to stress the need to consider these issues when planning a start-up and also for myself to arrive at a better clarity because I have begun my journey just now.