The story of Souls was in conversation with the multi-faceted, talented Mayura Amarkant. She is an Entrepreneur, Digital Transformation Expert, and Online Strategist for CXOs. She is also an acclaimed blogger and social media influencer. The Indo Global SME Chamber bestowed her with the National Award as a Woman Business Leader in Digital PR & Marketing. “When you are an entrepreneur, you are creating a legacy for your children and the world,” says Mayura Amarkant! We are very sure that this exciting tale about a tech-savvy mom with entrepreneurial stamina will inspire you.
Here are a few excerpts from the interview.
How did being an entrepreneur come to your mind?
I co-own a company called Sarvashreshtha Solutions. We specialize in Executive Communication & Digital Transformation. After leaving my secure job on the client-side, I entered the world of advertising agencies about four years ago. It is rare for a person from the client side to move to the agency side. Here I was, armed with many years of work experience, ready to take on the challenges offered by life in an advertising agency.
After a while, I realized that my heart beats building brands using digital and online mediums. Then, I started dabbling in the same.
I sent my CV to a friend who works at a senior position in a conglomerate; he told me that I should write my CV for entrepreneurship. It was enough encouragement. It’s been three years, and I haven’t regretted the decision at all.
When you started, did people take you seriously? Was it tough to prove your mettle being an entrepreneur and a professional too?
I am into the business of building people as brands and boosting the image of organizations. It was thus critical to first apply all the laws to myself.
I knew that I would have to ensure flawless delivery of promises along with building my and my company’s image. People in my circle and beyond know me as an intrapreneur. They have recognized my work for my previous employers. Thus, it wasn’t challenging to portray me as an entrepreneur. Most people told me that they were glad to hear this new development and believed that it was high time that I took on entrepreneurship full time.
Smiles, Mayura, and said, Karma does get back to you. Over the 18 years of my working life, I have selflessly helped people and impacted their lives. People already knew me as an honest professional when I entered entrepreneurship, so I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone.
Did your family support you?
Yes. My family supported me wholeheartedly – they always do. Today, my husband and I run our company from our home. Working with my husband has taught me to respect his intellectual worth much more than ever before. I am blessed with an educated family on both sides, and thus dinner table discussions are full of ideas and innovations. My in-laws & parents take a keen interest in our work and babysit the kids whenever we are out in meetings. They have never questioned our actions. Emotional and intellectual support for an entrepreneur is far more significant than financial support.
What are the advantages of being an entrepreneur Vs. in a full-time job?
A person must realize that time and space are just terms in today’s modern age. We have tools like video calls, Team Viewer, WhatsApp, Work Groups, and Chats. Physical presence is not essential to get a job done. Delivering professional work on time is very important.
Entrepreneurship is a full-time job – we need to treat it like that.
We have allocated a 100 sq feet space in my house, and we call it our office, even in everyday conversations. The space has no distractions and contains everything that a professional office setup needs. Our children are instructed to come in only when it is essential. Just like an office, we enter the space at 9 am and leave at 7 pm. We take breaks and use that time to bond with our children – over lunch or chai. We plan our week to attend meetings and give as much time as we can to the clients at the site. Weekends – we work only if client emergencies arise.
We save a lot of money and time – because of reduced travel. Thus, my husband now has more time for the kids, coaching students, and his first love, cricket. Our quality of life and health have improved significantly. The overall quality of life is much better, and our time belongs to us. I blog and get invited as a social media influencer in my free time to review products and services – it’s fun.
What are your tips for becoming a successful entrepreneur?
– Tell yourself that you are creating a legacy for your children and the world.
– Create a name for your company, register it, print visiting cards. Ensure the card reflects the philosophy of your organization
– Ensure your personal social media footprint is in line with what you and your company stand for
– Put your capabilities out there. Be assertive and not pushy
– Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date.
– Create a LinkedIn profile for your organization and populate it with content – even two posts a week is ok. If your organization needs to be on Facebook or other platforms, then create pages for the same. Else – don’t.
– The network is Networth – ensure that you meet the right people and portray your skills correctly.
– When you begin entrepreneurship – know that you are providing a solution to their problems – have faith in your capabilities
– Never have MONEY as the top priority in entrepreneurship – money will come if you provide the right solutions to the clients. Make it your mission to solve the client’s problems and fulfill the promises you made. Money will flow effortlessly, if you do so.
What mistakes the amateur entrepreneur makes?
I wouldn’t call them mistakes. I would call them erroneous beliefs. Here are a few of them:
– Entrepreneurship and freelancing mean you can chill and relax: Not true. It’s hard to gain customer confidence when you don’t have a brand name backing you
– One success streak is enough for a lifetime: Not true. As an entrepreneur, you need to keep making your work better. You are only as good as yesterday.
– The money will flow effortlessly. Not correct: follow-up for payments is a pain. Loads of patience and relationship building is required
– I have made it as an employee; entrepreneurship will be natural: Not true. Entrepreneurship is a challenge, and you need to face obstacles every day – take one step at a time – hard work pays.
You happen to be an award winner too. How did you applied for the award, and can other entrepreneurs also apply for this award?
I applied for the awards through an open process. Anyone can apply for it. After that, you need to prove your expertise and present case studies of your success.
Also, for the Women in Business Awards, through their request for entries message. But, here are the details:
Website: www.wibawards18.webstarts.com
Email: wibawards2018@gmail.com
Tel : +917000547006
Why are women still afraid of becoming entrepreneurs?
Are they? Well, if they are, then they have no reason to be. Metros and mini-metros are gender-neutral and very professional. There is space for every entrepreneur who wishes to make their mark in the corporate world.
Is it a good option for males to become freelance Entrepreneurs?
Yes. Of course, it is an excellent option for males. What matters most is the quality output. And ultimately, when the work is delivered well, no one questions the place from where you are operating. Client praise and accolades lead to more business and success. Discipline is the key, and a strict boundary between personal and professional life is critical.
Tell us something about your Firm?
Sarvashreshtha Solutions is a solutions provider and digital transformation catalyst to individuals and organizations. Our clients include Kohinoor Education Trust, Xrbia Developers, Lokmat Group, Mumbai Press Club, PlastIndia Foundation, and Polyrub Extrusions.
Services offered:
- Executive Communication
- Digital Transformation Catalysts
- Content Curation
- Training
We are on LinkedIn!
Mayura Amarkant
She is an entrepreneur, Writer with 18 years of experience. She loves to meet people, also a freelance Features Writer. Also, she has written for Mid-day, Indian Express, and Education Times & Business World. Written books edited coffee-table books, and tabled a novel. At present, she co-own Sarvashreshtha Solutions; they specialize in Executive Communication & Digital Transformation.
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