In today’s fast-paced world, the only thing that is constant is the cut-throat competition. With a world population of 7.6 billion, all of them are competing to ace in the race of success.
Of all the success stories one has heard of, probably the most enthralling ones are those where young adults and teenagers put their mark on this world.
Shreyam Shukla, one of the youngest entrepreneurs in India, who is currently riding on success, shared in detail about his enriching journey as an entrepreneur so far. Shreyam’s hard work and his drive to be on top of the game have always helped him in achieving his goals and hit the ground running.
Here’s what he has to say:-
How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
I was in LA in November 2018 and I went to rodeo drive and seeing all these big brands like Gucci and Dior and LV in person, I was so fascinated and later when I came back to India, in January 2019, I started researching on how to start a business and specifically how to start an online business, which helped me to start my business.
What service(s) or product(s) do you offer/manufacture?
We provide all services of e-commerce. Buying a domain to scaling up to 6 figures. My company provides everything in social media marketing and influencer marketing and e-commerce business.
How do you advertise your business?
Branding and Identity are Key. But the biggest single action we can take to advertise our business is doing solid work and give Tiffany service. Word-of-mouth is a powerful thing.
However, today with all of the changes in marketing, we have changed from the old “push” marketing to “pull” marketing. People get so many messages daily. You have to give them a compelling reason to tune in and listen to your message. You have to provide useful and interesting content that is relevant so people want to listen. You have to be willing to give away some advice and information for free. You have to establish your company as The Experts and you have to be able to back it up in word and deed.
Twitter
Facebook
Blogging
Web Site
Do you work locally or nationally
We work all you can name locally, nationally and internationally.
What are your responsibilities as a business owner?
Everything! Owning a business that employs 10 people means that I also have the responsibility for 10 families that depend on me to make good decisions. I also have a responsibility to my customers and vendors. So for every decision, I make I have to think about the consequences and weigh a lot of factors. In the end, I am ultimately responsible.
What made you choose this type of business?
The passion for Shopping and Fashion Industry.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Make your own future! I left my regular schooling which was CBSE just before my 10th-grade board exams. All that matters is to create and be part of something that is bigger than yourself. Nobody is going to give it to you; you have to work for your dreams. There are no guarantees on success. In order to win big, you have to take calculated risks. You will find that nothing great just happens on its own, you can’t sit on the sidelines and wait for it. Be ruthlessly persistent and have a razor focus!
How Did You Know When You Had The Right Idea?
No one knows the right idea since the beginning, no one has magic everyone has to try something or the other luckily I chose a product for my first clothing brand which was the need for people. Later on, when I found dropshipping initially I spent around 2000-3000$ waste in marketing and Facebook ads. It’s just all about that one decision that changes your life.
How Did You Build Your Dream Team?
haha! It definitely is a dream team because I have found those who understand and respect this business. We don’t work as an employee and boss relationships. Our relationship is like that of the family with younger and elder brothers who share their ideas and help each other out in difficult times
How did you come up with the name of your company?
I came up with the name when I was sitting at a coffee shop and saw DECAF written on the cup. Quickly I googled what’s decaf and searched if there’s a domain available and luckily it was available and I quickly purchased the domain and started setting up.
How many hours a day do you work on average?
At an average, I work around 10 hours a day. 70% on mobile and the other 30% on the computer.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
It’s not fixed but mainly it goes like Around 11 to 12 I wake up on weekdays and start checking my emails and WHATSAPP. Then I head to brush and bath. After my breakfast or if I skip my breakfast due to something I head to my office and start working and assigning the work of the day to my employees. After all the necessary is done by 4 PM. I play games of which I’m enthusiastic about esports, at the time I’m also coordinating with my team and clients on phone.
What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?
Don’t quit if you fail, No one will get success in just a short matter of time. The process is long but enjoyable, There will be highs and lows but you just have to stick to it and believe in yourself.