As the business landscape becomes increasingly competitive, entrepreneurs in Kolkata have to develop certain qualities that can help them stand out and succeed. Here are five must-have qualities for Kolkata entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s business world.
1. Adaptability
One of the crucial qualities successful Kolkata entrepreneurs possess is adaptability. The business landscape is dynamic, and entrepreneurs have to be ready to pivot and make changes in their approach, no matter how disruptive it may seem. They must also be willing to experiment with ideas and solutions that may not have been tried before, and tweak them until they find the right formula for success.
An excellent example of adaptability is how Swiggy, India’s largest food ordering and delivery platform, transformed itself during the COVID-19 crisis. With the lockdown and social distancing rules affecting their business, they quickly pivoted to delivering groceries and essential items, ensuring they remained relevant and operational throughout the pandemic.
2. Resilience
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. The journey is often fraught with challenges, failures, and setbacks. A significant quality that sets successful Kolkata entrepreneurs apart is resilience. They have a never-say-die attitude, the ability to learn from their mistakes and bounce back from failure.
An example of this resilience is the story of Utsav Agarwal, an entrepreneur who started the online fashion store, Luxurystation.com, in 2014. The business was hit with a ban on high denomination currency notes by the Indian government in 2016, which negatively impacted the sales. Instead of giving up, Utsav worked tirelessly, shifted his focus to niche customers, and turned Luxurystation.com into a profitable business.
3. Leadership
The ability to lead others is an indispensable quality that Kolkata entrepreneurs need to succeed. Successful entrepreneurs inspire their teams to work together towards a common goal, providing them with the guidance, resources, and motivation they need to succeed.
An excellent example of this is Ankiti Bose, CEO, and co-founder of Zilingo, a fashion and lifestyle online marketplace. Bose has a reputation for being a hands-on leader, who invests time in building meaningful relationships with her team, takes responsibility for their growth and development, and provides them with a sense of ownership in the company’s vision.
4. Customer-Centricity
Successful Kolkata entrepreneurs have a laser focus on their customers’ needs and priorities. They invest in understanding their customers’ pain points, preferences, and purchasing patterns, creating products and services that meet those needs.
An excellent example of customer-centricity is the success story of Chaayos, a Kolkata-based chai cafe chain. They have mastered the art of creating a personalized experience for their customers, offering a variety of tea blends, sizes, and add-ons to suit individual preferences. They also introduced an innovative mobile app that allows customers to pre-order and customize their tea orders, making their experience seamless and hassle-free.
5. Strategic Thinking
Finally, Kolkata entrepreneurs need to be strategic thinkers, with the ability to connect the dots, identify opportunities in the market, and make sound decisions that support their long-term vision.
One example is Sairee Chahal, an entrepreneur who founded Sheroes, a platform that connects women with flexible work opportunities. With strategic thinking, Sairee focused on building a community of women and providing them with the tools and resources they needed to succeed. This has led to Sheroes raising over $20 million in funding, becoming a trusted name in India’s startup ecosystem.
In conclusion, the above qualities are essential for Kolkata entrepreneurs to succeed in today’s business world. By developing these attributes, entrepreneurs can overcome adversity, adapt to new challenges, build customer relationships, and create profitable businesses that stand the test of time.
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