Interview with Sonakshi Pratap, Founder, Theekkardo.com

An Interview with Sonakshi Pratap, Founder, Theekkardo.com

• Tell us something about yourself?

I am a chartered accountant and a graduate from NM College(2011 batch). Worked in KPMG for 7 months, then decided to start my own entrepreneurial venture so quit my job and launched theekkardo.

• Tell us something about your venture.

Theek Kar Do (TKD) as the name suggests is an organization set up with a mission to solve the problem of post warranty service of electronics faced by Mumbaikars.

Marketing Strategy-As a startup we are relying mostly on direct and mouth to mouth publicity. Basic marketing such as pamphlets and newspaper advertisement. However we spend most of our resources on improving quality which will help us in the long run.

Future Plans-Will be expanding operations in entire Mumbai by June and will be adding several more products.

• What is your philosophy towards work?

My work is my life. When I was earlier working as a chartered accountant, every Monday morning I used to crib while leaving for work. Now since it’s my own company, I enjoy my work thoroughly. I wait to get to office. The main reason is I am extremely passionate about what I am doing.

• Whom do you admire as your role model? And why?

My role model is Ratan Tata.I truly admire the way he has taken care of the Tata empire. Ratan Tata not just as a successful business leader but also a Responsible, Authentic and Integral leader.

• Name 3 qualities of prime importance that a businessman should possess.

Most important is risk taking ability and willingness to try new things. This is how an entrepreneur is distinguished. Other qualities are decision making ability and handle stress and pressure.

•  According to you, what are the challenges for Entrepreneurship today?

The biggest challenge is to find the right guys to work for you. Startups especially face    issues to find loyal and dedicated Employees. Other challenges in a developing nation like India are people still believe in the notion of inheritance and secured government jobs, entrepreneurship is definitely not a favorably welcomed. Most Indian parents feel that working in a MNC or having a secured government job with regular and timely pay checks being delivered at the doorstep is everything. The value of entrepreneurship is never considered and overlooked.

• Can Entrepreneurship be taught in B-Schools/Management Institutes/Colleges?

You cannot be taught entrepreneurship unless you actually become an entrepreneur. However, ‘becoming an entrepreneur’ can definitely be encouraged in B-Schools/Management Institutes/Colleges. Even making students organize events and college festivals inculcates entrepreneurship. There are a lot of entrepreneurship cells in b-schools which help students.

• Is the Name of the Institute from where a student pursues his/her Graduation/Post Graduation or other courses important while setting up your business?

I really don’t think so it matter. It might matter when you give a job interview, but while setting up a business, it really does not matter. There are college dropouts as well as MBA’s from renowned institutions that have successfully set up businesses. People from all professions, whether educated or not have started their own businesses.

• Do you think today’s economy is conducive for a new venture to start upon?

Yes, In fact today’s job market scenario shows that entrepreneurship is the only alternative before the nation. In the past few years, entrepreneurship in India has slowly taken off. Today’s promising market conditions have been very encouraging to many technology graduates who strongly believe that they have the technical knowledge and skills to attract new customers. India offers a unique incubation environment for most entrepreneurs, greatly distinguishing it from other western democracies. India needs more and more entrepreneurs.

• “Earning more & more is the motive behind any business.” Is it justifiable?

No, corporate social responsibility is an essence for success of any business.

• Share with us the most enjoyable moment you had experienced on work.

We were covered by CNBC Awaaz in their award winning show ‘Awaaz entrepreneurs’, which was a memorable moment.

Also the day I launched my company, we got my first customer call in the morning, it was the most enjoyable moment.

• Your feedback for BMS.co.in?

Great platform for idea sharing. Great initiative.