As a self-made entrepreneur with an inspiring story of passion, self-motivation, and a will power to succeed, Agnelorajesh is a formidable global entrepreneur and a powerful orator on economics and entrepreneurship, which he speaks on based on the experiences of his life and business. In a classic rag to riches story, filled with motivation and a never say die attitude, Agnelorajesh Athiade went on from a young boy of 16 selling household items as a salesman to become the founder of one of India’s formidable private computer education company.
Even as we prepare to slowly resume our lives – personal and professional, the world around already seems to be a changed place. From the norms for using public transport to the stringent work from home dictates for professionals, there appears to be a ‘new normal’ world order that is being implemented. While the health issues connected to the virus still being around, we need to ensure to be cautious and precautious. At the same time, we cannot ignore the need for keeping the economy in good shape.
Companies are today looking towards optimizing their operating costs. This will also benefit the customers as the competition will ensure better pricing due to reduced costs by the companies. This will ultimately help consumers.
The current new scenario will now Ensure that every resource will be micromanaged, and micro monitored. Each Human Resource too will need to be productive and to be a revenue generator to the company, directly or indirectly. Upscaling of capabilities will become the need of the hour. This will ensure improvement in the overall quality of output from all the engaged resources.
Innovation in entrepreneurship during these times of crisis can help re-create a balance and synchronicity to the new scenario. With more mindful and value-driven business decisions, entrepreneurs can help drive positive change that leads to a stable business ecosystem, which can eventually help the economy, to boost up faster.
Ethical Entrepreneurship – a concept that drives a holistic development of the entire ecosystem, versus just one’s own business, has become the need of the hour. Here are vital pointers on how entrepreneurs can adopt ethical business practices to help drive positive change in not only their own business ecosystem but also help in the overall recovery of the economy:
Employees are Partners
We need to make sure that the employees become partners in progress. One of the major and the most crucial shift in mind-set, required by business owners today, is to view employees as potential partners and wealth creators instead of a liability/ overhead cost. This can happen with the capability up-gradation of each employee.
India is a country with a considerable population, and our numbers have always been the strength of the economy. The human capital plays a vital role in the success of any business, more so during a suddenly changed economic scenario. Recognizing them as partners in growth instead of cost overheads can go a long way in overcoming the crisis.
Businesses may look at re-imagining strategies to leverage the full potential of their employees while creating a transparent and trust-worthy engagement. These can range from better incentives, extended work hours or even additional training sessions to help them hone essential skills, etc.
Value Creation
While creating profit and thus driving growth is the basis for any successful business, the new business environment today, demands a much more holistic approach than just benefits. Driving value-creation for all stakeholders through innovative business practices can help generate wealth, opportunity and develop long term collaboration opportunities. Given the new economic scenario, creating value-driven collaborations and partnerships within one’s business ecosystem can help not only sustenance and growth but also create a stable and mutually beneficial business model.
Vocal for Local
In tune with the PM, Mr Modi’s call for supporting local businesses is the way forward for the economic upliftment of the country. From choosing local vendors and employing localized labour to working closely with domestic service providers, and IT consultants etc., that has Indian roots; ethical entrepreneurship looks to drive growth across the ecosystem by a consistent flow of business for its smaller, localized partners.
Community Building
While building a value-driven business ecosystem is essential, ensuring the wellbeing of the community that supports the business is also vitally significant for creating a long term, sustainable business model. Community building may or may not necessarily involve a structured CSR outreach. Still, a conscious effort to nurture and help it grow can go a long way to achieve the objective of holistic development.
More About Agnelorajesh Athaide
Agnelorajesh Athaide is a First Generation Serial and Social Entrepreneur, the founder and Chairman of St. Angelo’s VNCT Ventures, a new age real estate venture, and the chief mentor and co-founder of the Business Opportunity Club (BOC) – a premium business networking and mentoring platform that helps SME’s and MSME’s scale up to the next level. Through talks on live seminars, his YouTube page – Inspiring Business Fundas, his mobile app – Inspiring Conversations and through keynote address at business and trade association events, colleges and media platforms, Agnelorajesh has currently reached out to lakhs of people, both on a national and international level.
Apart from entrepreneurship and business, Agnelorajesh is also an avid sports fan and has founded the ST. Angelo’s VNCT Chennai Singhams futsal team. He also actively promotes the Women’s Throwball Premier League. He has also penned down his experiences and highlighted the journey of his life in his upcoming book, which is set to further spread his motivational and inspiring thoughts to millions of entrepreneurs across the world. The name of the book is Obstacles to Opportunities, An entrepreneur’s journey. The book is being published by Times of India.