Bollywood Celebrities Who Sought Entrepreneurship

Inspiring Stories

12 November 2016

Bollywood Celebrities Who Sought Entrepreneurship

  • Posted by Awfis Editorial

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“Do what you love,” is a principle most entrepreneurs live by. Many Bollywood celebrities follow the same thought. Apart from their booming career in show business, they have various other interests that they have pursued. Some have survived the rigour of entrepreneurial life to form successful businesses and brands that are now known widely.

#1. Salman Khan’s Being Human

Salman Khan successfully used his stardom and image as a “mass man” to propagate his charitable trust, Being Human. It works towards providing education and healthcare to underprivileged children. The Trust also leveraged Salman Khan’s image in the eyes of the masses. An interesting revenue model was all this foundation needed to reach great heights. Salman Khan entered a licensing agreement with Mandhana Industries Ltd. In 2009 he released the Being Human fashion line during the India Couture week. The brand has been performing exponentially well ever since. It launched in Europe in 2012. Since 2015 it has been available online as well as in exclusive retail stores in Europe, India, Middle East, Nepal and South Africa. All of the royalties received go towards the Being Human cause. Being Human Clothing is now a Rs. 100 crore brand. His revenue model and his stardom are a combination that can only make success an unstoppable feat.

#2. Shekhar Kapoor and A.R. Rahman’s- Qyuki

A.R. Rahman’s passion for music and creation is well known amongst most Indians. Therefore it was not surprising when he collaborated with Shekhar Kapoor and Samir Bangara to start a new Social Media platform for creators called Qyuki. Qyuki invites inventors to use its wide variety of facilities (recording rooms, animators, etc.) for free to create their content and show case it on the website. Sometimes it reserves the Intellectual Property rights and helps in the distribution process as well. To further satisfy his passion for music, A.R. Rahman launched Jammin’ through Qyuki. With Jammin’, musicians from the Bollywood industry could scout talent on YouTube to create a musical blend never seen before by India. This also gave Bollywood a chance to move away from mainstream music and explore a plethora of options. Qyuki can connect creators with organisations and vice versa. This is a one stop shop for Indian creators to sign up and launch their careers with a strong starting point.

#3. Deepika Padukone’s Live, Love, Laugh Foundation

The story behind the start of this organisation is a very famous one. Deepika Padukone being a victim of depression herself has established this foundation to help all those who suffer from the same predicament. This is a cause that ignites a lot of passion and has been overlooked in the Indian Society. Recently they have come up with two major campaigns ‘You are not alone’ and ‘More than just sad’ that assure depression victims that there is genuine help and a group of people who understand their adversities. Queen of Bollywood by profession and social entrepreneur by heart, Deepika Padukone has definitely made her mark on the world.

#4. Kunal Kapoor’s Ketto

Kunal Kapoor was determined to support charities when he started Ketto along with his partner Varun Seth in December 2012. Ketto is a crowdfunding platform where anyone can connect with and support charities by donating to them. More than 500 campaigns are thriving with the help of Ketto. It has the power to save lives and make community fundraising a simpler process for NGOs. The simple procedure of setting up your campaign and active members allow for generating quick funds during emergencies. Whether it is supporting a loved one during times of trouble or fundraising for a social organization, this platform is effective in solving any dilemmas.

#5. Malaika Arora, Sussane Khan and Bipasha Basu’s The Label Life

Through their style, business acumen and charm, these three strong Bollywood personalities have started a business that caters to their primary interest: Fashion. Whether it is fashion at home or fashion outside, you can rely on their store, The Label Life, for an eclectic and elegant collection of home décor, clothes, shoes and accessories. Their main aim is to promote an inspired life filled with style.

#6. Ronit Roy’s Ace Security and Protection Agency

Ronit Roy’s ownership of a security agency was an unexpected surprise. His highly sophisticated connections in the Bollywood industry landed the agency many high profile clients like Yashraj Studios, Amir Khan Productions and Ashutosh Gowarikar Productions. They have also been of service to many Hollywood celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell and John Travolta through their visits to India.

Several celebrities are turning to social entrepreneurship to support causes they truly care about. Some are using entrepreneurship to support their industry while some are exploring extremely different interests. There are countless celebrities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Malaika Arora, Shilpa Shetty who have started their own enterprises that are thriving. Following their heart and taking a calculated risk comes naturally to so many of India’s personalities. There is certainly something to learn from how they leverage their passion and personal brand to achieve their business goals.

Entrepreneurs are not made, they are born. You need to find the right inspiration for it and for that you need a right working space. Choose co-working space in Churchgate, Mumbai or shared office space in Connaught Place, New Delhi

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5 things that every startup can learn from Shahrukh Khan’s journey

Inspiring Stories

25 August 2021

5 things that every startup can learn from Shahrukh Khan’s journey

  • Posted by awfis

Bollywood and Shahrukh Khan have long been synonymous. From stage plays in his early career to 80 iconic Indian films and global stardom for over more than a decade – the Indian actor, producer and television personality has made waves in every sphere of entertainment. But, every now and then, one will often find him reminiscing his modest roots.

If you’re launching your start –up, then you’re also most likely to find yourself in times of struggle and despair. But guess what? Even the King of Bollywood has been there and done that. Here are some of the most inspiring life lessons coming straight from the Superstar, that will help you “hang in there!”

Lesson 1: Sail away from your comfort zone

“Being brave means being shit scared all the way. But, don’t let your fears become boxes that enclose you. Open them up, feel them and turn them into the greatest courage you are capable of. I promise you, nothing will go wrong. But if you live by your fears, everything that can possibly go wrong will go wrong and you won’t even have done the Funky Chicken.”

Lesson 2: Embrace the madness in you

There’s no such thing as “normal”. That’s just another word for lifeless. Madness is an absolute prerequisite to a happy and successful life. Don’t ever treat your little insanities as if they are aberrations that ought to be hidden. Acknowledge them and use them to define your own way of living the only life you have. All the most beautiful people in the world, the most creative, the ones who led revolutions, who discovered and invented things, did so because they embraced their own idiosyncrasies.”

Lesson 3: Don’t panic ever – just be positive

“When life hits you with all the force of its resplendent rage, the Rolls isn’t going to give you comfort. A friend’s grace will, and if you can’t find resolution as easily as you would like to, don’t panic. Everything evolves as you go along. Even disasters eventually resolve themselves. Give life the space to move at its own pace, pushing it ahead only by way of being kind to yourself when you are hurting or in despair.”

Life lesson 4: Ignore the naysayers

“All the names you give yourself, or those that others call you, are just labels. You are not defined by them, no matter how flattering or uncomplimentary they are. What defines you is your heart. And I say this out of experience because if I was to go by what all I am called on Social Media I would be an old desperate manipulative that has been star who swings both ways while making crap movies, and these are just the good mentions.”

Lesson 5: Stop whining and start moving

“Whatever it is that is pulling you back, it’s not going away unless you stand up and start forging your own path with all your might in the opposite direction. Don’t attach yourself to either sadness or happiness, they’re both going to change with the same certitude. Take them with the ephemeral spirit of their impermanence and manage them with a healthy dose of good humour.”

Here’s what you need first – a office spaceco-working space in Qutab, New Delhi or business centre in Koramangala, Bengaluru , where you can kickstart your startup.

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#FAQatAwfis: Who Is My Ideal Target Audience?

Inspiring Stories

25 August 2021

#FAQatAwfis: Who Is My Ideal Target Audience?

  • Posted by awfis

Q1. What is my first step at targeting audiences?

It’s important to create a “why us” value proposition for your product. Be ready to stay in test and refine mode, as you move forward. Many startups and entrepreneurs get so caught up in their business plan and trying to execute it, they forget the most important aspect, which is the market. It is important to move out of your cubicle and office space and go out and discover more.

Q2. Do I start small or look at the bigger market?

You definitely need to start with the smallest group possible. It may seem contradictory to many who are starting a business, but it’s vital to find a group who think what you offer is special. Finding a narrow group with extremely specific demographics or a specifically targeted problem is the key. It’s easy to expand your reach after you gain traction, but it’s always the best to be a big player in the smaller markets.

Q3. Is it vital to keep resources aside for my research or can I just analyze?

The customers who currently buy your product are your audience and it is extremely important to understand who they are, their characteristics and their buying patterns. Analyze the elements that worked with your marketing strategy that connected with your audience. It is obviously important to invest in customer relationship management software for small businesses. Use tools and software to see your customers’ geographic distribution, age range, habits and other valuable insights.

Q4. How important is it to study the role of my competitors in the industry?

If you’re lucky and blessed, you’ve invented a product that the world has never seen. However, it isn’t so easy always. It’s extremely important to check out the competition that sells similar products to yours. Look not only at the big players, but even the upcoming startups. Start thinking of ways that would persuade your customers to switch to your product. Make your product more desirable. Study your competitors and their success and how they connected to their audiences. Along with success, study their failures as well so you can avoid them.

Q5. How to create an audience profile?

The ideal customer profile contains not only demographic but also psychographic information. Demographics describe aspects like gender, age, income, marital status, job status, education levels, etc. Psychographics identify hobbies, behaviors, habits, lifestyle choices, values, and interests. It is also important to give equal weightage to both these factors as they go hand in hand.

Q6. What is my next step?

After you have figured your audience, it is important to envision your product and your company five years into the future. Both your business and your customers need to move forward in the same direction. Be aware of all the technology changes related to your product. And remember, as your business evolves, your customer base will also shift. But once you’ve found your target audience, the transition won’t be too difficult.

Hope this would guide you into finding the ideal audience, for more queries comment below!

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How To Negotiate And Win Your Way With Each Zodiac Sign

Inspiring Stories

25 August 2021

How To Negotiate And Win Your Way With Each Zodiac Sign

  • Posted by awfis

It’s no surprise that great businesses are often built on solid human capital. That means constantly having to network and collaborate with others – be it your eccentric employees, unreasonable clients or an over demanding boss. But sometimes, winning them over to see your side of the story can be quite a task. For what seems like a stalemate, simply follow our zodiac manual to crack the code to their entrepreneurial mind…

AQUARIUS (January 22 – February 21)

They are known to be true visionaries who are constantly pushing to break social norms. Traditional and conservative is not their style and they love hearing about fresh and new ideas that have yet to be discovered. Adaptive and innovative, it is best to consider them as decision-making equals, since they are probably ten steps ahead of you in terms of creativity.

PISCES (February 22 – March 20)

Their generous sense of spirituality and service to others makes negotiating with a Pisces – easy and effortless. To win them over, show them the greater good behind your motives over a great fine dine. Idealistic, empathetic and caring, they will lend steady support to social and humanitarian projects, while their knack for being organised and detailed will help you execute your projects to perfection.

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)

Assertive, dynamic and courageous are a few words that describe these folks. They adore a healthy amount of risk and adventure and will be the first of the lot to take a brave leap. Get them to tune in by being point-blank straightforward and allowing them to take centre stage in form of sincere compliments and leadership positions. Their world revolves around genuine warmth and affection and they look up to those who inspire them!

TAURUS (April 21 – May 20)

Show them the money through concrete numbers, because for them comfort and security rank very high. They are hardworking, dependable and practical but also very rigid in their goals. Never rush them into making decisions since they like to take their own sweet time to think things through. If you really want their support, then statistics and a steady plan for the future will do the trick.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Sell them your idea like a true salesman, and they will buy it. Known for being social butterflies and great communicators, they love like-minded people who are equally as charming and enigmatic as them. Since they are very knowledgeable, they can be great teachers when it comes to their field. Remember to stay in their good books by being extremely diplomatic, at all times.

CANCER (June 22 – July 20)

Sensitive and nurturing, Cancerians use their emotional feelers to respond to their surroundings. Their body language and expressions will tell you everything you need to know. If you’re at a deadlock with them, then acknowledge their contributions and they’ll be on cloud nine. Being kind and understanding about   their dreams will win you their support in return!

LEO (July 21 – August 20)

Give them a chance to shine! These kind, vivacious and artistic personalities love being classy and centre-stage. Want a Leo on your team? Then simply consider adding value to their reputation and image. For them, loyalty and friendship is above anything else, so don’t ever break their trust. Known for being great managers, they will know how to strike the perfect balance between work and play.

VIRGO (August 21 – September 22)

This category signifies all the number crunchers and organisers that believe in logic and statistics over unpredictable emotions and gut instincts. They tend to hold on to order and tiny details with acute focus. If you’re banking on them in the long term, then get them to look at the bigger picture and how it could align with their personal goals. Also, don’t forget to over look all the details before approaching them, as they can tend to be highly critical.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 21)

They bent towards partnership and compromise, often finds them in positions where they believe in keeping everyone happy. Show them a general consensus, and they will be more likely to hear your plans. Just be clear about what you want and choose your words carefully as their investigative sense leaves no stoned unturned.

SCORPIO (October 22 – November 20)

These all-rounders are drawn to all that’s complex and analytical as they can achieve anything in difficult situations with flying colours. They appreciate go-getters and reliable people who can align with their goals. Sometimes, they might be sensitive due to their strong intuitive abilities but all you have to do is motivate them with a fair share of passion, risk and challenge.

SAGITTARIUS (November 21 – December 22)

They are fun, enthusiastic and optimistic who are constantly on the lookout to further their knowledge. They wear their heart on their sleeve and are naturally attracted to opportunities that involve travel and leisure. Their strong sense of independence makes it difficult to commit to one single thing but if you manage to show them the bigger picture of your bargain, then you might just have an audience!

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 20)

They are masters of strategy and implementation. Make sure you show them your ideas, as they will help you execute them with ease. Known for being poker-faced businessmen, they will often keep their feelings to themselves. Getting to know them on a personal level, can earn you their support and companionship, come what may.

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