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Are you ready?

Scaling up? How about doing it in a short time? How about when demand is much beyond your plans? How much is much? Let us look at how such enormous challenges have been met in a matter of a few weeks. India was found awefully incpacitated to meet the demand of masks, PPEs and sanitizers. Demand soared by 1000X (and perhaps even more). In a matter of under 8 weeks, we started manufacturing all three in reasonably required quantities. Adjacent skills were deployed. Licences granted at lightening speed. And by 12th week, we had more than enough capacity and stocks. So much that we are exporting all of the requirements to the needy across the world. And costs and prices have gone down by 3X if not more. Can you do a simulation of your business for such a scenario? How quickly can you pivot? It's an amazing case study of entire industry standing up to the challenge. #covidopportunities   #businessexpansion   #pivoting   #businessmaze

Sunday musings

Sunday musings Becoming a manager is a role change. Becoming a leader is a soul change ! Courtesy  Dr NS Rajan #leadershiptips   #developing   #changemanagement   #careerpaths

Future is here - Jio

Crystal ball gazing, anyone! Happening now. Businesses sense opportunities well in time. And good businesses sense it even before most others. While the talk is about shifting businesses to India post Covid-19 pandemic, smart businesses have sniffed what is already an opportunity but, probably, underestimated. In the last few weeks, investments of Rs 1,17,588 cr (for a stake of 25.09%) in Jio Platforms and Rs 75,000 cr announcement by Google (almost US$ 25.7 billions put together) into the digital economy of India have been made/announced. Perhaps, the ecosystem will develop faster if all stake holders, policy makers, educational institutes, edtech platforms, media etc, develop the talent pool and facilitate the process. India saw it's first 'J' curve moment with 'Y2K'. Is this the time to 'build' a second 'J' curve moment? Every professional would do a great service to self by getting to know more about this fast growing ecosystem. Remember the gre

Hair raising experience

Talk of a unique advantage! A business that is over $10 billions worldwide. And the best of that business comes from India. And for years if not decades. And the ingredients that cost almost nothing as people offer that by paying money. And Indians have everything going for what the world yearns for. Long, Black, straight, well cared and groomed and abundant supply. Yes, hair. Human natural hair. India is the biggest supplier of hair and for sure the monopoly supplier of 'A' grade that is longer than 26 in (66 cms). And a kilo of such hair goes under the hammer at Tirupati (yes, hair is auctioned) for as much as Rs 30,000 (not very far from a kilo of silver and 8 grams of gold). It is estimated that hair business from Tirupati alone is for over Rs 200 cr ($ 26 millions). Uses are usual, making wigs. But unusual is in extracting amino acids. #unusualbusiness   #businessideas   #niche   #tirupati   #humanhair   #indianmaze   #businessmaze 197-1-20

Niche opportunities in India

Niches are often overlooked as business opportunities. One such business that is well over 1000 cr but has only one large organised player with a market share south of even 5% in India. It's henna (or mehandi). Extensively used, largely by women, for skin and hair colouring, naturally and safely. Been in use for centuries in Indian Sub Continent, Middle East and North Africa. Finds a reference in ancient scriptures and Bible. A highly fragmented market with largest part being unorganised. A huge value addition comes from 'designers' applying the same on hands and feet. It has a huge cultural (many say religious as well) impact so much so that a marriage ritual has become a stand alone function called 'mehandi'. The colour comes from the leaves, younger the leaf, richer the colour. And Rajasthan, especially the districts of Jodhpur and Pali make up for almost two thirds of India's production. Hub of activity is in Sojat in district Pali. It's a small tree wi