It is always our endeavour to share with our community some of the compelling stories on entrepreneurship. This week we invited Rajiv Talreja for an interview with us to understand more about his journey so far and his advice for the startup community. Rajiv is a successful entrepreneur, bestseller author, business coach and the owner of Team Karnataka Warriors. Let’s read more!
Excerpts from our interview with Rajiv Talreja:
We all have heard about all the work you are currently doing, through Magazines and Publications, so what keeps you going? Tell our audience a little about your journey please;
I started my company right after college. But in its second year itself, I incurred a loss of 25Lacs. My dad instead of being miffed with me told me that at this rate by the time I was 30 I would be a millionaire. And, at that point, it was the encouragement I truly needed.
The losses didn’t stop right there. In 2012, I incurred a loss of 70Lac and debt of 45Lacs. Between 2012-2014 too, nothing changed. I invested more money on myself and kept learning. So, my failures and investment in my learnings/education has really brought me so far.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
When I got placed right off of campus after my BCom, the first thing my dad said to me was that if I had the capabilities to be recruited by someone else I do have immense potential. So, instead of working for someone else why don’t I work for myself in a direction where I can actually make a difference to the world.
How do you find the industry/niche that you’re in?
When it comes to training everyone is focusing on either startups or corporates. But I’ve always believed that SMEs are the real fuel, they are the driving force of our economy. So, that’s how I decided to build a business that serves & supports entrepreneurs in this sector.
What gets you out of bed in the morning i.e. what’s your source of motivation?
My source of motivation is the success of the entrepreneurs we work with.
What challenges/obstacles did you face in your journey so far?
After I started my company- Quantum Leap, in the second year itself we went into a 25lac loss. And my 2012, I found myself incurring more losses. I had a loss of 70Lacs and a 45lac debt. However, instead of getting bogged down I continue to learn, learn and learn some more. I invested more money on my re-education because I strictly believe learning is the key to success!
What comes first for you – money or emotions?
This question itself is a this OR that type of question. I don’t subscribe to a life of OR. The goal, no matter who you are, is to lead a holistic life. I call this the ‘AND’ life and in such a life all the work you do is to master ALL the areas of your life: your health AND wealth AND relationships AND passion AND spiritual growth.
How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
Honestly, pressure and stress is a part and parcel of life. I have learnt to be aware as well as accept it fully. Also, there are two kinds of pressure. One that’s the survival kind and the other one that pushes you to grow. As long as its the latter (growth), I don’t mind it!
What is one strategy that you believe has helped grow your startup/person?
Constantly learning and building a team have both helped me grow immensely.
In your opinion what are the keys to entrepreneurial success?
– Patience!
– Try changing your relationship with failures. This will bring you tremendous freedom, trust me!
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Always choose progress over perfection, keep learning and be okay to adapt constantly as you go.
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