Dharmendra Sharma, Owner, www.GMB.in

Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur and not pursue a regular job?

After completing my masters, I worked for the Gujarat Government Department as a marketing executive. My only aim in doing so was to gain some experience and expertise in marketing-related fields and,

later, to start my own business. It didn’t take me long realize this job wasn’t for me. It was monotonous in nature and allowed me to work in only few restricted areas; I couldn’t even implement the ideas I had for the organization. But then came the opportunity. While I was still working there, I got an offer to own a franchise of a renowned company in the service sector and I immediately decided to become an entrepreneur. The choice was only right since it gave me the chance to work with my own ideas and initiatives, allowed me to take risks, use my skills and gave me a better control over the organization.

Can you tell us what kind of challenges you faced during the initial years?

Ensuring to have a good team of employees was a huge challenge for me. For any entrepreneur, who is a beginner, it is important to have a team of qualified employees. It took me around 6 months to have a perfect team

What was the turning point in your career?

The turning point in my career came along with the growth and expansion of the franchise I owned. Considering the fact that I was the owner and that it was my first step towards becoming an entrepreneur, it gave me a very good experience. It gave me acknowledgement and the confidence to become good at sales. But even here, I had to rely on the company for executing my ideas and it was a little disappointing.

Did you, at any point, feel like giving up on your venture?

Not really, but there were times when I felt my efforts were going in the wrong direction. I constantly questioned myself if I was on the right track and the only answer I received was in the affirmative.

What drives you?

Failure and tough times. I have always learnt from my failures and have worked on being more innovative for the subsequent approach.

Could you please elaborate on your business model and future plans?

We, at www.GMB.in, provide overseas buyers with a vast collection of marble statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. We have plans to launch another portal on the same lines and are also looking at backward integration and exploring opportunities for setting up stores in Surat and Rajkot.

Can you give some tips to budding entrepreneurs?

The end is only a beginning. Never quit, on the contrary, double your efforts and always keep motivating yourself.