Pooja Sharma & Aashita Dutta, Founders, Connect2Consult

Winner of MPEC 2009

The thought of providing a single point of contact to companies that are faced with the problems of dealing with multiple vendors led to the foundation of Connect2Consult. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The founders of Connect2Consult chose to do and not just dream 

Founded by Pooja and Aashita in 2009,Connect2Consult is an innovative consulting firm with three practise areas ,process consulting, process solutions , process outsourcing founded with an aim to integrate all cross-functional business needs of companies with the right solution, thereby helping companies focus their energy on their business rather on finding the right solution provider to take their business to the next level. “The idea is to not only pursue our own dream but, to help businesses achieve their dreams and business goals, said the founders

The differentiating factor is their business model, Single Point Engagement Model (SPEM) which has been designed by Connect2Consult keeping in mind the challenges that are faced by businesses of all sizes in identification and implementation of right processes and solution across all functional areas. With Single Point Engagement Model they aim to provide one access point to integrate business needs with seamless solutions. “This philosophy is supported with our proven experience in dealing with different solution providers for cross functional business needs, which not only increases the overall costs but, also involves significant time and effort to search for a right solution provider every time when a new need arises. The catalyst of our model is also our dedication to form and nurture client relationships and our commitment to advise right solutions, so that our clients can succeed today, tomorrow and always” affirm the founders. “We can give shape to our model only if we have good partner ecosystem, and in keeping with our business plans we have signed up with a leading CRM player in India and are in talks with other companies as well to build a robust partner ecosystem”, said the founders

In the short period that Connect2Consult has been active, there has not been a dull moment, with a continuous flow of new ideas keeping its employees motivated. The company has been targeting different verticals with a unique value proposition and has already been appreciated by its clients for its unique value proposition to different verticals, which takes care of their clients’ business challenges in a cost effective manner. “We are doing our best and our way forward will determine our business’s future. Within a short span of time the company has already made a good headway in the overseas market with their “Offshore Talent Sourcing Proposition “(OTS) to support their business needs through an offshore model. Besides, the Indian market is quiet promising, “we have already made a good mark with our Student Lifecycle Management Model (SLM) for the Education vertical , which is in lines with our vertical specific proposition strategy”, said the founders. They have also laid down a sales and marketing plan with vertical specific business strategy to enter in other verticals and intend to scale their operations in the next 6 months. 

With a degree in Business Management in hand, the founding members laid focus on keeping their costs to a minimum and eking out that little bit more from the very least. The period since the launch of Connect2Consult has been one of learning and positive developments, leadership and the team bonding that exists are cited as achievements. We are doing our best and our way forward will determine our business’s future,” said the founders, who founded the company with no external funding but just their savings.

Though the founders admits to there being a long way to go, they are undaunted by the road ahead. “The idea is to follow your gut and do the right things at the right time. The clarity of thought process, business idea and the way you implement those ideas will take you wherever you want to go and help you achieve your dreams,” they say by way of advice for budding entrepreneurs. “We have always liked the idea of running a business because it allows the space for creative freedom and helps us realise our hidden potential. If we could do something for others why not for ourselves?? If we were born again, we would still choose to be entrepreneurs. We complain because it’s very hard work with no weekends, but we would still do it” the founders say  

On the road ahead, they say there is much work to do and little time to do it in. More than just being dreamers, they are doers, and yourstory.in wishes these budding entrepreneurs the success in the days and years ahead.