Apple
In a recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Bhisham Sahi, an accomplished entrepreneur who has made significant strides in the digital marketing and is passionate about the culinary industry. Bhisham is the CEO and founder of Pixelate and co-founder of Hungry Gator. His journey from college ventures to corporate roles and finally to successful entrepreneurship offers a wealth of insights for aspiring business owners. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key themes and actionable advice shared by Bhisham during the episode.
Early Beginnings: The Spark of Entrepreneurship
Discovering the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Bhisham’s entrepreneurial journey began during his second year of college while pursuing a degree in commerce. Armed with a DSLR camera and a friend knowledgeable in Photoshop, they started creating content for local cafes and colleges. This initial venture not only provided pocket money but also ignited Bhisham’s passion for entrepreneurship.
Actionable Advice:
- Start Small: Identify a skill or resource you have and find a way to monetize it. This could be anything from photography to graphic design.
- Collaborate: Partner with friends or colleagues who complement your skills. Collaboration can lead to innovative ideas and shared responsibilities.
- Pitch Your Services: Approach local businesses with your offerings. This not only builds your portfolio but also helps you understand market needs.
Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship:
The Red Bull Experience:
After college, Bhisham secured a job at Goldman Sachs but was soon offered a marketing position at Red Bull. This role involved handling major events in South India, providing him with invaluable experience in marketing and event management.
Actionable Advice:
- Evaluate Opportunities: When faced with multiple job offers, consider the long-term benefits and learning opportunities each role provides.
- Gain Diverse Experience: Working in different industries can provide a broad skill set and unique perspectives that are invaluable in entrepreneurship.
The MBA Decision
Bhisham’s journey took another turn when he decided to pursue an MBA. However, a delay in the admission process led him to explore digital marketing, which eventually became his full-time focus.
Actionable Advice:
- Be Flexible: Sometimes plans don’t go as expected. Use these moments to explore new opportunities and pivot if necessary.
- Practical Experience vs. Formal Education: Weigh the benefits of real-world experience against formal education. Both have their merits, but practical experience often provides immediate, actionable insights.
Building and Growing Pixelate
From Survival Mode to Structured Growth
Pixelate started as an experiment, pitching services to cafes and small businesses. Initially, the focus was on survival, but over time, Bhisham and his team sought mentorship and began investing in senior talent and advisors.
Actionable Advice:
- Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who have navigated similar journeys. Their advice can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate growth.
- Invest in Talent: Don’t shy away from hiring experienced professionals. They can bring valuable expertise and help scale your business.
- Measure Efficiency: Implement processes to measure and improve efficiency within your organization. This can lead to better resource management and productivity.
Navigating Challenges and Pivots
Bhisham’s journey was not without challenges. From adapting to changes in digital marketing trends to pivoting during the pandemic, he emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability.
Actionable Advice:
- Stay Updated: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies.
- Be Ready to Pivot: When faced with industry changes or unforeseen challenges, be prepared to reassess and pivot your business strategy.
- Diversify Your Portfolio: Don’t rely too heavily on one sector. Diversifying your client base can provide stability during economic downturns.
The Importance of Organizational Culture
Creating a Culture Book
Bhisham highlighted the significance of building a strong organizational culture. Pixelate created a “culture book” that encapsulates the company’s values and stories, serving as a guide for new employees.
Actionable Advice:
- Document Your Culture: Create a culture book or similar document that outlines your company’s values, mission, and stories. This helps new employees understand and align with your organizational ethos.
- Foster a Positive Environment: Conduct surveys to understand the personal and professional goals of your team members. Create a supportive environment that encourages growth and well-being.
Building a Supportive Community
Bhisham also discussed the establishment of an alumni network for former employees, emphasizing the value of maintaining relationships and investing in people.
Actionable Advice:
- Create an Alumni Network: Establish a network for former employees to stay connected. This can lead to valuable collaborations and reinforce your company’s positive impact.
- Invest in People: Focus on building strong relationships within your team. A supportive community can drive motivation and loyalty.
Embracing Failure and Taking Action
The Fear of Failure
A recurring theme in Bhisham’s journey is the fear of failure. He encourages entrepreneurs to embrace the idea of failing fast and taking action, as unexecuted ideas remain stagnant.
Actionable Advice:
- Fail Fast: Don’t be afraid to take risks and fail. Each failure provides valuable lessons that can guide future decisions.
- Execute Ideas: Push your ideas out into the world. Execution is the only way to determine their viability and potential success.
- Eliminate “What Ifs”: Take action to avoid lingering doubts and regrets. This proactive approach can lead to growth and innovation.
Conclusion
Bhisham Sahi’s entrepreneurial journey offers a wealth of insights and actionable advice for aspiring business owners. From starting small and seeking mentorship to building a strong organizational culture and embracing failure, his experiences highlight the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
We hope you found this deep dive into Bhisham’s journey as inspiring and informative as we did. For more insights and to connect with Bhisham, feel free to reach out to him on LinkedIn or via email. Stay tuned for more episodes and blog posts that explore the fascinating world of entrepreneurship.