They say that advertising is the 65th art form that can create wonders influencing people’s lives. This way of communication is a great blend of science and creativity. Given the angle of business, it is considered to be the most vital aspect and a very calculated art of every business. In challenging times of balancing regular activities, businesses struggle to implement planned strategies in their advertising and marketing efforts for brand awareness. Here come the professionals to their rescue who strategise the solutions, identifying their specific requirements as well as current trends in the market and implementing them effectively.
In light of the ever-shifting trends in advertising and communication, Mr Sudhir Shaligram Sakharkar, proprietor of Alkasha Add is a frontrunner in the fiercely competitive race. Equipped with a skilled and experienced team of designers, planners and communication specialists, he has emerged as a reliable advertising communication partner, empowering business organizations with timely, effective and right advertising solutions.
In an engaging interview with the Maharashtra Review team, Mr Sudhir unfolded his professional journey, early inspirations, values, ideals, and advice to young budding professionals. The excerpts of the interview are given below.
As an eminent entrepreneur of the bright Maharashtra, Mr Sudhir could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into this field?
Well, taking you to the beginning of my journey, it all started with a deep-rooted passion for doing business along with computers, art and design. Growing up in Maharashtra, I was always fascinated by the way visuals could communicate powerful messages and make you stand apart from others. I spent countless hours researching the business, and the turning point came when I noticed a significant gap in the market. Many businesses struggled to find high-quality, customized solutions that could help them stand out and this motivated me to step into this profession.
I used my expertise and took the opportunity to combine my creative skills with entrepreneurial ambitions to provide services that not only met but exceeded client expectations. The journey has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about creating visually appealing designs; it’s about helping businesses communicate their stories and achieve their goals through impactful visuals. The satisfaction of seeing a client’s vision come to life is what keeps me motivated every day.
The essence of entrepreneurship lies in bringing innovation and advancements to the sector. How do you balance your products/services/solutions with client expectations?
Balancing innovation and advancement with client expectations is indeed a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship. Here’s how I approach this balance:
Understanding Client Expectations: Deep Client Engagement every time and Setting Clear Objectives for the ongoing work.
Incorporating Innovation: Continuous Market Research to stay informed and stay ahead of my competitors and also Prototyping the work or job received.
Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Being Client-Centered is the key to Innovation. Providing customized solutions adds smiles.
Maintaining Quality and Reliability with the assurance of after-sales service.
Also, communication is the key as you can get genuine feedback and with adaption on the feedback to grow each day.
By integrating these strategies, we ensure that our products, services, and solutions not only incorporate the latest advancements but also align with and exceed client expectations. This balanced approach helps us deliver exceptional value and build lasting client relationships.
In the realm of business, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. How do you use technology to optimize your services and stay ahead in a digital age?
Technology has been instrumental in optimizing our services and keeping us competitive in the digital age. We have leveraged technology to enhance efficiency and innovation in our business by:
Automation and Efficiency, by this I mean that we are utilizing advanced cutting-edge graphic design software like CorelDRAW and this has allowed us to streamline our design processes, improve accuracy, and enhance creativity. These tools enable us to produce high-quality designs more efficiently.
Best in class Automated Printing Processes and Machines. Incorporating advanced flex printing technology and automated printing processes has significantly increased our production speed and reduced errors.
Advanced Laser cutting machines helped us to provide quick and timely services to our clients.
Maintaining customer Data Backup is crucial and we are utilizing cloud storage to its best.
Online Training and Certifications and Encouraging our team to participate in online training programs and obtain relevant certifications helps us stay updated with the latest technological advancements and industry standards.
By integrating these technological advancements into our business operations, we have optimized our services, enhanced efficiency, and ensured we remain competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
As a leader in India’s business sector, you might have faced your share of challenges. Could you share an instance where your and your team’s resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity?
Absolutely. One notable instance where our team’s resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity occurred during the months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, we faced unprecedented challenges, including supply chain disruptions, a sudden drop in client orders, and the need to transition to remote work.
The Challenge: To stay healthy and safe yet work at the same time was a big challenge.
With businesses shutting down and events being cancelled, the demand for graphic design, flex printing and acrylic cutting services plummeted. Additionally, our supply chains were severely disrupted, making it difficult to procure the necessary materials for ongoing projects. This period of uncertainty put immense pressure on our business continuity and financial stability.
Our Response: Rapid Adaptation to Remote Work, timely services and digital communication.
Innovation in Services
– Pivot to New Markets as per needs
– Learning digital Online Platforms
– Supply Chain Resilience
– Local Sourcing
– Inventory Management
– Were truly tough to manage
Client Engagement and Support
– Proactive Communication
– Value-Added Services
The Outcome
Thanks to these resilient and innovative strategies, we not only survived but also emerged stronger from the crisis. Our ability to adapt quickly to remote work, pivot our services to meet new demands, and secure our supply chains ensured business continuity. We expanded our client base by entering new markets and strengthened existing relationships through proactive support and flexibility.
The pandemic tested our resilience, but it also showcased our ability to innovate and adapt in the face of adversity. This experience reinforced the importance of agility, creativity and strong team collaboration, values that continue to drive our success today.
Many young aspirants wish to enter the industry. What is your advice to them?
For young aspirants eager to enter the flex printing, graphic designing and laser cutting industry, here are some key pieces of advice to help you navigate and succeed in this dynamic field:
- Build a Strong Foundation: Education and Skills Development
- Master the Tools of the Trade: Software Proficiency, Technical Skills
- Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Continuous Learning, Networking
- Develop a Unique Style and Portfolio
- Understand the Business Side: Client Management, Project Management, Marketing and Branding
- Embrace Technology: Innovation, Digital Proficiency
- Focus on Quality and Detail: Attention to Detail, Quality Control
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Customer-centric Approach: Customer Service, Feedback
- Sustainability and Ethics
By following these guidelines, you can build a successful career in the flex printing, graphic designing, and laser cutting industry. Stay passionate, keep learning and continuously strive for excellence.
Looking to the future, what is your vision for your company? How do you aspire to continue making a significant impact on Maharashtra’s business landscape?
Looking towards the future, my vision for the company is rooted in growth, innovation, and sustainability. In essence, our vision is to be a leader in the graphic design, flex printing and laser cutting industry, recognized for our innovation, quality and commitment to sustainability. By expanding our reach, embracing advanced technologies, fostering a talented and diverse team, and prioritizing customer satisfaction, we aim to build a future-ready company that not only thrives in the competitive landscape but also makes a positive impact on society and the environment.
Continuing to make a significant impact on Maharashtra’s business landscape requires a strategic approach that encompasses innovation, community engagement, sustainable practices, and leadership. Here’s how we aspire to achieve this:
- Fostering Innovation and Excellence
– Cutting-Edge Technology
– R&D Initiatives
- Supporting Local Businesses and the Economy
– Partnerships with Local Businesses
– Job Creation
- Commitment to Sustainability
– Eco-Friendly Practices
– Community Environmental Initiatives
- Educational and Professional Development
– Training Programs
– Industry Workshops and Seminars
- Enhancing Customer Experience
– Customer-Centric Innovations
– Digital Transformation
- Community Engagement and CSR
– Corporate Social Responsibility
– Supporting Local Art and Culture
- Thought Leadership and Advocacy
– Industry Leadership
– Business Advocacy
- Resilience and Adaptability
– Agile Business Practices
– Risk Management
