Working long hours from as early as 6 am to the late hours of the evening lasting till 9 pm and still not generating profits can be frustrating, right? But once you get trained to use your time optimally, and in a planned manner, profits can’t be far behind. However, learning business processes and training alone cannot do wonders. You also need inspiration and passion to drive your business to the next level. This is exactly how Vivek charted his success story.
Vivek Kumar Gupta, a resident of Pakri Ismail, Dumri, Muzaffarpur, Bihar ran a small hardware shop called Shiv Hardware. Despite his hard work, the business refused to take off, leaving him distraught and frustrated. He often felt stuck, unable to plan effectively or find the guidance needed to expand his venture. His father, Prakash Kumar Gupta, supported him, but Vivek dreamed of taking the family business to much higher levels.
One day, an unexpected opportunity knocked on Vivek’s door. Nishi Nath Sinha, a coordinator from FINISH Society, visited him and exhorted him to participate in an Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) scheduled for April 16, 2024. Initially, Vivek was hesitant to attend, worried about losing a full day’s earnings.
“Why should I spend an entire day away from my shop?” he thought. But Nishi persisted, and Vivek finally decided to give in and see where the EDP would take him.
At the program, Vivek was exposed to practical business insights that he had never considered before. From branding and marketing to strategic expansion, the training opened his eyes to the endless possibilities for his business. Inspired and excited, he shared everything he learned with his father, who became equally enthusiastic about implementing the ideas that he learned at the training session.
Determined to translate his lessons into action, Vivek began transforming his business. The first step was expansion. He and his family opened two new ventures alongside their hardware shop: Shiv Sanitation and Shiv Electric, diversifying their product range to cater to a broader customer base.
Understanding the importance of branding, Vivek invested in a professionally designed signboard for the stores. To make the launch of the new outlets memorable, he organized a gala opening event. The family invited local masons (Raj Mistris) and other community members, along with State Minister Shri Kedar Prasad Gupta, whose presence brought credibility and visibility to the business.
Vivek also implemented another key learning from the program: “What is visible, sells.” He focused on making his products more appealing by improving their presentation and decking up the show windows. For Diwali, the family decorated their shops, creating an inviting and festive atmosphere. The result? An immediate boost in sales, as customers were drawn to the well-displayed products.
To strengthen their relationship with the local community, Vivek collaborated with FINISH to provide skill-development training for masons. This not only benefited the masons but also increased trust and loyalty among his customers.
A key aspect of Vivek’s success was the active involvement of his family. His father set an example by dressing professionally every day, which added a touch of decorum and professionalism to their business. During busy seasons, all three brothers worked together to ensure smooth operations, reflecting a united front that customers began to admire.
Today, Vivek’s business is thriving. From a modest hardware shop to a multi-faceted enterprise, his journey showcases the power of guidance, learning, and determination. The lessons from FINISH not only helped him grow his business but also made him a source of inspiration for other entrepreneurs in his community. Vivek Kumar’s story is a shining example of how vision, combined with the right support, can turn dreams into reality.
