Hello Readers today we are sharing an interview with Venkatesh C.R. CEO of Dot Com Infoway, we are really happy to cover this interview
1. Hello! Please tell us something about yourself. Where are you from, and where did you grow up?
Venkatesh C.R. – Madurai figures largely in my life since I spent most of my youth there and this extends well into adulthood. Add to this the fact it’s also where I chose DCI’s headquarters to be established, and you pretty much gain a good picture of my innate connection to the place.
It’s also the place I chose to sow the seeds of the Internet, so to speak since one of my primary goals back then was to spread its use in the country. That said, I’m definitely a tech lover and I do my best to marry that passion with my desire to form connections with people and discover new places. I’m also known for coining the saying, “everything is possible, especially the impossible,”; an adage which I continue to adhere to.
2 .Tell us about your Company?
Dot Com Infoway is an IT company that delivers mobile and software solutions. By this, we mean that we offer a broad range of digital services, which include mobile and enterprise app development, app marketing, digital marketing, and web development, to cite a few. Recently, DCI has been nominated as the ‘Top Mobile App Marketing’ company by Clutch, and as the ‘Top ASO Agency’ by Business of Apps. We have offices in India and North America and a worldwide client base.
3. Would you please tell me about your education?
I acquired most of my early education from Vikaasa School, one of the most popular schools in the country. Afterward, I went to Anna University in Chennai and graduated from there with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
4. Why did you choose entrepreneurship over the job?
I guess I figured from an early age that it’s just a perfect fit for me. As I said above, I’ve always wanted to connect with people and come up with solutions to their most immediate problems. And I saw the Internet’s great potential to do just that. In the process, it also became obvious that I won’t be able to introduce the changes I want to happen (the spread of Internet use is one of them) if I remain tethered to regular employment.
I also fortunately discovered early on, especially in my school days, that I have a gift for motivating and leading people. Combined with my industrious nature, these elements coalesced in my mind, so to speak, and convinced me that entrepreneurship is the path I was destined to take. It also didn’t hurt that I’m an ardent believer of palmistry.
5. How did you get the idea to start Business Name/Startup Name?
There’s nothing special about me and my team’s decision to settle on “Dot Com Infoway”, really. We just did a quick brainstorming of ideas, and we all agreed that it’s the most suitable. We are the leading Mobile App Development Company with the most ideal approach to cause business people to connect with their clients. Perhaps, one interpretation of it we can fully back is that it, in a way, calls back to our original goal of nourishing and expanding Internet use in our country.
6. What motivates you?
The vast improvements to society that my platform and industry can bring about. This fact is readily evident in my original goal, and what’s wonderful about the IT industry is that it’s basically at the forefront of innovation. Almost all its solutions are geared toward overcoming obstacles and improving people’s quality of life, and for me, nothing beats the knowledge that you are aiding directly in that endeavor.
7. How do you define success?
It’s when you can safely say that your entire organization’s efforts have resulted in delivering its clients’ needs and uplifting everyone (including your entire team) as you work toward that goal. Such is the end result of every vital step you need to take from managing your company and directing resources to listen to your team members’ ideas and spurring them to take action to make those necessary improvements a reality.
8. What are your ideals?
I’m a dedicated follower of Rotarian principles, so I can say that my ideals mirror theirs. I especially subscribe to the esteem they hold for individuals committed to serving others, those who value integrity, and realize the pivotal roles leaders play in building a society with solid foundations of fellowship and diversity.
9. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Since I value the things I’ve learned over the years, I would have to say it’s the renowned cricketer, MS Dhoni. You’ll probably be surprised by how much I’ve learned from the man, and I consider him as one of the coolest persons on the planet.
10. How many hours a day do you work on average?
I can’t state an exact figure, but my average workday typically takes more than 8 hours.
11. Can you describe/outline your ordinary day?
I like to start the day early because I only tend to procrastinate otherwise. I always make sure to eat breakfast, but even as I’m seated at the table, you can expect me to already be browsing through schedules of the day.
I will be considering the urgent emails that I have to answer, my team meetings (usually done through video conferencing), and if there are events I need to attend, I normally take the time to prepare for it. Of course, I also always make time to wind down, and for this, I have my mobile games to keep me stress-free while entertaining me and stimulating my mind as well.
Most CEOs tend to not mention it but the majority of my time is also actually taken up by brainstorming ideas and discovering new potential investments to enter into.
12. How has been an entrepreneur affected your family life and relationships?
I consider myself lucky in that I can still effectively juggle my time between spending time with my family and working. The same rings true for any kind of relationship I form with others, my team, clients, and close friends. Having a knack to reach out to others and mentor them also greatly aids me in this regard. I know the people I’ve connected with love me for this quality.
13. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
You have to develop your business acumen, communication skills, and, last but not least, your organizational skills. The more you develop your business acumen, the more you’ll be able to overcome challenges (even those that appear to be extremely difficult) that come your way. Why? Because you get to truly know your thinking process this way and be able to come up with better decisions and adapt to various situations. I’ve been considered as a sort of “wizard” that can transform problems into opportunities, but in the end, I really owe it all to the acumen I’ve consistently honed all my life.
Read More: Interview With Fluper CEO Anshul Sharma
Communication and organizational skills are more of the fundamental skills any entrepreneur must-have. The former lets you lay a solid foundation for your network while the latter allows you to take care of every important aspect of your business. With this trinity, you’ll find that there’s always a way to avoid and solve almost all obstacles.
14. What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?
You have to truly know in your heart and mind that the path of the entrepreneur is the one for you, that you will stick to it for the rest of your life. It’s essentially a marriage that you should pledge yourself to with all your heart. Don’t lose sight of your motivation because it will only fuel you to keep taking action even though your efforts aren’t producing the results you want. Lastly, make realistic goals.