Tapping into his sharp business acumen and his passion for entreprenuership, Aviral is the
brains behind AM Branding Co’s business model, built from scratch without any existing
blueprint. Not only does he manage the team and finances, but owing to his degree
in Aerospace Engineering, he also leads the website tech for all their projects. We feature him in our Meet The Founder series and here is what he has to say-

Where/How do you get your best ideas?

My best ideas come from various aspects of life. From spending time with positive people, travelling or just being peaceful at home. 

What’s something they don’t teach you in University that you should probably know?

I personally feel managing finances and filing taxes is something that should be taught in the university.  

First thing you do as soon as you wake up?

First thing I do after waking up is to meditate for around 40 minutes. In those 40 minutes, I visualise how I want my day to pan out & make mental notes of important tasks to take care of. 

What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses in the country?

After a tough year, the silver lining is that everyone had a lot of time to rethink and build on unique ideas. Some even took this time to execute new models & ways of working. I believe moving forward small businesses will adopt innovative ways of functioning & a new ‘independent’ way of working within the teams will come into play – no matter where they work from, home or office. Also, new products and services will come into light opening opportunities as per the need of the world.

What was your biggest stroke of luck since the launch of your company (s)?

I don’t believe in being lucky or unlucky. I believe in putting in your 100% into everything you do & surrounding yourself with the right kind of influences in life who mould you. There is a saying that you mentally become like the 5 closest people to you, I think that really is true! 

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

I would like to give more than one advice:

1. Your company is as good as your team. Choose your team wisely.

2. Follow your Gut. Your gut usually tells you the right thing to do. 

3. Always keep your vision towards what you want to achieve very clear and try and share it with your team, so each one of you can work towards it together.

What do you typically read?

I like to read crime, fiction and motivational books.

Favourite book?

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.

Best boss you had and what did you learn from them?

I started up very early at the age of 21, right after college, so have never worked under anyone. I have had mentors along the way who have helped me in my entrepreneurial journey. A few key things I learnt and truly believe in are :

• Believe in the process, there are no shortcuts.
• Work ethic is everything.
• Don’t focus on winning, focus on excellence.

What question do you ask at interviews?

What are your fears/obstacles that you have faced in the past and how did you overcome them? In interviews, I am looking for people who can communicate clearly and can perform well under pressure.

One thing you learned about your self?

One thing I learned about myself is that I work much better under pressure and in time crunch situations. 

How do you keep your team motivated & engaged?

I always try to keep weekly team meetings where we brainstorm new ideas and make short term goals which in turn helps to make a blueprint for our company’s long-term goals.

New Years Resolutions?

Health is wealth has never sounded so correct and motivational. 2020 has made us all realise the importance of being mentally, physically and emotionally healthy. In years to come, I intend to focus more on daily practices that make you healthy. Also, to make an attempt to stay off the internet when it is not required.

How do you maintain work/life balance?

This is something I am still trying to master. My biggest joy in life is to travel to new places with my wife & partner, that is how we maintain a work-life balance.

A childhood memory that shaped something you do in your business today?

I have grown up watching both my parents work very hard for everything we have today. My dad has taught us the real meaning of will power & determination.

 
Tea/Coffee?

Tea anytime!

Favourite clothing item?

I love my button-down shirts.