Ambika Sharma has accumulated vast experience in the field of business management by working for companies like Candid Marketing, Encompass Events, Jagran Solutions, and more at various levels. Her unique perspective coupled with years of professional experience enables her to have a pragmatic approach in all her endeavors.
Being an entrepreneur at heart, Ambika founded Pulp Strategy with most recent being Instappy, which is a cloud-based Mobile app creation platform that allows users to build intuitive, stunning and fully native applications for iOS and Android instantly.
What inspired you to build the above product/ service?
As a technology service company custom mobile application development was a part of out service offering. We realized that we were getting an increasing number of requirements for Apps which we either could not address because of limited budget expectations or our dev teams were already swamped. We sensed an opportunity to transform the way businesses approached mobile and their business and commerce applications. We needed to empower businesses and individuals by making the entire process of app development easy and seamless. Today Instappy allows easy customization, reduced go to the market time, always updated tech for high-quality apps that include custom API’s and advanced features, at a fraction of the cost.
What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?
The area which takes the most effort is mentoring the customer. Providing assistance and helping businesses on how to get the best out of their investment while maintaining quality, visual appeal and adopting best practices. This is time taking but most important in the cycle, businesses are safe and understand their requirements a team of consultants helps translate this into a high-quality app.
How did you overcome those challenges?
Instappy is a cloud based SAAS platform, we have the assisted as well as the DIY model and Apps are on an annual subscription. Apart from very strong mentoring and online assistance around the clock, We have also introduced our reseller program, allowing web development companies and agencies to introduce app development in their business service offering not only adding a new revenue stream but also them to create value for their clients and in the process becoming enablers for SME’s to take their 1st step on mobile.
Please provide a brief overview of your product/ service.
There are basically 3 products we are putting forth in the market for now. The Professional Apps for Business allows businesses, startups, retail stores and more to include a new revenue stream and introducing a new business app. Thereafter, the scope is limitless and the users can grow their business by introducing discount vouchers, loyalty program and a lot more.
The next product, Shopping Apps, allow customers to venture into the field of online commerce, allowing them to create stellar shopping apps, on the lines of Myntra and other industry leaders.
Lastly, the Enterprise Apps give scope for enterprises to create their own business-centric systems, such as CRMs, employee tracking systems, report tracking and more. This solution is meant to boost the efficiency of enterprises, make critical but cumbersome tasks like time management, organizational efficiency etc. easily manageable by the app.
What is your life mantra?
Never back down! At work or at play, if you are going to take the shortcut then only mediocrity awaits at the end of that road.
Share some details about the investments that you have been able to fetch for the business till now.
At Instappy, we have bootstrapped our way through the design, development, testing and go to market. Since our service offering adds a significant value to businesses and individuals we have seen a steady growth in our revenue. Instappy customers span over 3 continents. Instappy supports App creation in Spanish, Portuguese, German and French as well as English and all Indian Languages. We are hoping that we will not only optimism current markets but with 5 new languages being launched next quarter will be able to expand to new markets as well.
How do you protect yourself from the problem of Brain Drain? Tell us about your company’s attrition control practices.
While at some level attrition is inevitable, we try and provide a work culture that respects individuals and their higher aspirations and pulls them back to our organization. We have invested in a working culture that nurtures talented employees into becoming successful team leaders and eventually, business leaders. Our policies are people friendly with structured scope for employees to strike a balance between personal and professional life. WE invest in knowledge sessions, personal growth, and fun engagements. Great people understand and recognize the commitment of the organization and participate in creating a culture of partnership, conducive towards personal and professional growth.
According to you, what are the three qualities an individual must have to achieve success?
A clear vision of personal goals, a clear understanding of the organization’s goals and the journey of bridging the two. That clarity in vision drives individuals to achieve the success they aim and ensure that their organization enables that journey of success. In this journey, a good sense of humor will serve you well. It helps you detach from the lows and remain mindful of your long-term vision, allowing you to easily connect with people, make strong and meaningful connections and grow your network of strategic contacts.
Which online tools/ services/ apps do you use the most and would like to recommend as well?
Oh, I would definitely recommend Instappy for anyone looking to build an app. Space is a great App, I use my phone for keeping up with personal stuff as well as work on the go and I have seen spaces as a great way to share.
Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive.
Waking up an hour early and having that time to myself help me put things into perspective and plan my day ahead. It is by creating that daily roadmap that I am able to address work requirements and family engagements comfortably.
Share any one habit which you wish to change in yourself.
Patience! I could certainly do with a bit more of that. (working on it)
Answer in less than 50 words
Have fun! When you are having fun, you are motivated and you make room for creativity and innovative ideas to seep in! Hence, regardless of what you are doing, remember to have fun!
- One mistake you believe every individual must avoid
getting too attached to mistakes! Failure is never final, but oftentimes, we allow the overwhelming emotions of failing to drain and distract us from our goals. Stay focused, make mistakes, learn from them and move on quickly!
- One most important lesson that you have learnt till now
finding real joy and pleasure in simple things. Small achievements, home cooked food, the open road, rain, snow travel, True joy is from the small things every day.
What are your plans for next 3 years?
We have currently initiated our Reseller Program at Instappy, allowing users to introduce a new line of business and significantly grow the revenues of their agency or enterprise. We are optimizing our digital strategy and focusing on a strong content marketing approach. With Expanding teams and optimizing our sales process. We will work at expanding our reseller program and partnerships. We have a steadily increasing user base. The trend of app downloads and smartphone penetration also reflect in the response we have seen from our markets. We have seen most promising response from US, UK and India, we are getting a good response from South Africa and the mid east since its launch as well. We are looking forward to our launches in Russia, SEA, and China soon.
What are your top three getaway destinations?
At Kauai island in Hawaii is me go-to holiday destination. As a biker, I completely adore Leh. The last one is a classic; Goa often keeps calling me back and again and I absolutely enjoy the peace in its pristine beaches.
If you get a chance to start your career again what would you do differently this time?
I wouldn’t have it any other way! I love what I do and the potential of what I can do in the future
Share a quote that inspires you the most
Fear is temporary. Regret is permanent.