If there is one thing you could be sure about Manish Dutta, then it is his habit to never give up. Having done his graduation from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and his post graduate from Symbiosis University, Pune, Manish entered the world of entrepreneurship with the launch of Mandate Systems, a B2B logistics service.
When his first startup didn’t quite worked out the way he expected, he was quick to come with another idea, to take his business online. But due to lack of funds, he decided to create a technology-based B2C logistics service instead. Today his startup MakingMove is available in 10 cities and offers its moving services on more than 90 routes.
Please provide a brief overview of your product/ service.
MakingMove is one-of-its-kind service in India that offers live & transparent quotes for house shifting, car and bike transportation on 90 routes across 10 cities – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi (NCR), Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. We have created a benchmark of transparency for moving expenditure through our unique pricing algorithm coupled with a unique online survey of household inventory.
What inspired you to build the above product/ service?
The failure of my previous venture (a trucking business with a major automobile company in India) motivated me to launch MakingMove. Originally, I wanted to take my previous venture online using technology. But since I didn’t have the wherewithal to launch a B2B logistic startup, I figured B2C logistic service will also be good option to begin my tech-entrepreneurial journey.
What is your life mantra?
To never give up
What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?
Improving brand visibility has been the most challenging part so far.
How did you overcome those challenges?
Challenges are not an over-night journey for any start-up. One is required to sustain them over a substantial period of time. They are fluid enough to change their character at every step.
Share some details about the investments that you have been able to fetch for the business till now.
Self-funded so far.
How do you protect yourself from the problem of Brain Drain?
Given my situation, I have enough room for my employees to perform productively. I have developed a culture of awarding employees with incentives for their every day’s little successes.
These incentives may come in various forms and sizes, keeps my employees inspired and has been helpful so far in retaining the talent I’ve hired
According to you, what are the three qualities an individual must have to achieve success?
Actionable qualities:
- Execution
- Endurance
c.Empathy (Towards customers and employees)
Which online tools/ services/ apps do you use the most and would like to recommend as well?
I am personally engrossed with Google Webmaster Tools, MOZ and Woorank for Digital marketing which I oversee in my company as the head. These online tools provide 90% accurate date to gauge your online visibility.
Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive.
To remain Hands-on.
Share any one habit which you wish to change in yourself.
I am habitually an anxious person. At times I consider a small mishap to a failure. While I am patient and talented enough to tackle such mishaps, I’d definitely like to mend my anxiety.
Answer in less than 50 words
Flawless execution
- One mistake you believe every individual must avoid
Rigidity in your beliefs
- One most important lesson that you have learnt till now
Never go big from the beginning. Learn at every step and emphasize learning on each failure since failure is an intrinsic fabric of any start-up. The lessons learnt will certainly help you go bazooka.
What are your plans for next 3 years?
Technology: App Introduction and developing GPS positioning for vehicle tracking.
Consumer:
- To include The Internet, Landline phone and Dish TV in the offerings
- To include handyman services like plumbing, carpentry, electrician, etc., to offer a complete relocation package.
If you get a chance to start your career again what would you do differently this time?
I’d pick up the Sciences stream to study space. Less competition.
What are your top three getaway destinations?
Goa, Leh and HongKong
Share a quote that inspires you the most.
There are many, but here are my 2 favorites:
“Reshape yourself through the power of your will” –Bhagawad Gita
“Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing” – Warren Buffet