Inspiring Story: Can’t go to vote, then vote on the go - Right2Vote

Inspiring Stories

17 May 2017

Inspiring Story: Can’t go to vote, then vote on the go - Right2Vote

  • Posted by Awfis Editorial

#Inspiringstories@Awfis is an initiative by Awfis Editorial Team to showcase the brilliant business ideas and the journey of our startup member community.

Neeraj Gutgutia believes in doing what is right, whether at work, or in his personal life.

Right2Vote, shared work space
Team Right2Vote

It was in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, while working with Prashant Kishore, a political strategist, that he realised the many limitations people face when asked to cast their vote. Even the most responsible among his friends faced hurdles and obstacles that prevented them from being a responsible citizen.

The reasons varied from the mundane like unable to take time off from work, the distance and being unwell, to the more serious issues like lack of a voter id card, being registered in a different city, or worse, finding out that someone has already voted in their name.

An entrepreneur by heart, Neeraj gave much thought to the problem, and eventually came to the conclusion that the physical voting booth was central to the issue. Instead of bringing the voter to the booth, why not bring the booth, albeit, a virtual one, to the voter?

This was the idea and the foundation upon which Right2Vote came into existence.

With his experience of 14 years in a corporate set-up with leading corporates like Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, Hiranandani Group, Neeraj, a Chartered Accountant and MBA from IIM Indore by qualification, decided to take this plunge. He, along with his 12-member team had already forayed into banking authentication, security and transactions, and realised that the best practises from banking industry can easily be replicated on to Right2Vote, which is today the world’s first mobile verified voting platform.

Interestingly, this platform need not be limited to political elections, and can also be deployed by large corporates to help come to decisions which involve the whole company. Top management, which doesn’t always know ground reality, can unknowingly take flawed decisions that are rarely countered by juniors. With this platform, corporate decision-making gets simplified. This platform can also be used for professional body election, college election, housing society election among others.

Neeraj asks, “If everything has moved to the mobile today – shopping, banking, bill payment – then why not voting?” Fair thought, we say.

Right2Vote is a B2B2C company where people pay to hold their election on this platform and for the required election management. Voters have to pay nothing, and instead, they get the ease and convenience of voting from wherever they are.

Customers can save up to 90% of their cost, time and effort, while enjoying greater voter participation, 10x better verification and 10x better security. The payment procedure is simple. Billing is on a PAAS (Platform As A Service) model, where customers pay as per features used and the number of people invited to vote.
To give an example, a high-end poll with Aadhar-based verification and high-end encryption, the platform costs just Rs 10 per voter. Now compare that to Rs 1000 plus  per voter in booth-based voting!

When asked about the viability of the service, Neeraj is confident that the idea will pick up. “It is not a question of whether it will happen or not. It is only a matter of when.” Mobile voting is the future and when customers see advantages like a 90% fall in voter drop-out rate, 90% saving in cost, time and effort, as well as greater security, they are bound to see the merit in shifting from a traditional booth-based voting model to the mobile app.

Neeraj and his team hope to help conduct the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on this platform. When he crunched the number for us, this is what we saw: $5 billion, 2 months and the physical effort of over 1 crore people go into a successful Lok Sabha election. With this platform, the team guarantees to bring it down to less than 1/10th the cost, 1/30th the time and 1/1,00,00,000 the human effort.

Talking about his vision Neeraj said, “Our vision is to ‘Make Democracy Real’. Right now, a substantial percentage of the population is denied its voting right due to booth-based voting and then voters are blamed for not voting. By providing voters the facility to cast their vote from a secure mobile device, the accessibility problem will end.”

Right2Vote is an essential service that is strongly rooted in an existing need. Neeraj’s heart is in the right place, and his and his team’s experience and passion to make voting through smartphones a reality will see them achieve success very soon.

We at Awfis think Right2Vote is solving a real world problem with an innovative approach and it is awesome to have such inspiring ideas brewing within our Pro-working centres. We wish Right2Vote luck in their journey.

Creating community in coworking: The importance of networking and collaboration

Inspiring Stories

31 May 2024

Creating community in coworking: The importance of networking and collaboration

  • Posted by Awfis Editorial

Consider this scenario: you pull yourself away from the dull light of your laptop at home, needing human interaction. Instead of deadly silence or fluorescent-lit boredom, you walk into a hive of pulsating activity. Freelancers with computers gather around a whiteboard, and a graphic designer laughs with a content writer.


This, my friend, is the magic of a successful coworking space. It’s more than simply a shared workspace; it’s a hub for connection, collaboration, and the kind of energy that drives both personal and professional development. Here’s the secret ingredient: the coworking environment.

This vibrant network of people from various backgrounds becomes the throbbing core of any outstanding coworking space. It’s where accidental discussions create game-changing ideas, and solopreneurs join a supportive network that serves as a launchpad for aspirations and an infinite source of inspiration. Unlike traditional office cubicles, coworking spaces bring together a diverse range of skills and viewpoints, producing a community co-working environment in which people actively collaborate rather than simply coexist.

Understanding Community in Coworking Spaces:

Imagine a place where the barista recalls your coffee order and a friendly face gives assistance with a technological issue. That is the charm of a vibrant community office space. It’s a location where relationships extend beyond professional courtesy. It’s about being part of a supportive network that serves as a springboard for new ideas and a source of inspiration.


Coworking facilities, by definition, foster a sense of community. Unlike typical offices, where interactions are frequently limited to colleagues, coworking facilities bring together a diverse range of individuals. Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers all interact, creating a unique ecosystem of skills and perspectives. This group collaborates, not simply coexists.


The Power of Networking in Coworking Spaces

 The importance of networking cannot be emphasised. Coworking spaces offer unprecedented opportunity for making relationships. Networking opportunities abound, whether it’s a casual talk in the common area, participation in organised events, or joining industry-specific interest groups.

These relationships can lead to productive collaborations, strategic partnerships, and even useful mentorship possibilities. Consider a graphic designer interacting with a content writer for a collaborative project, or a seasoned entrepreneur advising a new startup founder. The opportunities for growth within a successful coworking community are limitless.


Fostering Collaboration Among Coworkers


A strong coworking community is not formed overnight. Creating a collaborative environment demands a purposeful effort. Here are some approaches to make this happen. 

Organise Regular Events: Host workshops, networking mixers, or social gatherings to get people together and break the ice. These gatherings allow participants to demonstrate their skills, learn from others, and develop rapport.


Embrace open design: Instead of isolated cubicles, aim for open floor patterns with collaborative workspaces. This creates a more collaborative environment, enabling spontaneous brainstorming and knowledge exchange.


Facilitate Mentorship Programmes: Connect experienced experts with those seeking advice. This not only encourages knowledge transmission, but also generates a sense of community and belonging.


Utilise Online Platforms: Set up an online forum or social media group where members can communicate, share resources, and stay informed about upcoming activities.


Building Strong Relationships in Coworking Communities


Building solid ties within your communal work space is critical to maximising its potential. 


Here are a few tips:


Be approachable: Strike up a conversation with other users, identify yourself, and express genuine interest in their work.


Offer Assistance: Do you have knowledge in a specific field? Offer to help a fellow member who is suffering with a related task. Remember that rising tides raise all boats!


Participate actively: Participate in events, conversations, and workshops. The more engaged you are, the stronger your connections will be.


Be a good listener: People appreciate those who genuinely listen. Pay attention to others’ problems and provide assistance whenever available.

Overcoming Challenges in Community Building


Building a successful coworking community is not without its hurdles. Here are a few hurdles and ways to get through them:


Interest Diversity: Catering to everyone’s interests might be tough when you have such a diverse group. Conduct surveys and collect member input to customise events and projects to their specific requirements.


Shyness or introversion: Not everyone thrives in social situations. Provide a mix of social and solitary work locations, and encourage networking opportunities that cater to various personalities.


Maintaining Momentum: Keeping the community engaged demands a consistent effort. To keep things interesting, plan regular events, launch new projects, and aggressively solicit member feedback.

Conclusion

In today’s increasingly computerised world, human connection is still vital. Coworking spaces provide a unique opportunity to create a thriving community co-working environment that encourages networking and collaboration. Coworking spaces may become hotbeds of invention, professional development, and long-lasting friendships by cultivating a welcoming and collaborative environment. So, instead of isolating yourself through remote work, embrace the power of community. Your neighbourhood coworking space is full of opportunities for collaboration.

5 things that every startup can learn from Shahrukh Khan’s journey

Inspiring Stories

25 August 2021

5 things that every startup can learn from Shahrukh Khan’s journey

  • Posted by awfis

Bollywood and Shahrukh Khan have long been synonymous. From stage plays in his early career to 80 iconic Indian films and global stardom for over more than a decade – the Indian actor, producer and television personality has made waves in every sphere of entertainment. But, every now and then, one will often find him reminiscing his modest roots.

If you’re launching your start –up, then you’re also most likely to find yourself in times of struggle and despair. But guess what? Even the King of Bollywood has been there and done that. Here are some of the most inspiring life lessons coming straight from the Superstar, that will help you “hang in there!”

Lesson 1: Sail away from your comfort zone

“Being brave means being shit scared all the way. But, don’t let your fears become boxes that enclose you. Open them up, feel them and turn them into the greatest courage you are capable of. I promise you, nothing will go wrong. But if you live by your fears, everything that can possibly go wrong will go wrong and you won’t even have done the Funky Chicken.”

Lesson 2: Embrace the madness in you

There’s no such thing as “normal”. That’s just another word for lifeless. Madness is an absolute prerequisite to a happy and successful life. Don’t ever treat your little insanities as if they are aberrations that ought to be hidden. Acknowledge them and use them to define your own way of living the only life you have. All the most beautiful people in the world, the most creative, the ones who led revolutions, who discovered and invented things, did so because they embraced their own idiosyncrasies.”

Lesson 3: Don’t panic ever – just be positive

“When life hits you with all the force of its resplendent rage, the Rolls isn’t going to give you comfort. A friend’s grace will, and if you can’t find resolution as easily as you would like to, don’t panic. Everything evolves as you go along. Even disasters eventually resolve themselves. Give life the space to move at its own pace, pushing it ahead only by way of being kind to yourself when you are hurting or in despair.”

Life lesson 4: Ignore the naysayers

“All the names you give yourself, or those that others call you, are just labels. You are not defined by them, no matter how flattering or uncomplimentary they are. What defines you is your heart. And I say this out of experience because if I was to go by what all I am called on Social Media I would be an old desperate manipulative that has been star who swings both ways while making crap movies, and these are just the good mentions.”

Lesson 5: Stop whining and start moving

“Whatever it is that is pulling you back, it’s not going away unless you stand up and start forging your own path with all your might in the opposite direction. Don’t attach yourself to either sadness or happiness, they’re both going to change with the same certitude. Take them with the ephemeral spirit of their impermanence and manage them with a healthy dose of good humour.”

Here’s what you need first – a office space, co-working space in Qutab, New Delhi or business centre in Koramangala, Bengaluru , where you can kickstart your startup.

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#FAQatAwfis: Who Is My Ideal Target Audience?

Inspiring Stories

25 August 2021

#FAQatAwfis: Who Is My Ideal Target Audience?

  • Posted by awfis

Q1. What is my first step at targeting audiences?

It’s important to create a “why us” value proposition for your product. Be ready to stay in test and refine mode, as you move forward. Many startups and entrepreneurs get so caught up in their business plan and trying to execute it, they forget the most important aspect, which is the market. It is important to move out of your cubicle and office space and go out and discover more.

Q2. Do I start small or look at the bigger market?

You definitely need to start with the smallest group possible. It may seem contradictory to many who are starting a business, but it’s vital to find a group who think what you offer is special. Finding a narrow group with extremely specific demographics or a specifically targeted problem is the key. It’s easy to expand your reach after you gain traction, but it’s always the best to be a big player in the smaller markets.

Q3. Is it vital to keep resources aside for my research or can I just analyze?

The customers who currently buy your product are your audience and it is extremely important to understand who they are, their characteristics and their buying patterns. Analyze the elements that worked with your marketing strategy that connected with your audience. It is obviously important to invest in customer relationship management software for small businesses. Use tools and software to see your customers’ geographic distribution, age range, habits and other valuable insights.

Q4. How important is it to study the role of my competitors in the industry?

If you’re lucky and blessed, you’ve invented a product that the world has never seen. However, it isn’t so easy always. It’s extremely important to check out the competition that sells similar products to yours. Look not only at the big players, but even the upcoming startups. Start thinking of ways that would persuade your customers to switch to your product. Make your product more desirable. Study your competitors and their success and how they connected to their audiences. Along with success, study their failures as well so you can avoid them.

Q5. How to create an audience profile?

The ideal customer profile contains not only demographic but also psychographic information. Demographics describe aspects like gender, age, income, marital status, job status, education levels, etc. Psychographics identify hobbies, behaviors, habits, lifestyle choices, values, and interests. It is also important to give equal weightage to both these factors as they go hand in hand.

Q6. What is my next step?

After you have figured your audience, it is important to envision your product and your company five years into the future. Both your business and your customers need to move forward in the same direction. Be aware of all the technology changes related to your product. And remember, as your business evolves, your customer base will also shift. But once you’ve found your target audience, the transition won’t be too difficult.

Hope this would guide you into finding the ideal audience, for more queries comment below!

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