ClamorWorld :Tell us about yourself
Chirag :I’m an entrepreneur, speaker and startup advisor based in Boston, MA. I have been starting companies since the age of 15, however, my two most notable are STR and C&M Group.
ClamorWorld :What inspired u to be an entrepreneur ?
Chirag :My inspiration to become an entrepreneur stemmed from my Dad, who told me to “never get a 9-5 job”. He would always mention that if he could do it over again, he would go the entrepreneurial route. The entrepreneurial spirit was brought out when I started STR to tackle my own problems in high cost racquet stringing.
ClamorWorld :What does C&M Group do?
Chirag :We are a group of entrepreneurs that find solutions to grow existing businesses. Many businesses, small or large are inefficient. By bringing outside experts that have grown businesses, businesses can re-think the ideas that are actually slowing down their company. As an organization, we can speak about what actually work in business, rather than models. As Eric Reis, author of The Lean Startup says, “Planning and forecasting are only accurate when based on a long, stable operating history and a relatively static environment. Startups have neither.” You can learn more about the company, and about what we do at cmglobalgrp.com.
ClamorWorld :What do you do in your free time?
Chirag :When I am not running C&M Group, I am a blogger at chiragkulkarni.com, advisor for companies, and speaker at entrepreneurial events. Even though I am extremely busy, I make time for my friends and family. I maintain a very strict meditation schedule as well. You can learn more about me at chiragkulkarni.com/about
ClamorWorld :Why do you believe in the Lean Startup Methodology?
Chirag :In short, the lean startup methodology is an opportunity for startups to maximize their resources internally before seeking outside funds. This methodology makes the most sense because it 1.Empowers entrepreneurs to keep thinking of smarter, faster, and better ways to tackle their problems, 2. Spend less time thinking about other people who may be able to solve your problems, and how you can solve them effectively.
ClamorWorld :What challenges have you faced?
Chirag :The biggest challenge was having the courage to start a company, especially when no one your age was even thinking about doing something like it. When kids were playing with their friends, I was figuring out a solution to a problem I had, which I could later implement in the industry.
ClamorWorld :What are your strengths?
Chirag :My biggest strength is finding ways to tackle problems. I am really blessed with knowing when to do what, and being ahead of the curve. Even though I do not have a technical background, I am able to effectively manage people, and inspire them to their highest potential. This makes a difference when you have 0 sales, and people are still dying to work with you.
ClamorWorld :If you get 100 million dollars in future after any of your projects are acquired, what would you do with that money?
Chirag :If I had 100 million dollars, I would most likely invest part of it for the future in the stock market, and real estate. Learn about concepts such as ROC to further expand that money. I would make sure that my family members can set up for a relaxing retirement, and the remaining would go towards investing in a new startup, and investing in others startups. I want to be known as someone that gave opportunities to people.
ClamorWorld :What are your goals in life?
Chirag :To help others achieve their goals and make a difference in my community.
ClamorWorld :Did u ever felt you should go back to regular 9 to 5 job?
Chirag :I have never had a 9-5 job, and don’t plan on having one. I love doing what I do, and frankly, it’s not the money that I enjoy, but it’s the freedom and doing/dealing with what/who I want to deal with.
ClamorWorld :How did you find the opportunity to sell the company? For what reason?
Chirag :After I began pitching to VC’s and developing a method to grow the business to accommodate B2B customers, I found that my passion did not truly lie in racquet stringing. I decided to exit the company and focus on what I enjoy most, which is seeing companies grow, and strategizing ways to grow organizations.
ClamorWorld :Message for budding entrepreneurs
Chirag :Go out there and do it. Frankly, no idea is truly unique, and in reality, the people that just come up with ideas should not be given as much credit. Execution is what is necessary, and is generally the most difficult part.
ClamorWorld : Thanks Chirag for making time for this interview and best of luck for your future growth.
Chirag :Thank You
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