Anjali Awasthi
Co-Founder
MedKonect Services
Trigger that led to your entrepreneurial journey
Healthcare in India is evolving and there are many gaps to be filled, leaving enough scope for creative ideas, personalized products & solutions. A lot of this is being done by entrepreneurs working in the healthcare space, I am just one of them – passionately pursuing what I think holds a robust potential.
My interest in healthcare was primarily driven by the six doctors in our family, also my work experience with a global diagnostics Company, a leading healthcare service provider and an IT Company, provided me not only great hands-on experience but also an in-depth exposure to the nuances of the healthcare ecosystem that exists within India.
Medkonect was created not to be just a service provider, but also to be an enabler, facilitator, partner, associate or whatever a possible relationship could be that helps connect the various players of the healthcare ecosystem – connecting, conversing, engaging, sharing & learning remained at the core of all that we did. Though initially this remained a B2B2C business model, we are now moving into B2C space also with rural healthcare as our focus.
Sustaining Brand Image
Consistency in what we do and taking ‘one informed step at a time’ has helped us win the trust of customers. We have worked with doctors, hospitals, patients, health NGOs, pharma companies, device and equipment manufacturers, health startups and each engagement has been fulfilling, often leading to another business association.
We have stayed close to our core of being a connector and are happy being in that space, often options are thrown at us as to what more can be done but we think consistency in doing what we think is our strength and for a longer period of time, will help build a strong brand association- or ‘Brand Konnect’ as we call it.
Things you do to keep your brand relevant
Since our business is based on ‘conversations’ and ‘connections’ the more people we meet and talk to, the more the associations are possible. Networking opportunities within the industry and outside, or online global professional connections have been a great help. As long as people share what they do or need, we are there to listen and help.
Keeping the brand relevant also means keeping a tab on the latest developments within the industry both in India and globally, often connecting with people across other countries who are working in the healthcare space has helped us offer a solution to our customers by bringing in their ideas, services, solutions or best practices here.
What does it take to be at the top?
Though we are still not there but having worked closely with those who have reached that milestones in their entrepreneurial journeys has educated me to believe that the more consistent and updated you are the more relevant and useful you will be for a longer period of time. Being open to new ideas and learning helps in evolving & growth over time. We are doing this every day, learning not only from our achievements and failures but also from those of others.
Being on the top and staying there is a milestone for many but the ways and means to reach there should not dilute the purpose for which you set out in the first place as an entrepreneur, losing focus in the hope to win may be detrimental in the long run, both for the business and the brand.
What counts that people don’t count before becoming an entrepreneur
Often I have seen people getting very excited about an opportunity they see, they do some research and are ready to roll their business plan. Funding they think is their target to make their business a success. My advice to them is what you cannot sustain yourself with the power of your idea, you will not be able to sustain with the power of someone else’s money.
While this ‘speed from ideation to execution’ may be great but knowing your customer and understanding the nuances of business involves a lot of education and preparation. The rush of being an entrepreneur may be a trend but only those who have the passion and the perseverance to see it through succeed. Also negative feedback and discouragement is as important as positive feedback and encouragement, you need both to be close to reality. Just because you think no one has done this before or I can do it better doesn’t mean you have the right assessment or the right information with you.
High Tech to High touch
For a Company to succeed in being high tech and high touch, I think personalization and communication play a big role. While technology can enhance speed, reach and impact but personalization creates long lasting relationships. In an industry like ours, which is all about human life, it is the interactions and connections that play a strong role. People need to know you, feel your support & presence and that creates the ‘trust’ around which everything revolves for a brand.
Profile:
Anjali Awasthi is the Co-Founder of MedKonect. After 16 years of professional experience as a corporate & marketing communications expert, she started her entrepreneurial journey in 2013. As a co-founder, she drives her young health startup, ensuring its purpose remains compelling and stimulating as the Company expands its reach.