Dalitso: Mr. Manoj Tandon’s Ambitious Plan for SME’s
What inspired you to start your Dalitso?
After being in the Top Management of many companies, when I decided to come out of the corporate world and work towards giving back to society in general and the business world in particular, I was looking around and talking to various people.
One thing that I came out clearly was that if I really want to contribute to the business world, I should seriously look at helping SMEs in our country. Such companies cannot afford to hire top people of the industry, cannot afford to engage big consulting companies BUT they are in need of some serious advice about how to manage, sustain and grow their companies. They start, grow to some level, and then get stuck at a certain scale.
Thus, was born the idea of Dalitso. A company focused towards helping the SME’s. Which provides high-quality guidance and mentoring at a cheap, affordable price (price only to ensure that the giver and receiver remain serious towards the work).
What were the initial challenges faced by your business?
Initial challenges were essentially that whenever people think of consulting, they think of large expenses. It took me a while to explain to the youngsters that times and business models have changed. Cheap and affordable consulting is also possible.
To begin, how is your brand-defining “trust” in the market? What stands behind its uniqueness?
Short-term trust can be built by smart marketing campaigns but long-term trust can only be built by actions.
We don’t believe in short-term relationships. For us, we want to be with our clients till they have attained the success that they aspire for.
That is what is behind its uniqueness.
What are the offerings (services/solutions)?
Our relationships start with us trying to understand our customer’s business, its founders’ vision, financial situation, and another current status of the company.
Post that we work with our clients to work out their strategy, business plans, and action plans.
Once that is done, usually, we start by supporting them in increasing their sales.
We are very hands-on people so I not only tell them what to do but also sit with them in customer calls, go with them for the customer meetings, etc.).
The idea is not to just tell but do things with them so that they can also learn by watching.
Generally, post the improvement in Sales starts the work on Delivery, HR, etc. Because as the business starts to grow, it has to delivered and it has to be delivered by people…. of course, during the entire time, Finances remain under the magnifying glass at all times.
These are the offerings that we have, essentially, the entire business cycle.
In an age of mistrust, are you seeing an evolution in how consumers trust brands, or are they still for the most part doubtful?
As I mentioned before, trust takes time to build, solidify and sustain. Any short-term measure not backed with solid work results in a loss of trust. Since many brands are going for short-term measures, suspicion persists.
How did you make your mark in the industry and in the heart of the customers?
I have been in the industry since the 1980’s so I knew most of the happenings for a long time. Also, working for a long time in US, UK and France helped me further.
There is only one way to make a mark in the heart of your customers, deliver value and stay laser-focused on it at all times.
What is a customer for you?
I don’t like the concept of customer. For me, there are some people or some company that have needs which I can fulfill as a partner (not in the legal sense). I am that partner. I am not there to make money off that company, I am there to first make them succeed and then thru that make my living.
How well are the clients connected with your brand?
Quite well.
I have never run any sales or marketing campaign. Customers have come to me purely by word to mouth.
We are working in US, UK and I am also a mentor for Tech Manchester (a group whose vision is to help SME’s in Greater Manchester Area).
What are the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your initiatives/offerings/services?
Like I said before, I don’t run such campaigns. Customers come to me thru word of mouth because somewhere I try not to look at them as a customer.
Have you measured how much trust consumers have in your brand?
Haven’t lost any customer due to poor mentorship or guidance so far. That is my biggest measure of trust.
What’s the first thing that enters a consumer’s mind when they see your brand?
A company which is a friend, philosopher, guide…and mentor. More like an elder in the house who cares for the family and youngsters yet has the capability to help in the development of the young ones.
What is the future plan connected with the brand?
We have gone international in times of Covid. We now want to expand our footprint in Europe.
How has been your journey as an entrepreneur?
Exciting, Exhilarating, and amazing. It’s the most beautiful feeling to see your client partner succeed. The smile on the owner’s face makes it all worthwhile.
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year from a personal as well as professional point of view?
Am planning to write a book to summarize my experiences of this journey. For the company, going farther and deeper internationally is my plan.
A piece of advice for the young entrepreneurs
It is tough to advice in one line. It will not be proper. Reach me at [email protected]
Will be happy to give you my thoughts in detail over a cup of coffee.
A feedback from your end would be really appreciable. Your words matter for us!!
Prime Insights – Keep up the good work
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