Sunil Kumar is the head of a number of successful eCommerce websites, providing a platform for manufacturers and brand owners to sell their products online. Two of his biggest eCommerce platforms are Fashion Plaza (Fashion Marketplace) and online shopping store Make Vana.
We ask the tough questions of Sunil Kumar, Shine Infotech Pty Ltd
You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?
I believe in business it is always important to take time out to relax and regroup. To break up my day and give my brain a rest, I like to listen to music.
What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?
I am the head of a number of successful eCommerce websites, providing a platform for manufacturers and brand owners to sell their products online. Two of my biggest eCommerce platforms are Fashion Plaza (Fashion Marketplace) and online shopping store Make Vana.
The thing I love about being in the eCommerce business is being able to support both local and global businesses in achieving their goals while featuring on my platforms; there really is no better feeling.
Who, or what, is your biggest inspiration?
Like most, I enjoy hearing from industry leaders like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and of course Jeff Bezos. While these leaders inspire me to innovate and become more business savvy, it is really my father who has provided me with the most inspiration. He has always highlighted the importance of staying focussed and keeping an open mind to new ideas.
When did you know you wanted to start your own business?
For over a decade I was working as a global eCommerce expert, helping businesses grow across numerous international markets including Europe, the US and the Asia Pacific region. After helping to create a number of success stories I thought it was about time I started creating my own success by starting my own business.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt this year?
When faced with a challenge, stay focussed and keep your primary goal in the forefront of your mind. This year, after launching a new eCommerce marketplace we received an overwhelmingly good market response from overseas customers and had major plans to tailor some of our services to this customer base. However with COVID-19, international flight restrictions came into play meaning overseas shipping needed to be temporarily suspended. Rather than viewing this as a setback, we were able to focus on expanding our range and finding new local talent to produce more bespoke offerings.
What’s your proudest moment?
My proudest moments are always with my dedicated team. I am my happiest when I get to talk with a prospective employee or investor and see how excited they are about our vision and that they want to be a part of the journey.
What’s your number one way to wind down?
After a long day at work, nothing is more relaxing than a nice warm shower.
What’s the one resource you’d never be without?
I could not live without my MacBook, I take it everywhere I go.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
The best piece of advice I have ever received is to ‘Start Local and Expand Global’. I have used this piece of advice both working for myself and working with clients.
Where and when do you have your best ideas?
In the office of course, normally toward the start of the week; coming in with fresh eyes.
What would be your advice to aspiring soloists?
I would say not to expand your team too quickly. See how much you can achieve on your own to better identify your strengths and weaknesses. Build your team out from there.
What is the one regret you do not want to have in this lifetime?
To regret not being there. Like most business owners, it is all about getting your work life/home life balance right. It is very important to spend time with the people you love and keep sight of those you care about.
What do you love most about running your own business?
I love the fact that I am achieving my own goals whilst also helping others achieve theirs by creating jobs and contributing to the economy.
Where can we find out more about Shine Infotech Pty Ltd?
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