How Gujarat-based The ProXperts are resolving India’s SMEs/MSMEs consulting issues
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. Krunal Shah, Co-founder, The ProXperts
- What inspired you to create The ProXperts, and how did it start?
The idea for The Proxperts, a training and consulting company, originated from Dhara Shah and Krunal Shah. Krunal has extensive experience in coaching entrepreneurs and has encountered common complaints among them. These entrepreneurs often face challenges such as being unable to scale up despite the potential of a large market, struggling to prioritize tasks, lacking suitable employees to delegate work to, observing low productivity even with loyal employees, constantly reminding employees to complete their work, and having an inefficient reporting structure. They also express envy towards other organizations that successfully recruit and retain skilled employees.
Dhara, on the other hand, has a wealth of experience coaching and training individuals ranging from 18 to 80 years old. Through this experience, Dhara noticed that potential and high-performing individuals in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) become dissatisfied over time due to the lack of structure and a clear growth path. In SMEs, inconsistent and biased increments create uncertainty about the future, leading these individuals to seek opportunities in multinational corporations or more structured organizations, even if it means accepting lower pay. The Proxperts was established to address these gaps and provide guidance and training to SMEs, enabling them to grow and develop in a structured and effective manner.
- What sets The ProXperts apart from other competitors of yours?
Our team consists of highly skilled individuals, including management graduates, chartered accountants, and certified trainers. They bring a wealth of expertise to the table. Additionally, we have an internal team of trainers and consultants who work closely with our clients.
We prioritize a comprehensive approach to business transformation, taking into account all aspects of the organization rather than focusing on just one area of management. This holistic perspective allows us to provide a well-rounded and effective solution that addresses the entire spectrum of challenges faced by our clients.
- How does The ProXperts help the Indian MSME and SME sector?
The Proxperts help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) make the switch from unorganised operations to more organised ones. This transformation entails realising their full potential, seizing market possibilities, and making the most use of their existing resources. Through efficient advice for businesses and training programmes for people, The Proxperts plays a significant role in bridging this gap given the growing unemployment rates and the difficulties experienced by SMEs in obtaining qualified staff.
- What challenges do you see MSME and SME sectors facing today? What is the way out?
There has been a significant rise in the number of startups and unicorns. Traditional businesses, such as family-run or long-established businesses, have recognized the importance of adapting to these changes. However, they often struggle to implement transformation due to time constraints. They are already occupied with their current commitments. While they may excel in planning, they often face challenges when it comes to executing those plans.
Furthermore, managing change requires ongoing efforts, and sometimes business owners find it difficult to persuade their team members about the need for change or transformation, particularly when transitioning from an unstructured to a structured approach.
It has been demonstrated that many significant shifts in business practices are driven by external entities. This is where consulting firms like The Proxperts come into play, assisting in creating a harmonious change management process.
- How do The ProXperts envision the future of the Indian consultancy Industry?
For India to achieve growth, it is essential for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive and excel. This requires them to transition from traditional methods to a more organized approach. It is important for SMEs to grasp the techniques of effectively utilizing their existing resources. Additionally, there should be an a lucrative salary system that encourages skilled Indian workers to contribute to the country’s development instead of seeking employment abroad.
Consequently, the establishment of business management consultancy services will become a fundamental requirement for upcoming SMEs. Just as organizations rely on chartered accountants and legal advisors, SMEs will need external and knowledgeable management advisors to assist them in operating their businesses smoothly and efficiently.
- How have The ProXperts evolved since it was founded, and what are some of its significant achievements to date?
We have successfully coached and transformed over 250 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and have provided training to more than 100,000 individuals. In addition, we have effectively turned around a struggling company, leading to a significant increase in sales growth by 3 to 4 times.
Many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are eager to grow and seek the assistance of consultants. However, they often face budget constraints that limit their ability to hire such services. In response to this need, in 2019 we introduced the BOOST Entrepreneur Training Program.
The BOOST program is a unique and officially registered training initiative exclusively designed for business owners. It spans a period of 12 weeks, during which participants receive continuous guidance and support, as well as opportunities for learning. Essentially, it can be thought of as a mini group consulting program, where 15 to 20 entrepreneurs come together to share their experiences and receive expert advice.
The primary aim of launching this program was to make business consulting more affordable and accessible to a wider audience, enabling us to assist and empower a greater number of people in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
- Can you describe the types of companies The ProXperts associate with?
The ProXperts associate with companies from various sectors, including Automobile, CA, Chemical, Retail Chain, Construction, Education, Engineering, Service, Fitness Studio, Hospital, Manufacturing, Packaging, Pathology, Photography, and Software Development. Their expertise spans different industries, enabling them to provide customized solutions that cater to the specific needs and challenges of each company.
- What are your future plans and goals for The ProXperts, and how do you see it evolving in the years to come?
Our goal is to expand our reach and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India by sharing our expertise and helping them grow. We currently provide training services to clients throughout the country, while our consulting services primarily focus on the southern region of Gujarat.
In order to achieve our objectives, we have devised a two-phase approach. The first phase involves concentrating our efforts in Gujarat, where we will work closely with SMEs to provide them with the necessary training and guidance. Once we have successfully established our presence in Gujarat, we plan to move on to the second phase, which entails expanding our reach globally through online programs. This will enable us to extend our expertise and assistance to SMEs beyond the borders of India and provide them with valuable resources for their growth and development.
