Please tell us in a few words where you originate from as well as if and how this had any influence in you getting into business.
• I am originally from Hyderabad 5th largest state of India, since childhood I have grown up facing lots of challenges. My father used to work for a private firm, when I passed grade 11 my brothers started a business and since then I had set my goal to do something on my own.
What kind of training or education did you acquire before your venture?
• I did my bachelors in Computer Science and Engineering from Anwar-ul-uloom College, affiliated with Osmania University, and had training in Hardware and Software Development with VB ASP, Oracle SQL, worked with a software development firm in the US after I migrated to Canada. In May 2007, I went back to India to get training in Business Analysis.
What services or products does your organization offer?
• We provide Software Development, Website Development, Computer Hardware and Network System Support, as well as IT Staff Augmentation; we are planning to start training in Windows, Cisco, VMWare Technology.
What type of business or organization do you operate?
• IT Consulting
How many employees or contributors do you currently have?
• 3 employees at this time, Occasionally I use local resources for some projects
Please tell us in a few words your experience/the influence of multiculturalism in Toronto on your business
• Had good versatile experience with different cultures and multiculturalism in Toronto and Mississauga area
How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?
• I started looking for a job with my expertize in Network Admin and IT Resource Manager/ Technical Recruiter. Some people thought I would get a job since I had US experience but it was difficult, and some thought that I didn’t have local or corporate experience and were “concerned” about whether I would fit the organization or not. I took it as a challenge and thought of starting my own IT Staffing.
How did you originally fund your organization?
• Initially I had a fixed amount, but as time passed as an immigrant, paying bills took up 40 percent of my saved funds. I contacted a friend of mine who has a company, which has a base in the US and Canada, who gave me a chance to do some work for him. That way I started funding my business and taking care of my bills at the same time.
Are you the founder of your organization?
• Yes, I am the founder of the Organization
Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.
• Yes, word of mouth, referrals and recommendations are the way we market our services. This can grow the business more efficiently. When people talk, they mention their experience in dealing with us. We are always available when a client needs us and we are always honest and friendly.
How about multiculturalism? Do you try to keep your workforce diverse?
• We started diversifying in the technology industry and as we grow we need to diversify the workforce to be successful in the business.
What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization with maintaining a diverse workforce?
• For now there are no significant ones, however we might face challenges as we grow.
Did your receive any advice or information about diversity along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice or information?
• No, I did not get any advice or information about diversity, but certainly think it would be great to have this kind of organization to provide the advice.
Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
• I received most of my answers on Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre (MBEC) website: http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/business/startingabusiness?paf_gear_id=9700018&itemId=2900064 and some with R&D.
What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
• Working from home is a big challenge; my key to success is my daily working schedule with starts at 8.30 AM sharp, regardless of any distractions. Also talent, knowledge, honesty and patience. I do my work almost religiously and my family has supported me to keep me on track.
What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients from the diverse community in Canada?
• We’ve built long-term, mutually rewarding partnerships with our clients. In fact, most of our original clients are still with us today. They count on us to know their business and be the partner they need to provide them with leading-edge solutions that achieve their business objectives.
• First, we will listen to their objectives, assess the opportunities and then develop the creative strategies and execute the tactics that will build relationships with our customers. We do custom-tailor the solutions to meet our client needs.
What types of marketing do you employ? Do you target a diverse audience with those?
• My Client is the key resource of marketing my services, i.e. Word of Mouth.
Do you employ any web or online marketing?
• Not at this point.
What role does trust play in business or in your organization?
• Trust is the most important aspect of the business, without which one cannot start a relationship. It develops when you show clients your hard work, give your best services and the rest will make its way depending on the customer.
Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
• Yes, it took a lot of effort due to the current market situations. We have to diversify in technology, as I initially started with IT Staffing and then started another service; Step 1: Web Development, Step2: Software Development, Step:3 IT Technical Systems Support.
What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?
• Rather than books, on and off I read the biography of great entrepreneurs online. I read what guided them through the process of reaching success. Also, nowadays it is pretty easy to access information online without much of an investment.
Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?
• Competitiveness, diversifying experience
Do you believe networking and contacts from a diverse group are important? If so, how?
• Networking is one of the great aspects of business; one should know how to sell themself. First talk to your family and friends, neighbours in your community, and then extend that network.
What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
• Yes, obviously it is important to have a proper contract to save you and your client if things go a different direction.
If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs and new immigrant business people, what would it be?
• Don’t over commit to what you cannot deliver. Be honest and deliver the work on or before time.
• New immigrants should keep one thing in mind - God Almighty has given a word; wherever you go you will have your food. They need to show patience and try their best to get a job in their specialized field and talk to people who are within as well as outside of their community. Stay away from people who don’t understand you or your work but criticize you for no reason.
Please visit Mujeeb's website for more details: http://www.splitstream.ca
