My Immersion Project Experience: Ashish Modi

My Immersion Project Experience in Entrepreneurship Development Course by Dr. Mandi at NITIE – I am Ashish Modi, a first year student of PGDIE, I have opted for an elective course called Entrepreneurship Development. Our professor believes in learning through experiencing rather than class room teaching. So here by I am sharing my one such experience which helps in grooming my entrepreneurial  skills. This is probably one of the most confidence boosting experience of my life. 

Many mental ambiguities and dilemmas were cleared off and I realized the actual meaning of learning through practicing. I do not have even a little experience regarding earning or making sales prior to immersion project, so it was hard to decide – where to start and how to start. After some brain storming decided to go to Kala Ghoda Art Festival Ground, as it is the best venue to make sales of a product having art relevance. The another benefit of selecting this venue is to get our target customer segment in ample at one location. We reached there in the early evening hours and tried to sell the models but could not get success in first half an hour. But very soon capturing our energy level through entrepreneurship spirit bubbling inside us we approached a man in his early 40’s with his family, we explained the construction method of model and benefits out of it. He was listening very consciously and observing us. Finally he purchased one set of blocks and introduced himself as Creative Head of 3M and gave us his card for future reference seeking update on such creative products. That moment had boosted our confidence like anything; just imagine making first sales to such a renowned personality matters great for success of project that day.

As we went on approaching the visitors at fest, we learnt how pricing is to be kept, who can be our potential customers, how do we attract customers, how to approach customers, etc in a real business dealing experience rather than bookish philosophies. It was UNLEARNING, SELLING, EARNING, EXPERIENCING, LEARNING and RELISHING. Our customers had wide range including architecture students as it is a good medium for them to explore their creative skills through mathematical configurations, housewives for interior decoration purposes, juvenile girls for entertainment, children in age group of 12-14 years as toy for them and a lot.

Also, while selling, several other marketing strategies came to our mind, and we tried executing them eg. offering half a set for more than half the price, selling ready-made pieces and like that to satisfy customers having lower purchasing capabilities and those wishing for certain customizations.

The intangibles that we earned more than money that day were goodwill, valuable feedback, great contacts, and catalysts to achieve our entrepreneurship aspirations. In all it was a life time and life shaping experience.

Sincere thanks to Dr. Mandi (Prasad Sir) for inspiring us to take this project………

Watch me speak about my immersion experience here -