An Interview with Mrs. Vandana Saxena, Founder, LibraryOnNet.com
By Karan Mange, Correspondent, BMS.co.in
- Tell us something about yourself and your venture
Just like you all, I come from management stream. I completed my MBA in 2003 and have previously worked in HR department of a Delhi based IT company. Had aptitude and fascination for good reading and experience in running an online library.
Launched in Feb 2012, Libraryonnet.com (based in Pune) aims to reignite the passion for reading by simplifying book ordering, receipt & return system. With Libraryonnet.com, users can request for books online from the comforts of their home. With our fleet of dedicated delivery personnel, the books are delivered to / picked-up from their doorstep.
We like to promote Indian authors and have created a special category for Indians. We have debut books of Indian authors as well as books of established authors. We also try to publish an interview with debutant authors (Indian) whose book is added to our library.
And our collection – well, it is quite appealing and covers various arenas. Moreover, if you come across books you desire, but are not available in our library, don’t worry! You can send us the suggestions and we will try our best to make them a part of our library! And all this at extremely reasonable costs!!!
We focus on providing best services in market and hundred percent customer satisfaction.
- Whom do you admire as your role model?
My parents are my role model. Inspite of several problems, they always had a positive attitude towards life and a “YOU CAN DO IT” attitude. This same attitude motivates me through tough phases in business.
- Name the qualities of prime importance that an entrepreneur should possess.
Belief in yourself and what you are doing, patience, Passion, dedication, hard work on right track and honesty with sincere efforts.
- According to you, what are the challenges for Entrepreneurship today?
Establish your name in global market and convince customers that you can provide them best of the market services.
- Can Entrepreneurship be taught in B-Schools?
You can take a horse to water, but cannot make it drink. Management institutions lay the foundation that can help once you decide to venture on your own. However, it is an individual’s risk appetite that determines his / her path. Business schools also need to work on motivating students to take risk. Most management institutes say “Our placement percentage is…” This needs to change to “X % of our students started their own venture”.
- Do you think today’s economy is conducive for a new venture to start upon?
I believe in Chinese Term “Probortunity”. In every problem there is an opportunity. The economy is challenging, but there is definite scope for new innovative ventures. For example, in mobile Apps we are capturing a huge market through innovative ideas.
- Is the Name of the Institute from where a student pursues his/her Graduation important while setting up business?
To some extent, especially when you seek external funding. Also institutes like IIMs nurture startups. But much more depends on you. If you have required skills, right ideas and follow your dreams, you can set and run any business successfully. Largest companies were not set by graduates from big institutes.
- “Earning more & more is the motive behind any business.” Is it justifiable?
Earning more is not the issue. The issue is how you reached there and how much are willing to is look beyond profits. For example, we also use our library platform to promote Indian Authors. We do this not for profit from any author or publication house, but out of love for Indians. This approach has also stared bringing profits now, so we will delve more into this. But is this wrong? We don’t think so.
- Your feedback for BMS.co.in?
Good Work, Keep it up.
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