This week we invited yet another passionate womenpreneur Gurnoor Behl for an interview with us to understand more about her entrepreneurial journey. Gurnoor is the Founder and Chief Key Officer at House Of GKB which provides premium-quality bespoke Social Media & Content Management solutions to make business goals a tangible reality. She is also a personal branding expert, business consultant, change-maker, and keynote speaker. Let’s learn more about her!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Gurnoor:
We all have heard about all the work you are currently doing, so what keeps you going? Tell our audience a little about your journey please;
I always wanted to do something of my own, though I thought I’d actually be a Diplomat or be working for the United Nations. My desire to help impact lives existed since I was 10 years old. My father, currently a General in the Army, had exposed me to the good work of the United Nations in my childhood when he was appointed at the UNO, and I only wanted to make a difference.
My first work was online volunteering at the age of 19 with a UN-affiliated NGO which helped raise funds for girl child’s education and well-being. I was to manage their Social Media, of which I had no idea how to, and I learned over the course of time, which led to someone sponsoring a girl child’s education. That shifted everything for me. I realised that I was good at Social Media and I could make a difference, so I chose this line over the line of Diplomacy. Ever since there was no turning back.
I started my firm over two years ago because I wanted to deliver quality work as I believe “Quality Empowers All”. A small bootstrapped firm, from working at home to shifting 6 offices, four in the #1 co-working in the world, WeWork – the journey has been quite turbulent.
I invested over 3 Lacs in my self-growth as a Business Owner by getting myself a Strategic Networking Coach and Business Clarity Coach during the initial period that helped accelerate my business, network and influence. This was my best decision. Thankfully, my family has been extremely supportive especially in the months I was making no money and paying rent and salaries.
Knowing that I work with Changemakers and Influencers of their Industry, I help them amplify their impact on the world keeps me going.
Till date, everyone that I have worked with believes in giving back and has an authentic desire to empower more and more people. Helping them grow, keeps me growing and going.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
I had never considered Entrepreneurship till College. In my head, I was going to be a Diplomat. That was until my friend, a Bureaucrat’s daughter, encouraged me to form a start-up, along with a third friend. Obviously, that failed.
My tryst with entrepreneurship was re-enlightened when I got my first job with a startup, wherein I was their 2nd Employee. Then I worked in another startup, one that failed. Then another one, my last one. The one wherein I started as an intern and then got placed – their 4th Employee and the only woman. I did some great stuff there – till I had to stop, due to Epilepsy, which I have had since I was 12 years old.
It was at that point I said to myself – no more job. Do what you really want to do. I was extremely skilled at my work, always and since I was self-taught and had no one to teach me – that is what I wanted to REALLY do. Teach. Empower people. Help them make a difference.
I had moved to where my father was posted, Jodhpur, and when I was better I launched a workshop, “Social Media & Model United Nations.” I loved it. I had tears when I was done. I knew this was my calling.
How do you find the industry/niche that you’re in?
I love Social Media. I love helping people become Personal Brands. My industry of Online Media/Digital Marketing is fantastic as they are the need of the hour for everyone. However, my work is Premium and with a specific clientele. While people focus on managing the company’s online presence, I focus on the person behind it. Why? Because People Buy People FIRST, and THEN their products/services. When we focus on what (or who!) really matters, there is a pull effect which gets business coming to you.
What gets you out of bed in the morning i.e. what’s your source of motivation?
Sincerely, my source of motivation is watching my clients – Coaches/Trainers/Serial Entrepreneurs/Celebrities – finding success by just amplifying their voice via Social Media. I wake up every morning thinking “How can I give them more value, more creatively than before?”
What challenges/obstacles did you face in your journey so far?
Let me begin with this: I come from a Defence background.
There has been no business owner in my family for generations. So, I had no idea how to run a business – and no one to ask.”
The next thing was my health. With several major health issues all my life, I had learned to not be a victim to them, but just treat them as speed bumps. However, maintaining a balance of good health was important for my dreams to flourish. Another thing is having a bootstrapped company, wherein you are the sole proprietor. Finding clients, paying your associates and employees, reinvesting the money in your company and also finding funds in learning and coaching – that, too, in the segment of Premium.
What comes first for you – money or emotions?
There is no place for emotional attachment in business. If you are passionate about your work, you need to get the money to fuel that passion. If you want to make a difference, you need to have money to do that. At the same time, money is a by-product of your passion, which is fueled by your emotions. So, I would say that I am driven by emotions, however, I do not have an emotional attachment. The money will come. Both are equally important.
How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
Pressure and Stress are part of the game. Keeping in mind that I would not be doing anything else, having full awareness that once I overcome the situation, go beyond it – I will only grow, helps me manage all the pressure and stress.
What is one strategy that you believe has helped grow your startup/person?
Constantly learning, focusing on relationships and adaptability – that is what is needed to grow as a person as well as a startup.
In your opinion what are the keys to entrepreneurial success?
1) Have a Clear Vision
2) Be a Problem Solver
3) Focus on Networking and Building GREAT Relationships
4) Be Highly Self-Aware
5) Be An Action-Taker
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Understand that chaos leads to creation and confusion leads to clarity, so do not be afraid of the situation you are in. You are in a better position than before. Always be a life-long learner, remember that relationships triumph everything, and be open to the evolution of your initial business idea.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
