Meet the SHEROES - Neeru Sharma

Neeru Sharma, co-founder and Director of Infibeam talks to us today about her work, her life, her inspirations and how the idea of Infibeam came about.

She has worked with some of the major international retail companies before setting up Infibeam. Let’s read more about her today,

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I come from a middle class service based family. My father tried his hands in business, but he suffered a major loss. That's when my mom stepped in from being a housewife to becoming a businesswoman, by need, so dad could step out and cover the losses through a stable job. I have seen financial crisis situations but my parents ensured our education never suffered.

I completed my Bachelors in Computer Science from MDU and worked for 6 years in the tech sector with biggies like TCS, Alcatel and worked around the globe. Post this, got married and my husband convinced me to go for an MBA from Carnegie Mellon along with him. Since then, I have left the tech profile and entered the business world with Amazon as my first business job. I returned to India after a few years of experience and entered the world of entrepreneurship…

How did the idea to start Infibeam come about?

We moved back to India with the vision of e-commerce. Started as a retail portal, but the ‘Big Idea’ was to develop an integrated distribution framework which can enable inclusive growth of the commerce eco-system in India by empowering merchants to create online identities fuelled by an e-commerce engine. Thus, democratizing the online retail industry and opening the opportunity to millions of individuals, SME's and large retailers & brands, to reach and serve audiences beyond geographical boundaries.

What differentiates Infibeam from other e-commerce stores?

Infibeam focuses on developing an integrated and synergistic e-commerce ecosystem offering cloud based, modular and customizable digital solution under the brand name BuildaBazaar.

We are not just an online retail portal but an ecosystem of portals where ecommerce transactions are performed in any way, shape or form. Ecommerce is a mode of purchase but there are multiple business needs where such solutions are required. Our integrated business model enables us to provide comprehensive, multi-channel and multi-screen value added service to partners.  

What is an average work-day like at your office?

An average work-day for me would be status synch ups internally with business heads, a few client meetings and remaining time is spent on strategising the next big opportunities for us. 

As a woman entrepreneur, what are the key lessons you've learnt when setting up initially?

Technology has empowered society. The challenges are generic in nature and we have to adopt as per the changing dynamics of society, family and work. The one who have adopted will survive and grow.

Even the best product is only as good as it is presented. Presentation and communication are really key. 

What work-life balance tips do you follow?

Work smart not just hard. Delegation to the right team helps you work on the business rather than work in it all the time.

Reach office in time, leave on time, manage and spend time cautiously, prioritize your work - rejuvenate your energies with family/friends and get ready for another productive day.

Family is the strongest pillar in life and they deserve their space always. 

In the world of entrepreneurship and business, what qualities should one have, to get ahead?

Work hard, be resourceful, network and maintain the passion.

What or from where do you get your inspiration from?

Jeff Bezos – He is a visionary, who encourages bold experiments at all levels, which drives a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. He is aggressive in approach yet deep in details at the same time. He has successfully built a team believing in his vision and company core values are instilled in all actions driven throughout.