FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024
Blinque Advisory is an entrepreneurial vision of three professionals – Abigail Roberts, Ryan Rodrigues and Robert Dourado – looking to help existing businesses reinvent themselves and start-ups get a head start. Team Herald got in touch with Ryan Rodrigues to find out more.
HERALD: What made you come together to form Blinque Advisory?
RYAN RODRIGUES: Our business was formed on the premise that our clients should benefit from our hands-on knowledge and experiences. As first generation entrepreneurs, we understand the struggles of relocating back into India, especially Goa and have experienced the impact of changing economic conditions while witnessing the business landscape transform over the last decade.
We see the recent global crisis as yet another opportunity to embrace change – that which will further transform the way we do business altogether. We partner with our clients keeping the end goal in mind and work alongside as we walk that path with them. We bring deep, functional expertise, practical insights and honest opinions; we can achieve clarity as we help businesses take confident strides towards achieving its full potential.
HERALD: What does Blinque Advisory do? How are you different from the rest?
RR: During our journey over the last decade and the numerous interactions we have had with our clients through our branding arm, we noticed that clients have been seeking business advice as the first step over other needs. Being existing business owners this provides a good platform for us to share our experiences and challenges to others that we have faced in the last decade.
We are here to solve challenges that entrepreneurs may face in reinventing their business in the current scenario and also to guide new business owners to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. We have the experience and expertise to help clients gain clarity on issues and discover new opportunities and reduce the gap between what is and what can be. Our primary objective is to be a trusted partner in the advisory arena to entrepreneurs who seek genuine help. We would like to promote ourselves as an honest, transparent and confidential partner. Not only do we consult but we go the extra mile to plug gaps; be it their internal processes, strategic human resource programmes and necessary training to strengthen and motivate the entire work force which is the core of any business.
HERALD: How would you describe your target customer?
RR: We are looking at individuals starting new ventures or existing businesses who have the passion, drive and commitment to succeed. They must be innovative, agile and open to change.
HERALD: You are operating in a time when business sentiment is low and companies are tightening their purse strings. How are you faring on the customer acquisition front and the fees you can charge in these difficult times?
RR: We believe that when there’s a crisis people are more open to change, more open to new ideas and willing to make an effort to make things work. It’s a fantastic time to push ahead.
The response during these times has been very positive. The challenge in this business is to identify the seriousness of the entrepreneur coming onboard and how determined he or she is to make his or her idea market-ready from conception to execution. Existing businesses need to change their traditional mindset and adopt evolving market trends and strategies. To adapt to current market conditions a third party perspective is crucial.
The fact that our clients have accepted our thought process and seen positive changes in their businesses keeps us highly motivated and enthusiastic. Our minds are always thinking, open to new approaches and always filled with energy. This is what excites us at Blinque advisory.
We have a simple format which is to follow a phase wise approach for every project that needs to be executed. This gives the flexibility to the client to determine what his priority is and the budget that is available to achieve his goal.
HERALD: Is your clientele base only in Goa? Any plans to spread to other geographies?
RR: Besides having clients in Goa, we have managed to attract clients from Qatar, UAE and Finland. Currently we have generated interest from UK as well.
HERALD: What do you make of clientele in Goa, given your experience abroad? Did you have to make any adjustments?
RR: Consultancy is viewed as a business that has only monetary benefits to the advisor. Actually it is completely the opposite. Genuine advice is what everyone needs and we can confidently say that all consultants come with a certain background, depth of knowledge and expertise, which can help others not to repeat the same mistakes going forward. Consultancy is something that exists across the world and is accepted by all leading companies or businesses. Yes, Goa is still an evolving market, but we see positive changes creeping in.
A consultant brings to the table an out-of-box approach where many-a-times businesses fail to implement or recognise an idea that has been sitting in front of them for many years.
The business landscape is changing in terms of technology, methods and processes. We believe that every business today especially small to medium size need expert help to survive the competition and break away from old-age practices.
HERALD: Where do you see yourselves in next five years?
RR: We think are we are capable of transforming 50 businesses in the next 5 years. This will define our success mantra.
