Hiren Modi

Every minute dedicated to learning something is your investment for a better future. The more you learn, the more you excel.

 

Hiren Modi is COO of one of the leading Atlanta based eCommerce solution-providing company, Commerce Pundit. Prior to starting Commerce Pundit, he earned over 15 years of experience and worked with giants like Pepsi, Pedigree, Primus Technologies, BSNL, Trio Elevators, Cadila Pharma, Clipsal, London School of Commerce and the list continues.
The company which started with a handful of people, today has branches in four cities and three countries. Commerce Pundit today with its global client base has built its space as a one-stop solution for eCommerce companies.

Where did the idea for Commerce Pundit come from?

Unlike other ground-breaking businesses, the idea to start Commerce Pundit wasn’t an overnight fable.
With my around a decade’s experience of working in the eCommerce industry, I gained appreciable knowledge about the industry and the disruption it was facing. Prior to 2009, the industry was at its evolving stage and much-needed the blend of innovation and new ideas to build the boulevard ahead. It was the same analysis and experience of the online retail industry, which made me and my friend turned business partner Rajan Shah to start Commerce Pundit.
Since the very first day, the primary focus was on not just being part of the growing trend, but to facilitate the industry and people with innovative ways to reach a wider audience and grow their business.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

With the growth in the company and evolving standards, there have been certain changes in my daily routine (Some of them are often unprecedented). However, throughout the journey and even today, few things remain common. I wake up at around half past five in the morning and begin the day by meditating for hours to revitalize my brain. This is followed by dropping my kid at school and spending some time at the gym before I leave for office.
Hours at office primarily include meetings with various department heads and looking for ways to enhance the productivity and deliver better client services with innovative technology. I also, communicate with ground level employees and try to listen to their part. Before calling EOD, I look after a few more client meetings and little personal space with loved ones.

How do you bring ideas to life?

For an entrepreneur, ideas are the most valuable intangible asset they own. Having an idea is basically the first step on the ladder to the entrepreneurial journey. This in itself defines the vitality. I prefer working thoroughly with an idea that to me sounds convincing. The work here primarily points at looking for present implementation and learning about future prospects and required resources to grow the same.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I believe you miss the spark of a trend the moment you blink. Technology is growing every moment. ECommerce and digital marketing innovations keep me in tune and I ensure staying updated with new modus operands to assist clients in making better decisions.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I’ll call it a mixture of two; Time management and healthy lifestyle.

What advice would you give your younger self?

There’s no end to learning. Every minute dedicated to learning something is your investment for a better future. The more you learn, the more you excel. Keeping oneself focused and follow a healthy routine. Don’t try to sail two boats, instead, give your maximum in sailing a single boat. This will increase the chances to reach shore and in less time.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

God is in us and everyone/everything around. Don’t search for Him in religious places and learn to respect and love His presence in ‘Human Form’ around us.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Self-Analysis is that one thing which comes to my mind. Before you go to bed, think about your activities throughout the day and analyze where you could have been more productive. I believe you are the best teacher for self.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

My primary strategy has always been to deliver best services to our clients. The reason behind is that as a service provider, the company’s growth depends on the growth of client companies. Our day and night planning includes ways in which we can help and deliver innovative ways to grow their business.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Failures are part of an entrepreneurial journey. However, the tough time was to transform as an eCommerce solution provider from an eCommerce company. I would say that the way to overcome is to not accept the defeat, instead to learn from the mistakes. Moving further, to use the same teachings and retarget; Doors to success are always open, you just need to reach there.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Home Automation and Security Systems. I firmly believe that the market is growing exponentially.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Donating blankets to homeless and needy people who can’t prevent themselves from the quivering cold and falling temperature.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

YouTube. There are 10-15 channels (Paid and free) I’m subscribed to and the knowledge shared with them indeed helps me unleash the productive side.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I would like to name two here; Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish and The Lean Startup. While the former teaches you not to give up, the later teaches how to move ahead. If you want to be an entrepreneur, these books can be your best guide to start and motivate you throughout your journey.

What is your favorite quote?

You can, if you think you can.

Key Learnings:

• Time’s a priceless asset, use it wisely.
• Believe in self if you really want others to believe you.
• Keep learning. There’s no end to gaining knowledge.
• Be a good listener. Good ideas can come from anyone.