Take care of yourself and watch what you eat. Without physical health, you cannot work at your best potential.
Rocky Ma has been supplying lighting solutions to manufacturing facilities, global businesses, and organizations across the world. As the CEO of SeniorLED, he helped his company become a registered brand in the USA & Canada, and established it as a leading China based LED supplier and distributor.
He founded the LED manufacturing and distribution firm to revolutionize the price obsessed lighting industry with technological innovation. By bringing benefits like high efficiency and AIG insurance to offshore clients, Rocky managed to build a unique name in the LED market.
Rocky works closely with his team of engineers to develop unique LED products some of which are ready for patents. He oversees strategic tie-ups with digital sales channels like Alibaba and ensures A-class experience to every client. His focus on value creation and tailored solutions has played a critical role in distinguishing the company from thousands of others in the market.
While leading the brand from front, Rocky is also making sure that the organization gives back to the society. Donation pledge to UNICEF is one of the many CSR activities initiated by him. When not chalking out growth strategies for his LED brand, he enjoys reading books and also indulges in photography.
Where did the idea for Seniorled come from?
The idea emerged from a change in perception about lighting products and also commitment to make an impact. I noticed the growing awareness amongst people to save power and protect the environment. Since I was passionate about the same and believed in the future of LED lighting, I started manufacturing and distributing LED products. The company hence formed is today known as SeniorLED.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Every day at SeniorLED, we work to delight our present and future customers. So, all my day revolves around the same goal. Every time we get an order, I hold a meeting with my engineers & sales team. The goal of the meeting is “how to create value for the new customer”. Every client has unique requirements. Some need customized LED products and installation assistance while other needs quicker delivery and better packaging. We pay attention to very small details, like green coloured packaging for our Saudi Arabia based clients. So, if I have to put it in one sentence, I will say I spend my whole day creating value for my clients.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I do a lot of things to capture ideas and bring them to reality. I read and meditate a lot. This helps me focus and keeps me energized every day. I believe the best ideas come from your workplace and things happening around you. So, I examine critical processes like manufacturing and supply chain on a timely basis to come up with enhancements.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
More people acknowledging the importance of investment in good LED lighting solutions. Even small businesses nowadays inquire about the impact LED lights can make in their power bill and the environment in general. This really excites us since we are in the lighting business.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
That has to be the habit of looking for new ways to help others. For instance, we are currently working on unique lamps for hostels that will minimize the strain on kids’ eyes. I guess reading also helps a lot in making me productive since it is good for the mind. The inner drive to help is probably what keeps me going every day and come up with new ideas.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take care of yourself and watch what you eat. Without physical health, you cannot work at your best potential. Also, read more books because you can never read too many books.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
The importance of buying patented LED products. This is really important from safety point of view and also to make sure that invest in the best in the market. People opt for cheap LED options to save few bucks but the investment costs dear in the long run. So, I always advocate investing in top quality LED products.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Create value for everyone around you. I’m not just talking about your customers. Your neighbors, employees, and even for the guy who delivers pizza to your doorstep. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. I have been given business leads by people who will get benefit in return. And this happened just because I always strive to be a better person.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Technological innovation. We are in LED industry which is highly competitive. There are tens of thousands of manufacturers in China and the only way to differentiate yourself is to invest in R&D. We are working on some interesting patented products, and they will hit the market this year. We also have a new design for dimmable panel lights which is pretty unique. Competing with the giants like Philips isn’t possible if you are not investing in innovation.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
When I started the business, I thought price was the most important factor for customers. So, I worked really hard to bring down the product cost. But slowly I realized that our top clients paid more importance to value and customer service. So, I shifted my focus to delivering the best product and experience. This drove away the price obsessed customers but their place was taken by ones who maintained long term business partnerships with us.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Since I have worked all my life in LED industry, I would recommend investment in agriculture grow lights. Climate change is affecting vegetation across the world and overall output of agriculture industry. Hence, the demand of grow lights is going to shoot up like a rocket. So, it makes perfect sense.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I recently purchased some books on global business strategy and personal development. I buy a book whenever someone whose opinion and knowledge I value recommends it. I know buying books is not a thing in the world of Kindle but I like the feel of a book in hand. One more thing, I buy new ones only when I couldn’t find them in used book stores.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I love Wunderlist for its unique capabilities in terms of planning, collaboration, and sharing. It is a brilliant app and it has been helping me get the most out of the time every day. I highly recommend it to people who find it difficult to get things done on time.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
‘The Great Learning’, a very famous Chinese book written in 300 B.C. It is full of wisdom and will bring you across truths that will help you live a happy life. I’m pretty sure a English version will be available in the market.
What is your favorite quote?
It belongs to book I referred. “Knowing where to stop, one is able to settle. Having settled, one is able to find tranquility. Being tranquil, one is able to be at peace. Being at peace, one is able to reflect. Through reflection, one is able to attain understanding. Things have their roots and their branches. Affairs have their ends and their beginnings. Knowing what to put first and what to put last, one comes near to the Way.”
Key Learnings
- Take care of yourself and watch what you eat. Without physical health, you cannot work at your best potential.
- Create value for everyone around you. I’m not just talking about your customers. Your neighbors, employees, and even for the guy who delivers pizza to your doorstep. Treat everyone with kindness and respect.
- Read more books because you can never read too many books.
Connect:
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.