Reflecting on 2023: 7 Lessons I learnt as a Founder

As we say goodbye to 2023, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect on the experiences of this year. This year has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride for us at Smartdukaan—full of growth, challenges, and triumphs. Today, I want to share with you seven lessons I've learnt in this journey, lessons that extend beyond business into the realms of life and growth.

Lesson 1: Embrace Change with Open Arms

Life is a constant evolution, and so is business. From where we started 6 years ago and where we are in 2023, things have changed totally.

SmartDukaan ventured into uncharted territories, opening numerous stores, hiring new team members, venturing into new verticals, and transitioning into a brand-new office.

Yet it seems we are just warming up. In the end, it will not be the destination that will define us but the journey.

Lesson 2: People Are Always The Greatest Asset

Our team is the heartbeat of Smartdukaan. The rapid growth and expansion this year meant welcoming new faces into our family.

Every department saw new people entering who brought their ideas, skills, and perspectives, moving the company forward.

We will continue to nurture this diversity in the New Year.

Lesson 3: Adaptability is a Superpower

The retail landscape is ever-changing, and Smartdukaan has not only weathered but thrived in this dynamic environment. While we continued to improve our retail operation, we also worked on our Consumer App & and made it ready for everyone to use. The ability to adapt is our secret weapon. In 2024 we will continue to be nimble and quick and will turn challenges into opportunities.

Lesson 4: Customer Experience is Non-Negotiable

For us, the primary customer is our Partner. We have continued to foster a stronger relationship with them through various steps. We met many of them, spoke to all of them, and continued to hear their voice and make necessary changes for them. Our success is intricately tied to their satisfaction with us. A happy partner will continue to grow and will continue to provide the best to the end consumers.

Lesson 5: Collaboration Fuels Innovation

Smartdukaan's journey this year is a testament to the power of collaboration. New products, new brands, and new categories kept on knocking at our doors in 2023 and we gave all of them a patient hearing and continued to make decisions necessary for growth. When we work together, we create an environment where everyone thrives.

Lesson 6: Failures will happen but they are Stepping Stones

Not every decision we took in 2023 led to success. We had our share of failures as well and that's okay.

Failure is not the end; it's a lesson. In 2023, we've learned that each stumble is an opportunity to rise stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

I learnt from my personal favorite Virat Kohli. Stay on the pitch, enjoy the game, and hit hard but if you lose, bounce back the next day.

Lesson 7: Celebrate Victories, Big and Small

In the hustle of growth and expansion, it's essential to pause and celebrate our victories, big and small. We never let the chance to celebrate go to waste in our new office now and then. Regular fun sessions are now a staple at the SmartDukaan office. Whether it's opening a new store, hitting a sales milestone, or celebrating a festival — we will continue to enjoy our shared success.

As we step into the new year, there will be more lessons as always.

The journey ahead is unknown, but armed with these insights, I'm confident we will continue to thrive & and have fun in the journey of building India's fastest growing Mobile Retail Chain.

Wishing everyone a fantastic year ahead!