Unveiling the journey from stock market board games to global sales coaching prowess, delve into the transformative narrative as Gaurav Bhagat, MD, Consortium Gifts chats with culturecrossroads.ca.
Can you share insights into your entrepreneurial journey, especially founding Consortium Gifts and the Gaurav Bhagat Academy?
Reflecting on my journey, I began on my entrepreneurial path at the age of 16, crafting stock market-oriented board games and playing trump cards in 1992. However, the turning point occurred in 1999 when I founded Consortium Gifts, driven by a vision to redefine the disorganised landscape of corporate gifting in India. Our approach resonated with clients who appreciated the precision and value of our products tailored to their needs. In a market characterised by fragmentation and disorganisation, our distinct and professional approach set us apart. The recognition came as both an individual and a company, standing out in the unstructured realm of corporate gifting in India. Our unique and organised methodology garnered attention and admiration. Fast forward to 2018, the inception of the Gaurav Bhagat Academy marked a new chapter. Today, it stands as a leading Sales Training Academy, leveraging 35 years of expertise and proven methodologies.
What inspired you to venture into the corporate gifting industry, and how has Consortium Gifts evolved under your leadership?
Our journey began serendipitously as we initially focused on manufacturing gym accessories. The Y2K era brought an unexpected twist when the same materials used for gym gloves were repurposed for promotional mouse pads. Approaching companies with our unique mouse pads, we inadvertently sparked interest in our manufacturing capabilities. This led to a cascade of opportunities as clients, including Compact and later Maruti, were impressed and began requesting a diverse range of products. From jigsaw puzzles to Lucar sunscreens, our offerings expanded organically. Maruti, evolving into one of our largest clients, became an integral part of our success story, shaping the diverse catalogue of products we offer today. I initiated my entrepreneurial journey from the confines of my home, gradually expanding our team. Today, with a workforce of 71 individuals and global contracts in place, our venture is witnessing remarkable achievements and sustained growth. The overarching goal and vision for Consortium Gifts extend beyond borders — we aspire to emerge as the premier corporate gifting company in Asia, with a commitment to expanding our influence globally.
As India’s 10X Guy and a leading Sales Coach, how do you approach coaching to bring about transformative results?
Our journey is underpinned by various factors, including our success in running and scaling our company. What began with a modest investment of Rs. 10,000 on a credit card has evolved into a venture with record turnovers, achieving an impressive annual growth rate of 30-40%. The pivotal moment came after meetings with industry leaders like Grant Cardone, leading to the acquisition of the 10X licence—a game-changing move. Another transformative encounter was with BJ Fogg, prompting the realisation that not everyone can achieve 10X overnight; instead, starting small and gradually progressing is the key, leading to the development of the Tiny to 10X programs. Our insights are grounded in real-world experiences, complemented by some of the most powerful content available. However, our mission extends beyond personal success; we are driven to help and empower others and other companies. Our approach is distinctive, characterised by what I term the DCI approach—depth, certification, and the law of intention. We are deeply committed to going out there and catalysing significant transformations!
Creating a stock market game at the age of sixteen is quite remarkable. How did this early entrepreneurial experience shape your career choices and mindset?
In 1992, at the age of 16, during the era dominated by the Harshad Mehta scandal and the buzz around “Scam 1992,” the stock market became a ubiquitous topic of discussion. Captivated by this financial fervour, I identified a gap – there was no board game centred around the stock market. Inspired by this observation, I took the initiative to create the first-ever stock market game. Printing a thousand copies, I traversed toy stores across Delhi, the NCR, and beyond, actively marketing my creation. The turning point arrived when Leo Toys recognized the potential and acquired the rights to the game. Their subsequent sale of 50,000 copies marked a significant milestone and solidified my commitment to entrepreneurship. The success of the board game served as validation, fueling my determination to seize any forthcoming opportunities. From the age of 16 onwards, entrepreneurship became my unwavering path. During that time, it was uncommon for sixteen-year-olds to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, and I credit my parents for their unwavering belief in my capabilities. Their support not only involved belief but also extended to assisting me in securing the necessary capital to pursue my dreams.
Are there specific milestones or achievements in your career that you hold particularly close to your heart?
Our journey with Leo Toys marked the beginning of our success story. Between 1997 and 2000, we developed 11 games for Leo Toys, making a significant impact. In 1999, the Maruti Mandates marked another turning point when Maruti appointed us as their gifting partner. This partnership flourished, and Maruti became our largest client for an extended period. A pivotal moment came in our collaboration with Shantanu Nikhil, where we launched their new collection of accessories. This strategic move proved to be a game-changer for us. Looking ahead, a remarkable achievement was becoming the first and, at times, the sole member from India in IGC Global Promotions in 2018. This milestone was further solidified in 2021 when I was appointed to the board of IGC, a five-member board of a global organisation. In 2018, the launch of GBA and securing the NDRT stage in 2022 at the world’s largest insurance conference were significant accomplishments. These milestones reflect our continuous journey towards greater success. I firmly believe that there is still much more trajectory ahead, paving the way for even greater achievements.
What is your vision for the future of sales coaching and training in India, especially considering the evolving dynamics of the business landscape?
We are witnessing a significant shift in various sectors, particularly the virtual and edtech spaces, which experienced a boom during the pandemic. However, the current trend indicates a “flight to quality.” Many individuals and corporations who invested heavily in platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertising are now wary due to instances of overcommitment and underdelivery. This has led to a growing trust deficit. In this evolving landscape, there is a noticeable preference for genuine content creators with sincere intentions and integrity. Those who deliver authentic value are likely to thrive. The future seems to embrace a combination of online and offline approaches, incorporating hybrid modules. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to play a pivotal role, contributing to a more immersive learning experience. Exciting developments in technology, such as the emergence of Virtual Reality (VR), are gaining prominence. Imagine putting on a VR headset and feeling as if you’re physically present in the learning environment. Watch this space closely, as our organisation (GBA) is actively embracing these technologies. We are committed to integrating the latest content and leveraging these advancements to overcome the prevailing trust challenges in the market. The future promises a dynamic fusion of traditional and cutting-edge approaches, ensuring a richer and more effective learning experience.
