Born in 2014, WorkPro is much of a startup at heart- Says Andre Lobo, CEO at WorkPro Technologies.
They also leverage the reputation of the PSS group, a leader in recruitment and staffing services. Integration with certain sister companies they integrate the delivery of HR software and HR services with premier recruitment and staffing services.
In this Interview, Andre talks about the ride they leaped for, from 2014 to forever now…
Q1) What according to you are the four pillars on which WorkPro stands upon?
WorkPro’s genesis came from a need to automate HR and sales processes for Indian businesses. We try to address customer’s pain points – build a platform that automates multiple processes at once, focus on features that are easy to use, provide timely support to ensure a good experience and offer flexible pricing options for start-ups and SMEs that delivers a good return on their investment.
Q2) How did you hit upon the idea for your Company?
I have a background in the HR services sector where I have assisted medium and large enterprises with their human resource strategy. I observed there was a need for automation and customization to manage HR and sales functions. Seeing this opportunity to help companies use automation to make business decisions inspired me to start WorkPro.
Q3)Who do you consider your biggest Competitor and how do you differentiate yourself from them?
There is no dearth of players in the business software market. Yet, you see that customers are dis-satisfied with software that is not used by their employees. Furthermore, after paying for licenses, they are stuck with outdated software and long turnaround times for new features that are needed immediately and not after several months. As a customer, it is not easy to use software after you buy it – that is the problem. Software companies have not addressed this issue.
This is what we are trying to address. We are helping customers get a return on their technology investments with a simple but feature rich product and support that helps their employees use WorkPro for many years.
Q4) How has sales evolved since you first got into the business? What hasn’t changed?
Increasingly sales have moved from cold calls/ field sales to an inside sales strategy. Even though we provide onsite product demos as we focus more on communicating with the customer remotely as it saves a lot of time and gives the customer the same experience on the first touch of the product.
However, communicating the value of our differentiated product, its ease-of-use, talking to many potential clients and our large number of free trials is something that hasn’t changed.
Q5) How do you balance emphasis on Activity vs End Goals?
Result orientation is critical, but never lose focus on the process. You cannot control another person’s decisions but you can offer a product that meets his needs and communicate that to him all the time. This is done through well-structured activity and process.
Q6) Would you rather be respected or feared?
Definitely respected. Fear is not the answer to delivering anything productive.
Q7) Think of something you’ve done in the past; what would you have done differently?
Talked to customers a lot more. Though we been doing that consistently for at least two years now.
Q8) How do you approach a decision where people disagree with you?
Differing opinions with my team give me a chance to rethink my decision and help me re-evaluate its pros and cons before deciding on the next course of action. It helps us make better decisions.
Q9) What do you expect to see over the next 5 to 10 years in the Industry?
I believe there will a large transition to cloud-based products. Adoption of technology will increase among SME’s. Businesses will move from an opex to a CapEx model when it comes to technology investments.
Q10)What according to you are Do’s and don’t of B2B Prospecting?
Understanding customer’s business, viewpoints and issues faced is the key. Only then can you provide a solution that creates value for them.
Q11) What are your experiences with the highs and lows at WorkPro?
There are lot of challenges that come with running your own business. There have been several highs and lows but the key is to stick together as a team. Having a team who are passionate about what we are trying to do and aligned with the business vision will help you sail through the tough times.
Q12) Lately, more and more Professionals are leaving their cushy and well-paid jobs to follow their passion. What’s your take on this?
It is great for young people and young entrepreneurs. The power has to be in the hands of the individual to create and build. There is definitely a risk element to entrepreneurship but the upside is high and increasingly there are options to get back into the job market through industry or the start-up ecosystem.
Lastly, We would be glad to have your valuable suggestion for the new age Entrepreneurs thriving in the industry today.
Always believe in yourself. Be bold and optimistic in whatever you do. Have a large vision and plan. Push yourself beyond your limits every single moment and last but not least always keep talking to your customers at every stage of your business’ development to understand their needs, get their feedback and to keep solving their problems.
Chirantan Patel is the Product Manager at Softwaresuggest & Callhippo, an Inc. 275 company that researches and analyzes software to educate, advise, and connect buyers and sellers of business technology.
