How this entrepreneur turned her passion for communication into successful business

Effective communication is a fundamental skill that cuts across all sectors. And the current market presents a variety of opportunities for impact communication training providers who can adapt to the changing demands and standards of their clientele. The environment necessitates a thorough comprehension of trends, a commitment to the customer, and the flexibility to innovate and adapt to shifting market dynamics, through a personalised, flexible, and technology-driven approach. Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, Mira Swarup, Founder, Mira Swarup Impact Communication, shares her roller coaster ride as an entrepreneur and the future of impact communication as a business model

What prompted you to start your entrepreneurial journey and come up with various training programmes?

My desire to use effective communication to have a significant impact on people's lives was the driving force behind the decision to become an entrepreneur. My army upbringing has taught me the value of social presence and etiquettes. While working in the healthcare sector, with some of biggest names, I came to the realisation that there was more I could accomplish with my potential, something that could truly fulfil me.

My stint as an etiquette and grooming trainer motivated me to create different training programmes. I noticed a gap in the way people were taught to conduct themselves, as if being kind and well-groomed were just a coat to wear in an executive setting. This made me realise that ‘telling’ wasn't ‘training,’ and I started looking for ways to assist people in becoming aware of themselves. It wasn't just a business decision for me; I wanted to help people present themselves more powerfully both personally and professionally. My mission is still driven by that inspiration, and I'm appreciative of the chance to improve so many people's lives through my initiatives.

How did you start the company? How did you manage to raise the funds?

The journey of starting the business was profound, motivated by passion and a clear sense of mission. Recognising the need for long-term training in communication, etiquettes, and personal presentation was the first step in the process. The foundation for the company's launch was laid by my experience working in healthcare organisations and my desire to actually alter how people relate to one another and themselves.

The business presented many opportunities for learning and was accompanied by its share of challenges. The bootstrapped model was used to manage the capital; I had to rely on my savings, and the money from the initial training sessions was put back into the company. Being bootstrapped, careful planning, strategic decision-making, and consistent delivery of effective programmes were required. Every decision was made with the goal of assisting professionals in changing how they communicate and present themselves in order to have more impact and influence.

How has been your journey so far?

The early stages were characterised by the need to strike a balance between the demands of the pharmaceutical industry and the nascent training career. Careful manoeuvring was necessary to bring the company's real vision of assisting professionals in improving their communication skills into alignment.

Establishing trust and credibility in a market crowded with different training programmes was one of the early difficulties. To show the distinct value of our offerings, it took perseverance and commitment. Although our strategy of emphasising impact communication and caring for emotional well-being set us apart, it took patience and persistence for it to connect with our target audience.

The journey also included financial difficulties, particularly given that the business was bootstrapped. Capital management, budgeting, and ensuring financial stability required careful planning and occasionally difficult choices. The unexpected layer of complexity brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic forced a change from reliance on corporations to independent online education.

These difficulties have, however, greatly influenced the company's development and course. They sparked creativity, flexibility, and a closer fit with the primary objective. The journey thus far has been rewarding, rich in knowledge and personal development, and it has been gratifying to witness participants' improvements as a result of our training initiatives. It has strengthened my conviction in the value of communication and the positive effects it can have on both, people's individual lives and entire communities.

What are your business objectives and vision? How do you plan to expand the organization?

Our company's goals are firmly rooted in the mission to support professionals in being heard, seen, and followed. We want to change the way people communicate and present themselves so they can have more impact and influence. Our goal is to promote conscious, capable, and charismatic communication rather than just superficial manners and grooming.

The organization's aim is to establish a global forum where experts from various industries can dismantle ineffective communication patterns. In order to improve accessibility, effectiveness, and humanity in communication, we want to dissolve boundaries between individuals and communities. In our all-encompassing approach to communication, the focus on emotional healing, as with Bach Flower Therapy, is equally important.

We have a strategic plan for growth that calls for scaling and product diversification. We are considering developing more specialised programmes that target particular industries and needs as a result of the popularity of our 10-week Independent programme called Impact Communication. This plan includes working with universities to embed the model of learning at the educational level and establishing partnerships with bigger organisations for replicable models.

We also see the use of technology to expand our audience. Our training will become globally accessible via online platforms and incorporation of digital tools. We intend to have a significant impact on the field of communication training by staying innovative and individualised while also staying in line with the changing needs of the professional community.

Are your offerings/programmes specific to any segment of professionals and industry? What are the benefits that a professional may take away from your sessions?

Our products and programmes are made to appeal to everyone, but they can be altered to meet specific requirements of professionals and varied industry groups. Our training is for anyone looking to improve their communication skills, whether they are corporate professionals, healthcare workers, educators, or business owners. The transformational method of communication is the main advantage of our sessions. In order to assist people, we don't just use the standard methods.

Did you collaborate with any researcher to find solutions for delivering your sessions to a specific set of audience?

Yes, I have relied heavily on collaboration to deliver customised solutions to particular audiences. To make sure the programmes were comprehensive and pertinent to the target audience, I actively sought to collaborate with academic and clinical researchers. The interactions with researchers were especially insightful. They provided the process with a critical, analytical perspective that helped validate and improve the theories and methods planned for use in the sessions. Their participation aided in ensuring that training strategies were supported by concrete data and complied with industry best practises.

In addition to researchers, this group also included seasoned coaches, business leaders, psychologists, and communicators. These partnerships have aided in incorporating cutting-edge research on behavioural patterns and emotional recovery into my training modules.

In essence, these partnerships improved the programmes and made it possible to deliver a highly tailored, efficient training that catered to the specific requirements of each set of audience. This teamwork approach makes sure that the sessions are not only grounded in science but also resonate with the particular needs, difficulties, and objectives of the participants. It strengthens my resolve to provide effective communication solutions that are tailored to each client.

Please share the current market overview of the communication coaching space.

The current market overview for the area of communication coaching reveals a vibrant and quickly developing industry that reflects a number of significant trends and factors. The need for effective, impactful communication skills is more important than ever given the speed at which globalisation and technological development are occurring. The importance of these skills in fostering understanding, encouraging collaboration, and fostering success is being recognised by both individuals and organisations. The Covid-19 pandemic's recent shift towards remote work has increased the value of being proficient in digital communication. This change has created a wealth of opportunities for trainers and consultants like us who can address the challenges of contemporary communication.

However, the market is still largely fragmented, with numerous trainers each offering a distinctive method of impact communication training. One-size-fits-all solutions are becoming less popular, with a noticeable shift towards customised and adaptable training programmes. Another crucial element of the current market is the use of technology in the delivery of training, through online platforms, AI-driven tools, and virtual workshops. Technology's continued development is anticipated to encourage more innovation in the way training is delivered, resulting in more scalable and tailored solutions.