Top Tips on how to start a successful business with award winning entrepreneur

May 12, 2025

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 Introduction 

Hello to all you Leaders In Strategy! I’m Mike Harris and welcome back to the latest episode of my blog. In my recent conversation with Jeevan Punj, award-winning entrepreneur and the driving force behind Elite Hamper,  Jeevan shared invaluable insights into leadership, business strategy, and the journey of building a successful enterprise. This blog post distils the key takeaways from our engaging discussion, perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike.

Jeevan is a winner of Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday award and a Woman Who Achieves award.

Join me as I provide highlights from my conversation with this remarkable business woman.

Leadership: More Than Just a Title

The interview started with the question  “what is leadership?” Jeevan eloquently defined leadership as providing support and guidance to achieve shared goals while empowering individuals to excel. It's about setting a powerful example and inspiring those around you – a philosophy clearly reflected in Jeevan's own accomplishments and the positive impact she's had on others. She recounted a recent experience where her actions directly inspired someone, highlighting the ripple effect of genuine leadership.

The Elite Hampers Difference: It's About More Than Just Gifts - it's About the Feeling

What sets Elite Hampers apart? It's not just about the products; it's about the feeling they evoke. Jeevan emphasized the company's focus on creating bespoke, handpicked hampers that express appreciation and celebrate relationships. This focus on emotional connection differentiates Elite Hampers from competitors who may prioritize simply selling gifts.

Staying True to Your Values: Navigating the Challenges

Running a business, even one as successful as Elite Hampers, isn't without its challenges. Jeevan shared an example of rejecting product requests that didn't align with their commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and cost-effectiveness. The rising costs of ingredients like chocolate and wicker baskets further highlight the need for constant re-evaluation and adaptation.

Jeevan stressed the importance of prioritizing core business values – honesty, quality, and service – even when faced with external pressures. This unwavering commitment to integrity is what truly defines Elite Hampers.

Flexibility and Adaptability: The Keys to Long-Term Success

Jeevan emphasized the importance of business flexibility in a constantly changing political and economic environment. While core values should remain constant, the strategies used to achieve them must adapt. This includes regularly reviewing the business plan and making necessary adjustments to stay competitive and relevant.

Visibility: The Unsung Hero of Success

Many businesses with exceptional products and service struggle due to a lack of visibility. Jeevan highlighted the crucial role of self-promotion and stepping outside one's comfort zone to reach a wider audience. Overcoming the fear of self-promotion is paramount to business growth.

Jeevan's strategic approach extends beyond marketing and sales. It encompasses processes, behaviors, and even coping mechanisms to maintain a positive attitude and separate business from personal life. She likened strategy to navigating road closures – finding alternative routes to achieve the ultimate goal.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Take the Leap!

For those dreaming of starting their own business, Jeevan offered some powerful advice:

• Take the leap: Overcoming the fear of self-promotion and stepping outside your comfort zone is crucial.

• Surround yourself with the right people: Seek out mentors, advisors, and a supportive network.

• Ensure strong visibility: Don't be a "best-kept secret." Effectively communicate your unique strengths and value proposition.

• Utilise local council resources: Check your local council website for business support and grants.

• Harness the power of social media: Social media is a crucial tool for marketing and connecting with potential clients.

This podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a successful and fulfilling business. It's a testament to the power of leadership, the importance of staying true to your values, and the unwavering belief in your own potential. Remember, the potential for success often outweighs the fear of failure. So, take the leap, and start building your dream!

 In summary 

Follow up:

Please let me know your thoughts on this blog. Have you been inspired by Jeevan’s story?

Where to find Jeevan & Elite Hampers:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevanpunj

Website: https://elitehampers.co.uk/

Homework

I’m really interested to hear what you have to say. You can message me directly on LinkedIn, which I love receiving your comments there and having great dialogue with you guys. Or you can email me directly on the company email address.

Thank you for joining us today. Hopefully you enjoyed it and you'll return next time for another blog where I'll looking at the importance of leadership and strategy. I'll see you then.

Secrets on how to start a successful business

Jeevan is a winner of Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday award and a Woman Who Achieves award.

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About the author 

Mike Harris is an experienced business leader and founder & lead consultant at Strategus Consulting. With 40 years of experience, Mike offers a unique opportunity for readers to learn and grow as strategic leaders. He is also the host of the Leaders In Strategy Podcast, which can be found on Podbean, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcast and YouTube.

The Leaders in strategy blog is brought to you by Strategus Consulting, a management consultancy that works with organisations and individuals to achieve their ambitions by focusing on their strategic plans and providing leadership, guidance & support.