Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
William Swashnick: It was a chance encounter with a restaurant owner in 2014 that got the story started for Rooster. The restaurant had worked with a couple of design firms earlier and the owner was complaining about the lack of professionalism and quality of output delivered to them. Seated at the same table and seeing an opportunity, I pitched in and gave a couple of suggestions on how the menu and interior can be optimised better to have a greater appeal and functionality. The irony at that time was that I did not have design experience nor had expertise in designing tools. However I did not want to let go of an opportunity to better this restaurant and build a portfolio from there. So I went back home, drew up a proposal to revamp a couple of things and submitted the quotation which was approved after half a day's negotiation. Using freelancers whom I searched from my network, we completed many works ranging from design of the menu to production of an outdoor offer board which was widely appreciated by the owner. From this project we got referred to another restaurant by the chef, and it went on one after the other purely by referrals. By the grace of God we have worked purely on referrals up to now without spending anything on paid advertising.
Great Companies: What are the various Services provided by Rooster Media India
William Swashnick: We provide Website Design and Development, Mobile App Development, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing services.
Great Companies: What makes Rooster Media India different from hundreds of other Web Development and Creative firms?
William Swashnick: Answering the question by saying we are completely different from other Development and Creative firms will be a lie as there are few other firms that I've come across that operate on the same philosophy and culture as well. Having said that, at Rooster we strive to maintain a healthy and inclusive work culture where every employee is made to feel like the owner of the company even given a share of the company's profits, In that way we retain passionate talent and ensure that the quality of output we deliver is consistent and functional to the business we cater to.
We emphasize infusing strategy in all our designs and development works, always focusing on keeping the end goal of the customer/user in mind. Our outputs are not only appealing but they are nurtured to be fully functional.
Great Companies: What are the struggles and challenges you face?
William Swashnick: A couple of challenges for growing enterprises would be bureaucratic hurdles, delay in client payments, talent acquisition and retention, lack of strong legal frameworks for prevention of disputes, dilution of market by few players, changing government policies and rules. Challenges are always present in any situation and I strongly feel that navigating through all the challenges that you face will teach you how to face bigger situations in a more disciplined and pragmatic way.
Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Rooster Media India?
William Swashnick: We plan to branch out to the global market this year as we see increasing potential in a couple of target countries. The process of setting up business has been initiated in Australia, and we will be launching Rooster Australia this year. In 5 years time I see Rooster having a strong market presence in a couple more locations while having a small yet strong passionate team. We want to be the go to for other passionate and big dreaming businesses.
Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
William Swashnick: Yes you are going to be confused, yes you are going to face challenges, yes you are going to feel alone at times, yes your journey might feel empty at times; but the regret of not trying at all is much more painful than showing up and working on your dream. All these lessons are inherent situations that will occur to everyone small and big who run a business. Hence If you're starting out be proud that you are among the minority that have dared to take up their dreams and always remember to show up no matter whatever happens.