The Big Win

Perspective, understanding, confidence and a good team are all it takes to win reputed business battles. Your strengths depend on how far you can see, and the results depend on how well you can convey your idea.

Every year, companies invite students to pitch solutions for existing issues and find the next big ideas as per future trends in the form of case competitions. Out of all the case competitions that we have participated in till now, one to remember is definitely the ‘V-Guard Big Idea Business Plan Contest 2022’. As the name suggests, it was an open contest for all the graduates of MBA and Technology. The theme for the contest was the “The Next Big Leap”, where V-Guard tried to look at the next big potential areas for their business and pinpoint the improvisations that the company can make in their existing product ranges.

For us, the competition started with the formation of a multi-dimensional team where we could leverage all the verticals to solve the case. Team members with a sound knowledge of marketing and sales, as well as Information Technology were an added advantage.

The V-Guard Big Business Idea Challenge had multiple phases. The first step was the submission of an introductory presentation and a written report about the same. We had a lot of discussions and even made last-minute changes to the entire idea! After a few days of evaluation, the company shortlisted twenty teams out of thousands across the country and provided them with the tasks for the next stage. We were thrilled to have made it to the shortlist!

In the next stage, we were given the chance to present our idea via a more detailed presentation and written report. Once the required tasks were completed, all twenty teams were invited to present their ideas at the corporate headquarter of Kochi, in front of the esteemed judges. The order of the presentation was decided by the company.

The three days of the corporate program was such a surreal experience. with everyone trying to compete by putting their ideas forward. We felt pressure, nervousness, worry when we had to get on the stage and speak in front of all the CXOs about the very business that they have been in for so long!

We were in the line-up to present next; we just looked at one another and told ourselves that we will give our best with utmost confidence no matter what! As we know, all the hard work means nothing if the idea is not communicated properly. So, keeping our motivation and confidence high, we presented our idea within the allotted time of fifteen minutes. The presentation was followed by fifteen minutes of Q&A session in which the judges asked questions about the idea and how it would help the company.

The third and last day of the event was reserved for declaring the results. The silence in the hall reflected how eagerly every team was waiting to find out if they had made it to the winners’ list. There were 5 coveted spots-Winner, Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, and two special mentions. All the eyes were on the panel members.

They started off with the 2 special mentions and it was not us. We were disappointed. We could see the anxiety in each other’s eyes. Making eye contact with team members at this point just made it worse! The scene was the same when the second runner-up was announced. We were holding on to whatever hope was left in us.

Now, only two spots were remaining, and my heart told me that we are going to get one out of them.

I still vividly remember the moment they made the announcement– “The Runner-up is Team BI19: The Powerhouse”. The three of us started screaming with joy! We were not able to control our emotions. We got so busy rejoicing among ourselves that we literally had to remind one another that we still need to go on the stage and get the trophy! We went together as a team to collect the trophy and the cheque for Rs. One Lakh, and that’s a moment that I’ll never forget! Words from the corporate leaders and appreciation from the audience gave us a sense of the moment and all the teams from IIM Bodh Gaya who were present there celebrated the win for our institution!

Such experiences not only create value but also create moments to cherish for life. This entire experience will always stay very close to our hearts! As we write this, we are also looking forward to the next big challenge!

Author: Satyam Munot, Srishti Bhat, and Sujeet Chaubey

About the Author: Students of MBA-08

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#businessplancontest #thenextbigleap #vguard