Big on Dreams, High on Life: Ravi Bhavnani

Grounded, straightforward and passionate are few of the innate qualities of Ravi Bhavnani, managing partner, Taurus Computer

Ravi Bhavnani currently handles different roles in different companies. He is the Managing Partner of Taurus Computer Systems, which is into System Integration for the last 25 years. We supply IT Hardware, Networking and Security Solutions to clients all over Mumbai. Also, he is the Managing Director of Taurus HR, which is an IT Recruitment Company handling recruitment for software companies all over India.

PATH TO INCEPTION

Since a very early age, Bhavnani had a passion for electronics. Pursing this passion, he completed his engineering diploma in Computer IT, which was itself the first batch in this field. Following his studies, he worked for 2 years in PCL (Pertech Computers Limited) and Computer Point. He worked in the Technical Support Team of PCL and Computer Point and this helped in gaining know-how on various aspects of customer support. Backed by his knowledge in IT and his passion to set a mark in this trade gave him the catalyst to pursue his dreams.

Eventually in 1988, following his dreams, he started Taurus with his business partner Sunil Idnani. Bhavnani said, "Ideally, it was the same direction right from the beginning. I was very determined to make it good in IT sector due to my keen interest in Electronics. I understood the immediate need of IT Professionals as Personal Computers had just been introduced in India."

From here there has been no looking back and the company has grown over the years as successful venture backed with credentials from peers and vendors.

SUCCESS QUOTIENT

As of today, Bhavnani has an overall work experience of 27 years. Citing his factors for success, Bhavnani said, "The key element behind my success is my wife, Renu Bhavnani. She has been a huge emotional support in every way. She is a pillar of strength in every phase of my life. She has constantly encouraged me, and has been an inspiration to me."

While explaining secret of trades, Bhavnani said, "Secondly, I have always been focused on keeping our expenses in check. This has helped me in maintaining a financially healthy company through out. I believe that money saved is money earned." He further added, "Thirdly, I've always believed in working ethically. This has helped in developing a huge trust factor with our clients, and I'm proud to say that we still have the same clients who supported us in the initial years of the company's formation."

On the other hand, to stand out among other competitors, his company has always focussed on the Technical Support more than the sales. He said, "We always advised our customers not to plan for future IT purchases as things were changing at a very fast pace. Earlier, Intel used to launch a new set of CPU's would be launched every 6 months, making ‘obsolete' a standard term in IT."

Bhavnani added, "Clients realized that we are not here to sell but to support their IT infrastructure. This has helped our business to grow smoothly at a steady pace." Citing an instance, he said that at times On-Site Technical support was challenging and we have been on site till 4 am to ensure smooth transition of the IT equipment of our customers.

While, talking about his inspirational model in his career, Bhavanani said, "My true inspirational model has been my mother. She was a working mother with three kids and she is the reason I am what I am today. She always inspired me to be a better man and she taught me that everything requires dedication and hard work."

MANAGING BUSINESS GROWTH

Interestingly, from the initial days itself, Taurus IT has witnessed growth due to its customers who referred them to other customers. This model has been the biggest contributor in their growth story.

Bhavnani said, "Right from the beginning, it's our customers who have been our Sales front. Word of mouth by our existing customers is a sure shot way of getting orders." He further added, "We do manage to spread our wings by Mass Mailers, SMS's, Cold Calls and various other portals."

LEADERSHIP MANTRA

Quoting Bhavanani, "There is no shortcut to success. Success is just round the corner but it can only be achieved with sheer hard work and discipline. I believe that one should be grounded, straightforward and passionate about their work."

PROFESSIONAL VS PERSONAL

Talking about his profession, Bhavnani said, "I've had a passion for IT which made my day to day work an easy task. I enjoy working." However, he comes across as a home person who looks forward to enjoy a hot cup of tea with his family. He added, "My friends would probably describe me as a simple, honest person who can be trusted."

Bhavnani strives to maintain a perfect balance between his personal and professional life. Being a family guy, his family is on top priority for him. Bhavnani said, "Whenever my family needs me, I am there for them. They are always my first priority. Weekends are always family time, be it movies, eating out or watching our favorite shows at home together. Sunday is one day, which is devoted completely to family." My office being in close proximity helps to maintain the right balance added Bhavnani with a smile.

At a more personal level, he being a lover of technologies, his hobbies includes testing and exploring new electronic gadgets most of the time. He is also enjoys watching movie and is an avid viewer of English TV series. He added, "My house has most of the latest gadgets interlinked, be it Apple TV, WD live or Jadoo TV. All are connected to a Home Theatre and wired up with a sound system in every corner of the house."

He further added, "Recently, I have started Cycling to keep healthy. I enjoy it thoroughly and often ride it to work."

PIECE OF ADVICE

He advises to be ethical in business. Ethics help in building a strong foundation in any company. I urge upcoming professionals to be committed to their work and to keep their word, no matter what, he stated.

FUTURE AHEAD

Ravi Bhavnani has charted a clear road map for his company. He plans to establish his company, Taurus IT, a leader in IT Support, Networking and Security Segment. This he aspires to achieve while maintaining the steady growth that Taurus has been achieving all these years.

Along with this, he is also geared up to give back his bit to the IT Industry. Being connected with ASIRT as a Vice President - Digital, they have helped System Integrators come together and have a common platform to share ideas and provide valuable insights in all aspects of business.