Using technology to help blur the lines between work at the office and working from home.
What’s your story?
I’m a technology geek that applies my knowledge to business challenges. I chose to leave University early and continue my education with a then small technology business helping my sister and brother-in-law. A few years ago I took a sabbatical, some would say gallivanting around Asia, at some point during this period I came to Singapore and had the opportunity to meet old clients, all with demands that couldn’t be addressed. That was when a light bulb went off and realisation struck that there was a need to bring a client focused IT Service provider to Asia.
What excites you most about your industry?
Change. If there wasn’t change in technology and the way we deliver and support it, I’d probably be very bored. It’s exciting to see how trends make their way traditionally east to west around the globe. However Asia and Singapore is certainly turning many of this East to West on its head.
One of the most exciting things is more companies are blurring the lines between work and home. 5 to 10 years ago we didn’t support audio systems, telephones and video, nowadays convergence of these technologies means we touch it all and see how it enables businesses to attract and retain talent.
What’s your connection to Asia?
If I don’t open my mouth and talk I blend in! My father and mother are both Indian, so essentially Asian. Although they were born on different continents, the values instilled on us from a young age are Asian. Nowadays my wife is Malaysian and my daughter was born here. So now Asia is certainly home.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I would say Singapore it’s just an easy place to do business. The place is small and interconnected. I can’t walk out of the office at lunch without saying hello to people I know be it clients or friends. If you ask for help or to be connected with a potential business partner people go out of their way to help. I like the entrepreneurial culture and the fact that there’s always an influx of new people coming in to meet.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Proper planning prevents (piss) poor performance.
Who inspires you?
I am most inspired when I see our clients growing, especially if they are entrepreneurs. Watching them put blood, sweat and tears into something they believe in and seeing how they are game changing their respective industries fascinates me.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
When asking for a referral if you can be specific about the person’s name, company, industry and how you can help them, you’re more likely to be introduced. I saw this in action on a trip to Hong Kong in a sit down networking event. The results blew me away.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Not much… Read more when I was younger and travel the world earlier. I backpacked the first time when I was 24. I would have loved to have started earlier.
How do you unwind?
Being able to switch off and having a support structure around the business is important to me. I like to spend time with my daughter splashing around in the pool. If it’s not family time then meeting with friends for nice food and drinks is often a great way to unwind and sharing stories and helping others carries great feelings. I like to run or cycle when time permits, it helps me think and de-stress.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Thailand for relaxation, what more could you ask for; great food, smiles and the beach.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I suppose I’d have to say the 4-Hour work week from Tim Ferris. For anyone looking to start-up or break away, this is a great inspiring practical book. Using virtual assistants to take care of small tasks and scheduling things like emails are small tips that are good take aways I found useful.
Shameless plug for your business:
Acuutech – Comprehensive IT Solutions just for you.
Acuutech (established 1996) is headquartered in London UK with a Regional HQ in Singapore and a partner network throughout Asia.
Acuutech provides comprehensive IT Solutions focused on corporate business customers, ranging from small to medium sized organisations to large multi-nationals requiring assistance for IT Consulting, Managed IT Services, IT Audits and Outsourced IT Support and Maintenance.
Acuutech provides expert advice, consultancy, cloud hosting solutions, network design/installation, telephony and videoconferencing systems, remote and/or onsite support and IT procurement.
How can people connect with you?
Website: www.acuutech.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hitanmehta
Twitter handle?
@hitanmehta
@acuutechapac
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
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Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com
