Our platform values and rewards Independent Business Owners
Asort is a pioneering digital ecosystem in India that revolutionises co-commerce by connecting businesses with their ideal communities, emphasising collaboration and mutual growth. It empowers young Indian entrepreneurs, fostering self-reliance and financial independence through a platform that values inclusivity and collective success. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Co-founder Roshan S Bisht throws more light on co-commerce and Asort’s community-focused approach.
How would you define co-commerce, and in what ways does it differ from traditional e-commerce and direct selling models?
Co-commerce is a collaborative form of commerce that goes beyond traditional e-commerce and direct selling models. It involves the integration of businesses, creators, influencers, and consumers within a shared ecosystem. Unlike traditional e-commerce, co-commerce emphasises community building, encouraging collaboration among diverse stakeholders. It differs from direct selling by creating a more inclusive and interconnected platform where businesses, sellers, and influencers work together for mutual success. Co-commerce is characterised by a synergistic relationship, where the success of one contributes to the growth of the entire community.
What role does community engagement play in the success of a co-commerce platform, and how do these platforms foster a sense of community among users?
Community engagement plays a pivotal role in the success of a co-commerce platform, creating a foundation of belonging, loyalty, and shared success. These platforms foster a sense of community through various strategies. Interactive features, such as communication tools and collaboration platforms, are incorporated to facilitate meaningful interactions among users. Seeking and acting upon user feedback builds a sense of ownership and involvement, allowing the community to actively contribute to the platform’s evolution. Exclusive events and campaigns are hosted to bring the community together, creating shared experiences and reinforcing a sense of unity. Additionally, recognising and celebrating the achievements of community members strengthens the overall sense of community and shared prosperity, making users feel valued and connected.
How does technology facilitate the operations of co-commerce platforms, particularly in terms of connecting sellers, makers, and influencers?
Technology is instrumental in facilitating the operations of co-commerce platforms, particularly in connecting sellers, makers, and influencers. Smart matching algorithms leverage user profiles, preferences, and goals to connect stakeholders seamlessly. Integrated communication tools provide a space for real-time interaction and collaboration, fostering a dynamic and interconnected community. Data analytics enable platforms to understand user behaviour, optimise recommendations, and enhance the overall user experience. A robust e-commerce infrastructure simplifies transactions and order processing, ensuring a seamless and efficient user journey. Automation further streamlines tasks such as incentive distribution, tracking, and reporting, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the co-commerce ecosystem.
What are some of the main challenges faced by co-commerce platforms, and what opportunities do these challenges present for innovation in the field?
Co-commerce platforms face challenges that include building and maintaining trust within the community, striking a balance in incentive structures to ensure fair rewards, and managing growth and scalability without compromising the user experience. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation within the field. Blockchain integration, for instance, enhances transparency and trust, addressing concerns related to security and accountability. AI-driven personalisation allows for a more tailored user experience, optimising engagement and satisfaction. Innovating community governance models involving the community in decision-making processes further enhances transparency and fosters a sense of ownership among users.
In your view, what are the emerging trends in co-commerce, and how are they expected to shape the future of online retail and community-based commerce?
Emerging trends in co-commerce are shaping the future of online retail and community-based commerce. Niche communities are gaining prominence, with platforms catering to specific interests, fostering deeper connections among like-minded individuals. Virtual experiences, including the integration of virtual and augmented reality, provide immersive shopping experiences, enhancing user engagement. Sustainable commerce practices are becoming a focal point, aligning with consumer values and contributing to environmentally conscious choices. Social commerce integration seamlessly merges social media and commerce, enriching community engagement and creating a holistic online retail experience. These trends collectively contribute to the evolving landscape of co-commerce, emphasising personalisation, sustainability, and community-driven interactions.
How does Asort’s vision of making ‘Bharat’ more ‘atma-nirbhar’ translate into your operational strategies and business decisions?
Asort’s vision of making ‘Bharat’ more ‘atma-nirbhar’ is deeply embedded in our operational strategies and business decisions. We prioritise empowering individuals, especially the youth, by providing opportunities for economic independence and entrepreneurial exploration. Our focus on co-commerce fosters collaboration and community building, ensuring that businesses connect with the right audiences, ultimately contributing to the self-reliance of communities. This vision influences our product offerings, partnerships, and initiatives, aligning them with the goal of creating a self-sufficient and empowered society.
How do the four pillars of Asort – People, Passion, Potential, Prosperity – shape the company’s culture and business practices?
The four pillars of People, Passion, Potential, and Prosperity form the foundation of Asort’s culture and business practices. People are at the core, emphasising the importance of community and collaboration. Passion drives our commitment to innovation and excellence. We believe in unlocking the potential of individuals, particularly the youth, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. Prosperity is a shared goal, reflecting our commitment to ensuring mutual growth for all stakeholders. These pillars guide our decision-making, interactions, and initiatives, creating a culture of inclusivity, empowerment, and collective success.
In what ways does Asort’s commitment to integrity impact your work methodology and the growth of your community members?
Asort’s commitment to integrity is integral to our work methodology and the growth of our community members. We uphold high ethical standards, ensuring transparency, fairness, and honesty in all our interactions. This commitment builds trust within our community, fostering a positive environment for collaboration and growth. It impacts the work methodology by promoting ethical business practices, and this integrity becomes a catalyst for the sustained and ethical growth of our community members, reinforcing their confidence in the Asort platform.
How does the value of humility manifest within your team, and how does it contribute to Asort’s community-focused approach?
Humility is a core value within our team, manifested through open communication, active listening, and a willingness to learn. Every team member acknowledges the contributions of others and understands the diverse talents within our community. This humility contributes to our community-focused approach by fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. We recognise the unique strengths of individuals and businesses within our ecosystem, valuing their input and ensuring that our decisions prioritise the collective well-being of the community over individual achievements.
What specific systems or strategies have you implemented to ensure customer happiness and community gain with each sale?
To ensure customer happiness and foster community gain with each sale, we have implemented a comprehensive set of systems and strategies at our platform. First and foremost, we have established Community Feedback Loops, actively seeking input from our community to understand their needs and preferences. This feedback is instrumental in tailoring our offerings to align with the desires of our diverse user base.
In addition, we have designed and implemented Incentive Programs that not only benefit buyers but also incentivise sellers, promoting community engagement and fostering loyalty.
Educational Resources are provided on our platform to empower buyers with the information they need to make informed decisions, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.
Collaborative Campaigns, involving sellers, creators, and influencers, have been launched to create a sense of community and shared success with each sale.
Lastly, our commitment to responsive and helpful Customer Support ensures a positive experience for buyers, contributing not only to individual customer happiness but also to the overall trust within the community.
Could you elaborate on Asort’s policy of not selling or encouraging the marketing of animal products and its significance for your brand?
Asort’s unwavering commitment to refraining from selling or endorsing the marketing of animal products is a testament to our deep-rooted values of ethical and sustainable business practices. This policy not only showcases our dedication to environmental and social responsibility but also underscores our profound belief in the positive impact that conscientious choices can have on the world.
By steadfastly avoiding the inclusion of animal products in our offerings, we actively contribute to minimising our ecological footprint, championing cruelty-free practices, and ultimately paving the way for a more compassionate future. This principled stance not only aligns with the evolving preferences of conscious consumers but also positions our brand as a leader in fostering positive change.
Our decision to champion a cruelty-free approach goes beyond mere business strategy; it is a reflection of our genuine concern for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. This resonates deeply with a growing community of individuals who prioritise ethical choices and sustainable lifestyles, thereby solidifying our brand image as one that stands for something more profound than mere commerce.
How does your platform reward Independent Business Owners and community members for their contributions to building the Asort community?
Our platform values and rewards Independent Business Owners (IBOs) and community members for their vital contributions to building the Asort community through a range of mechanisms.
One key approach involves our incentive programmes, which offer financial rewards based on sales performance and active community engagement. This encourages individuals to play an integral role in the growth and vibrancy of the Asort community.
Additionally, we place great emphasis on recognition, acknowledging and showcasing the achievements of community members. This not only creates a sense of pride but also serves as a motivating factor for ongoing contributions.
To empower our community further, we provide access to training and development opportunities, allowing members to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to the evolving Asort ecosystem.
Moreover, we extend exclusive benefits, such as early access to new products or special promotions, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty among our dedicated community contributors.
Through these multifaceted approaches, we ensure that the contributions of IBOs and community members are not only acknowledged but also rewarded in ways that enhance their experience within the Asort community.
With a leadership team having over 200 years of combined experience, how do these diverse backgrounds contribute to Asort’s success in various domains?
The diverse backgrounds of our leadership team contribute to Asort’s success in various domains by bringing a wealth of experience, perspectives, and expertise. The team’s collective knowledge spans different industries, markets, and business functions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face. This diversity fosters innovation, strategic thinking, and effective decision-making. It ensures that Asort is well-equipped to navigate complexities, adapt to changing landscapes, and drive sustained growth across multiple domains.
What are the current areas of innovation at Asort, and how do you encourage your team to ‘move fast, innovate, and push boundaries’?
At Asort, our current areas of innovation encompass technology, user experience, and community engagement, reflecting our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. To instil a culture of agility and innovation, we actively encourage our team to ‘move fast, innovate, and push boundaries’. Embracing agile development methodologies is a key component of this approach, enabling us to iterate quickly, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and respond promptly to changing customer needs.
Cross-functional collaboration is promoted as we recognise the importance of diverse perspectives and ideas in accelerating innovation. We organise innovation challenges within the team, creating a stimulating environment that sparks creativity and motivates members to explore novel solutions to existing challenges.
Moreover, we prioritise continuous learning, investing in initiatives that keep our team informed about emerging technologies and industry trends. This commitment to learning fosters a culture of innovation within our team, ensuring that we remain dynamic and adaptive in an ever-evolving landscape
