Krishna - our wonderful Pollinator!! :)

Thought I’d give a bit more information about Krishna, the Pollinator that I was teamed with for the majority of the time while I was on the program.

Krishna would have to be one of the most genuinely caring people I have ever met. Interestingly, he sees his work as kind of a social service/social work first and foremost and is very grateful to have the opportunity to work for Pollinate. His gratitude is really very touching and I imagine stems from previous jobs he’s had where he has been treated very poorly (e.g. not able to eat with the managers, not paid on time or at all etc).

He makes friends very easily and is always smiling! 

Me, Sneha and Krishna with our auto driver for the day!
Krishna regularly made friends; one auto driver even helped us sell
the cookstoves in the communities after a conversation with Krish!

Krishna is not from Bangalore city, but like many people, moved to Bangalore for work. There is a small bio on the Pollinate blog where you can hear about more of his personal story pre Pollinate, but thought I’d reflect on some of the things I saw him do in action! 

Firstly – he is a great salesperson because he cares deeply about the people in the community. He is first and foremost their friends, and believes in bringing products that can improve their living situation. This was particularly evident when the snatching of the child at Drum (see previous post for info on this) had occurred and the first thing he spoke to the next community about was to put them on alert that this type of thing was happening and they should keep their children safe. He was also giving members of the community tips about how to recognise counterfeit money (quite common here) and other helpful practical things that don’t cost him any money but really build a sense of trust.

Krishna about to stand on the cookstove to convince people
 that it can hold large pots no problem

Each day before we went out into the communities we would reflect with the other Pollinators on what has been working and what has not been working. Krishna, from the beginning, was having a huge amount of success in getting demo cookstoves in the community. He explained to the others how he sold them – target the first movers on the solar lights as once they’re onboard the whole community will open up, make the story personal, understand the person’s real needs, don’t get into the sale straight away but slowly, sell the fact that it’s a no-strings attached demo to gather input etc etc. One of the AECOM managers – Michael – said afterwards that what Krishna was explaining is text book what they teach the AECOM managers to do to pitch for work!

Needless to say, we formed a lovely bond working together out in the communities. And I felt really lucky to have witnessed such a genuine service and desire to do good for others. He really is an inspiration!

Sneha, Krishna and me - our little team that went
out to the communities together!