<Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape: Lessons Learned>
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As I sit here at my desk, enjoying a warm cup of tea and reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, the memories swirl around like a chaotic tapestry of experiences.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about the Marvel multiverse, which we've all had enough of! The whirlwind of thoughts comes from numerous challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, family expectations, and societal norms that have colored my entrepreneurial path back in my home country.
In a nation like India, where engineers and doctors are churned out at an alarming rate, becoming an entrepreneur feels almost mandatory—not just for financial gain or social status, but to stand out in a sea of 1.5 billion people.
However, my journey was far from straightforward, especially given the abundance of information and resources available today.
Let me elaborate.
For a significant part of my educational life, my family and society shaped my choices. After stumbling through engineering, they eventually accepted my decision to pursue a different path.
It was easy to grow disillusioned; the promised rewards of a stable engineering job turned out to be less than enticing. Most of my peers had chosen different careers, resembling characters in a disaster film trying to find safety. So, I boldly ventured into the uncharted territory of entrepreneurship.
No MBA. No mentors. No consultations. Just pure, unfiltered ambition.
Baptism by fire, if you will.
But soon I learned that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, as an old proverb suggests. Sometimes, there’s barely any grass at all.
Based on my school activities, I recognized that my true passion lay in the creative field. I thrived as a prefect, house captain, and champion of debates and drama—those were exhilarating days.
If given a time machine, I would leap back to my school years in a heartbeat!
This realization propelled me into the world of events and media management in Dubai, UAE, where I reconnected with my family after what felt like an eternity at university. After a heartfelt discussion with my dad, we agreed that I should pursue my passion.
Once again, I felt that familiar rush of excitement. After a year of working for someone else, it was time to don my entrepreneurial armor.
To be my own boss. To dictate my own schedule. To be the master of my fate.
In my community, it was unusual for someone in their twenties to dive headfirst into business, which drew criticism and unsolicited advice from all corners.
While I can't recount all the blunders and triumphs from my journey, here are some pivotal lessons for all you aspiring entrepreneurs out there. Pay attention!
1. Naming Your Business
Finding the right name for your business is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack made entirely of needles.
It often feels like a comical struggle of brainstorming and dismissing countless clever ideas, especially if you have a partner. The names you love might be loathed by them and vice versa.
And if, against all odds, you both agree on a name, it can still get ridiculed by a friend whose opinion you sought.
After what feels like an eternity of trying to please everyone, if no one else has claimed it, you can finally lay claim to the name.
2. Branding Your Business
Congratulations, soon-to-be entrepreneur! You have that shiny new name; now it’s time to give it some personality.
“Oh, this should be easy,” you might think, but you’re headed straight into another rabbit hole—one far deeper than Alice's adventures.
You don’t want to mimic other brands since you haven’t yet read “Steal Like an Artist.” So, you begin crafting your brand’s identity, pouring your heart into it.
But suddenly, your partner has a genius idea. Then, your dad chimes in. Soon, everyone seems to have a suggestion, even distant relatives.
If you dare to resist, prepare for the wrath of your entire lineage.
Despite the pressure, you push through and finalize your branding. Congratulations! You’ve completed 25% of your entrepreneurial journey.
3. Establishing Your Online Presence
Welcome to the next stage of your entrepreneurial saga.
You’re probably feeling drained from sleepless nights and just want to rest.
Tsk, tsk. How weak.
But you’re not just any ordinary corporate drone; you have dreams to chase.
You enlist a website developer and embark on a lengthy discussion about your vision. After hours of detailed explanations, he promises to deliver some samples in a couple of weeks.
Yet, in India, various distractions can delay your plans—national holidays, family events, and unexpected crises can stretch the timeline.
After months of waiting, the samples arrive, but they bear no resemblance to your vision.
Back to square one. Meanwhile, the logo design process brings its own set of frustrations.
Finally, after countless revisions, you find a design you love, but it’s one you initially dismissed—just in a different color.
Sigh.
But look at you—resilient and persistent.
4. Building Your Business Space
If you've made it this far, you truly have the grit to be an entrepreneur. Now, it’s time to find an office.
Searching for affordable office space that’s modern and accessible is a daunting task.
But you’re determined to honor the effort you’ve put in. You chase after various real estate agents, some of whom claim to have divine lineage.
After much effort, you finally secure a location and move on to decorating it. As you breathe in the paint fumes and create a welcoming atmosphere, you can almost see the finish line.
5. The Launch
You’re finally ready to go live!
You might not have clients yet, but you’ve got a fresh office filled with potential.
I was fortunate to have some projects lined up before launching, but if you don’t, don’t lose hope.
Your reputation is on the line; backing out now would only lead to the dreaded “I told you so” from family and friends.
Stay focused on your achievements, and keep moving forward despite the challenges.
Believe me, while anyone can start a business, only a few can navigate the hurdles and emerge as true entrepreneurs.
Congratulations! You are now an entrepreneur!
From my experience, each entrepreneurial journey is unique.
Be inspired, but always stay true to yourself.
I ran my business from 2014 until the pandemic forced me to close it.
Do I regret my decisions? Yes. Would I change my niche with hindsight? Yes. Am I starting another business soon? Absolutely!
But do I regret starting a business? Not at all!
I know I’m meant for this path, shaped by the trials of entrepreneurship.
I hope this article inspires you to take the plunge as well—or not.
But remember, stay true to yourself!
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Have a wonderful day!
God bless.