National Start-Up Day

18th Jan 2025

It was National Startup Day on the 16th of January. After a long fight between my heart and brain, my heart convinced my brain to write this. A little about that first:

Brain: It's been only three years. You have never entitled it to a start-up, and you do not have the turnover to prove it to be one. Why are you pretending to be a shark in the tank of entrepreneurship?

Heart: So what? You always write what you feel. It gives a liberating feeling.

Brain: That's okay. Even if you write, I don't think it would be worth posting or sharing.

Heart: Why?

Brain: Who will read it? Your idea of business is so different, unconventional and it does not yield profits. Nobody is going to pay heed to what she says.

Heart: What about those women who think to come out of their comfort zone and want to give their ideas one last attempt?
What about those businesses that may be making profits but are lacking values and are not able to figure out why? And then..

Brain: Okay, fine! Whatever I say, she will write this anyway. Let her write then I will decide whether it can be posted or not. Go on.

This battle was real and too personal to share, but it is what it is. I am not sure who will be helped through this blog, but like I say, even if one person is benefitted, it is my win.

1) No matter how close a friend is, doesn't matter if they are your family member, make peace with the fact that NO ONE will be as passionate as you about your venture. (Unless they are paid for it, well in that case also, if they find a better option they will leave! So, even in that case, it's not applicable.)

2) Whenever you feel like giving up, go back to remembering why you started it in the first place.

3) SHOWING UP is the only thing that counts. No one is bothered to hear your side of the story. The only thing that matters is you deliver what you promise. Even if you are unable to make it in the promised time, try to convert that as well. You either have to do it or YOU HAVE TO DO IT. There is no other way.

4) Some things may not work today, but if your instinct says, try it again with a different approach with a time gap. We mess up with timings, unfortunately. Too early or too late, we learn that with time only.

5) Some doors are to be closed with a loud thud and checking twice if they got closed well or are slightly open. The rest of the doors are to be left as they are, neither open nor closed. Time will decide what needs to be done with those doors. Or, even better, you decide that with time. Some grudges can't be held permanently.



6): Whenever you sense a compromise in values sneaking in, step backward. Not being able to make money is one guilt, not living up to your words is an integrity issue. Conscience of noble souls eats them differently if they trade their integrity.

7) You may prepare for backup, but remember you may have to be one as well. Know everything inside out about your business. Even the loopholes.

8) Keep the communication crystal clear, whether within the team, with partners, collaborators, clients, or anyone else. Keep it simple and crystal clear.

9) Invest in people. The returns are unbelievable and recurring.

10) Learn to say NO with a DONUT and prefer that pinch of salt when you feel the need.

And the last one, which is unsaid and I am not counting it, because a business or no business, patience is something you need to inculcate, build, multiply, and cherish. Things take their due course of time and will only happen when they are supposed to happen.
My idea of business, as many call it, would be different, but is definitely not wrong. I work hard and see to it that both parties equally benefit from whatever they sign up for.
Entrepreneurship is not easy, but it isn't hard either. 😊