Tag: Entrepreneurship

10 Things Every Young Entrepreneur Must Do

Real advice for young entrepreneurs from a 43-year-old founder — 10 hard-earned lessons with named examples from Naval Ravikant, Jeff Bezos, MS Dhoni, Nithin Kamath, Sara Blakely, and others. The mistakes I’d undo if I could.

TL;DR. If you are a young entrepreneur in your 20s, here is what I wish someone had told me at 23. Ten things. Half of it is borrowed wisdom from people I trust — Naval Ravikant, Jeff Bezos, Paul Graham, MS Dhoni, Nithin Kamath and others. Half of it is mistakes I have made and would undo if I could. Skim the list. Read whichever section punches you in the gut. Then write to me and tell me what I got wrong.

  1. Ready. Fire. Aim. — ship before you are ready.
  2. Don’t rent your time. — build equity, not a salary. Even Pushpa did it 😀
  3. Find experiences. Chase rejections. — go where the doors are closed. They often open if you ask.
  4. Think beyond yourself. — let the work be the thing.
  5. Long-term games. Long-term people. — compounding works on friendships too. Thank you, Naval 🙂
  6. Stand on the shoulders of giants. — find mentors, be a shoulder.
  7. Sar jhukao aur kaam kar. — head down. Do the work.
  8. Build in public. — let strangers find you.
  9. Don’t play for fame. — fame is at best a tool, not a destination.
  10. Be the hero of your own story. — or you’ll be a side character in someone else’s.

A couple of friends met me earlier this week and threw a challenge at me. They said I should explore becoming a content creator. My honest pushback was — what would I even talk about? I dont know enough.

So I asked them to throw a prompt at me. They did.

The prompt: 10 things every young entrepreneur must do.

Here is my listicle. As I said — half of it is borrowed wisdom from people I respect. Naval shows up twice. Half of it is mistakes I have made and would undo if I could. If you disagree with any of this, please write in. I would love to find the gaps.

Lemme just go.

1. Ready. Fire. Aim. (Ship before you are ready.)

This one is from Silicon Valley parlance — if your first version isnt embarrassing, you shipped too late.

I have lived by it, almost to a fault. Every time I get an idea, I buy a domain, throw up a homepage, and then wait for execution to catch up. My GoDaddy account is a monument to this principle. There are some 80 domain names there. Including shipshit.in.

In a world where Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini (Gemini is free, by the way) can take you from idea to working v0 in an afternoon — what exactly are you waiting for? Nobody is going to give you permission. Just go.

Who lives by this principle? Well….

  • Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn cofounder, said it cleaner than I can — “If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” That single line is the entire ethos of the Valley.
  • Mark Zuckerberg shipped Facebook from a Harvard dorm in February 2004. The first version did almost nothing — upload a photo, write a profile, poke a stranger. It worked.
  • Brian Chesky and friends launched Airbnb in 2007 with three air mattresses in their San Francisco apartment. The first version was literally called AirBedAndBreakfast.com. Nobody asked them to ship it. They just did.
  • Nithin Kamath started Zerodha in 2010 with a single-page website and a small office in Bangalore. No funding. No fancy app. No marketing. He opened for business. Zerodha is now India’s largest broker.

The lesson is annoyingly simple. Shipping a bad v1 beats polishing a v0 that never launches.

2. Don’t rent your time. (Build equity, not a salary.)

The trap that most smart young people fall into is the high-paying job. Eight to ten hours in someone elses building, at the mercy of someone elses boss, HR, and manager. Nothing wrong with the money. The trap is more subtle.

Time is the only thing in short supply. We get seventy, eighty, maybe ninety years if we are lucky. When you are eighty, do you want fifty of those years to add up to “I clocked in on time, every day”? Maybe you do. Most people I have met who chose that path don’t, in retrospect.

The point is, avoid the mistake of fooling yourself in saying that you will build a company alongside a naukri.

Who has said this better:

  • Naval Ravikant — “You’re not going to get rich renting out your time. You must own equity — a piece of a business — to gain your financial freedom.” His How to Get Rich thread is the cleanest treatment of this idea anywhere on the internet. Read it start to finish.
  • Warren Buffett — “If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” He bought Berkshire Hathaway in 1965. He still owns it. The compounding did the rest.
  • MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) reinvests almost every dollar he earns back into his next video. He has said publicly that he does not take a traditional salary. He owns the channel, the IP, and the upside.

The lesson is simple. Trade hours for equity wherever you can. Even a 5% stake in something that works will beat a seven-figure salary over 20 years. Remember Pushpa?

3. Find experiences. Chase rejections.

Two things, but they live in the same bucket.

Find experiences means — travel if you have the money. Take on five projects in five different domains if you do not. Approach people you find interesting. Apply for jobs you have no business applying for. Cold-email the biggest founder in the country asking to intern. Hack, cold email me. Worst case — they ignore you. Most likely case — they ignore you. Best case — one rejection becomes a yes, and your life bends.

If I could undo one thing about my life, this would be high on the list. I still struggle to walk into a strangers house and be comfortable there. I cannot start a conversation with someone at the next table at Starbucks. I should fix this. I am working on it. You should not wait until you are 43 to start.

Who has done this best:

  • Jia Jiang ran “100 Days of Rejection” — he deliberately got rejected every day for 100 days. The TED talk has 12 million+ views. The book Rejection Proof (2015) came out of it. He turned a fear into a brand.
  • Tim Ferriss, in his 20s, cold-emailed every successful person he could find. Most ignored him. A few replied. Those few became The 4-Hour Workweek (2007) and Tools of Titans (2016) — two of the most-read business books of the last 20 years.
  • MS Dhoni worked as a ticket collector at Kharagpur railway station while he chased cricket trials. He got rejected at multiple zonal selections. He kept showing up. India lifted the 2011 World Cup under his captaincy.

Rejections are statistical, not personal. Stack enough of them and the math turns.

4. Think beyond yourself.

Most of us — and I am guilty of this — act as if we are the centre of our own universe. Carl Sagan’s pale blue dot is the obvious counter, but the more practical version is this. When you chase fame, validation, attention, adulation, all of it is inward-looking. The work becomes a vehicle for the chasing.

Flip it. Let the work be the primary thing. If validation follows, great. If it does not, the work still mattered. If you are building a startup, build it because someones life gets better when you ship — not because you want to be called a “founder” at dinner parties. The funny thing is, when you actually solve a problem for a lot of people, other people line up to support you anyway.

Who embodies this:

  • Jeff Bezos wrote in every Amazon shareholder letter from 1997 onwards that “it’s always Day 1” — meaning, stay obsessed with the customer, never with yourself. Amazon is now worth ~$2T.
  • Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, gave away his company in September 2022. He transferred ownership to a trust whose sole purpose is fighting climate change. The work was always the point, not the wealth.
  • Tony Hsieh built Zappos around the slogan “Delivering Happiness.” He sold it to Amazon for $1.2B in 2009 and kept his original salary of $36,000. I wish he dint go so soon 🙁

When you solve a real problem for real people, the personal upside takes care of itself.

5. Long-term games. Long-term people.

Lifted wholesale from Naval. Even at 25 — try to find people you can be friends with for the next 20 years.

Compounding is real. They call it the eighth wonder of the world for a reason. At 43, I can tell you exactly which relationships I let lapse and which jobs I left a year too early. I cannot tell you what those one-year hikes added up to.

If you are 23, build relationships you intend to maintain at 53. And — this is the bit people miss — go do whatever it takes to maintain them. Do not wait for the other person to call first.

Who has played this game best:

  • Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger — 60+ year business and intellectual partnership. Munger passed away in 2023 at 99. Buffett said his loss was “like losing a brother.” That is what 60 years looks like.
  • Bill Gates and Paul Allen — high school friends in Seattle. Founded Microsoft together in 1975. Decades of partnership before Allen left the company.

Compound interest works on friendships and reputations too. But only if you put in the work over decades, not weeks.

6. Stand on the shoulders of giants.

I have lived a large part of my life by this idea. Whatever I am standing on right now is built on the shoulders of my parents, teachers, bosses, colleagues, and a long list of people I owe.

The two-part instruction request for you.

Find mentors who will anchor you for the next 20 years (long-term games, long-term people). And, at the same time, be the shoulder for someone else. If you are 20, find someone your age and commit to being their shoulder for the next 20 years. Or find someone five years younger than you and commit to being their shoulder for the next 30.

What this does is unglamorous but priceless. When you start chasing vanity, your mentor will tell you. When you are about to take a fat salary at the wrong place, your mentor will tell you. When you stop playing the long game, your mentor will tell you. And the act of mentoring younger people forces you to think harder than you would have on your own — because the questions they ask are the questions you stopped asking yourself.

Where this comes from:

  • The phrase is most probably from Isaac Newton (1675) — “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Newton was talking about scientific work. The principle applies to careers, businesses, and lives just as well.
  • Nikhil Kamath runs WTF, a podcast that brings senior operators in conversation with younger founders. He has openly said his goal is to be a shoulder for the next generation, not a guru.

Pick a mentor. Become a mentor. Both, at the same time, no matter how old you are. The two roles teach each other.

7. Sar jhukao aur kaam karo

I saw this on someones WhatsApp status and it stayed with me. Sar jhukao aur kaam karo. Head down. Do the work.

My pet peeve: people at Starbucks who are “working” but actually spend the whole time looking at other tables, talking to strangers, getting up for the third refill. Starbucks is a workplace. If you treated those three hours like work, you would have shipped twice already.

Who treats the work like the work:

  • Jeff Bezos worked 80-100 hour weeks in the first decade of Amazon (1994-2004). He has said publicly he didnt take a single full weekend off in those years.
  • Elon Musk famously slept on the Tesla factory floor during the 2018 Model 3 production ramp. Whatever you think of him otherwise — that is what sar jhuka aur kaam kar looks like in practice.
  • Jensen Huang, the NVIDIA CEO, has said in multiple interviews that he works “every day from when I wake up to when I go to sleep, including weekends.” NVIDIA is now a $3T+ company.

Actual work, not the appearance of work, is the only input that compounds.

8. Build in public.

In my generation, building in public meant writing a blog. Today it means making videos, posting on LinkedIn, shitposting on Twitter. The medium will change again. The principle will not.

The reason it works — people you do not know, who do not know you exist, surface and offer help you did not ask for. Inputs, intros, opportunities. Every single person I have watched build in public — without exception — has found more options than they would have otherwise.

Caveat: build-in-public is the single most over-said piece of advice on the internet right now. That does not make it wrong. It just means most people repeat it without doing it. Less repeating. More doing.

Who actually does it:

  • Pieter Levels built Nomad List, Remote OK, and a dozen other products fully in public on X. He shows revenue dashboards. He shows what is breaking. He has built a $3M+ ARR portfolio as a solo founder.
  • Sahil Lavingia built Gumroad in public. He has shared revenue, layoffs, mistakes, and pivots openly since 2011. The transparency is the brand.

The leverage is not the views. The leverage is the strangers who reach out because they saw what you are working on. I do a version of this with my weekly notes, every Friday. Try it for 12 weeks. The compounding shows up around week 8.

9. Don’t play for fame.

This is uncomfortable to write because I am, right now, making content to be known by more people. But the distinction matters.

Fame as a tool — for distribution, for trust, for access to opportunities — is fine. Fame as the destination is a trap. The test — if someone stripped your name and face from your work and put it out under no name at all, would you still make it? If yes, you are working on the right thing. If no, examine what you are actually chasing.

Who has lived this:

  • Naval Ravikant — “Be famous for your work, not your name.” He has the most-quoted thread in tech history (How to Get Rich) and he still mostly stays off the conference circuit.
  • Satoshi Nakamoto built Bitcoin under a pseudonym in 2008. Disappeared in 2011. Bitcoin’s market cap is now $1T+. The creator is unknown. The work survives.
  • Banksy has made anonymous street art since the 1990s. Pieces sell for tens of millions of dollars. The art is the artist’s whole identity. There is no face.
  • John and Patrick Collison — Stripe’s founders — built infrastructure that powers a huge chunk of internet commerce. Stripe is valued at ~$90B. Most of Stripe’s customers couldn’t pick the Collisons out of a lineup.

Fame collected as a side effect of useful work is durable. Fame chased directly evaporates the moment you stop performing.

10. Be the hero of your own story.

This is the biggest lesson of the last few years for me, so I am saving it for last.

For most of my life, I have been a supporting character in other peoples stories. Useful, sometimes essential, almost never the lead. The clearest test — think of your five favourite films. Name five characters you remember. You will name the heroes. You will not remember the loyal friend who shows up in three scenes and helps the lead succeed.

You have one life. Limited time. A large objective. If you do not build your story, you will build someone elses. They will pay you well. You will be useful. The story will still be theirs.

This is the one I am still learning.

Who has lived this:

  • Joseph Campbell described it in The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949) — the hero’s journey is the universal pattern. Every culture, every century, the same arc.
  • Steve Jobs, in his 2005 Stanford commencement speech — “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
  • A.R. Rahman moved from Madras to Mumbai to London to Hollywood across three decades. He composed Slumdog Millionaire‘s score on his own terms. Won two Oscars in 2009. Indian. Specific. The hero of his own story.

Your story does not have to be globally famous. It just has to be yours. Picked by you. Driven by you. Edited by you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single most important thing a young entrepreneur should do?

Ship before you are ready. Every other principle compounds on top of having something in the world. A bad v1 in public beats a brilliant v0 in your head.

Do I need a mentor to succeed as a young entrepreneur?

Yes — and you also need to be a mentor. Both at the same time. Find someone 10 years ahead of you who anchors you. Find someone 10 years behind you who you anchor. The two-way relationship is what makes you better.

Is it bad to take a high-paying job as a young entrepreneur?

Not bad, but expensive. The opportunity cost of renting your time at 23 compounds into a different life by 43. Trade hours for equity wherever possible.

What does “build in public” actually mean?

Share your work publicly while you are doing it — on X, on LinkedIn, in newsletters, on YouTube. Not the polished output. The messy middle. The lever is the strangers who surface and offer help you didn’t ask for.

How do I find experiences as a young entrepreneur if I have no money?

You don’t need money. Take on five projects in five different domains. Cold-email people who scare you. Apply for things you have no business applying for. The currency is rejection — collect enough of them and one will turn into a yes.

Who are the best people for a young entrepreneur to follow?

Naval Ravikant for principles. Paul Graham for essays. Jeff Bezos’s shareholder letters (1997 to 2020) for customer obsession. For Indian operators — Nithin Kamath, Kunal Shah, Nikhil Kamath, Anand Mahindra. Read the ones whose work compounds. Not the ones whose follower count compounds.

Is “ready, fire, aim” the same as “move fast and break things”?

Close cousins, not identical. Ready, fire, aim is about launching before perfection. Move fast and break things is Facebook’s old engineering mantra — about iteration speed once you have launched. Use the first to start. Use the second to iterate.

If you read this far — and you disagree with anything, or you think I missed something — write to me. Email or @saurabh on X. I will read it.

Navigating the Freelancing Landscape: Insights from My Journey

Explore the ups and downs of freelancing through personal experiences and valuable lessons that can inspire your own career path.

Featured

In today’s dynamic world, freelancing offers unparalleled opportunities for those willing to take the plunge. Through my journey, filled with ups and downs, I’ve learned valuable lessons that can help aspiring freelancers navigate their own paths. Join me as I share my experiences and insights that can inspire you to start your freelancing career.

Table of Contents

🌱 A Glimpse into My Background

My journey began like many others, grounded in a mix of formal education and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Information Technology from Delhi University, and later pursued a Post Graduate Program in Management from MDI in Gurgaon. While these degrees provided a foundation, they were merely stepping stones. The real education came from life itself.

As I often say, I was taught by the “school of hard knocks.” This phrase resonates with me because it encapsulates the essence of learning through experience. In the world of freelancing, it’s not just about what you know; it’s about how you adapt and grow from your challenges.

📉 The School of Hard Knocks

The “school of hard knocks” is a term that captures the essence of my professional journey. It’s where I learned my most valuable lessons—not from textbooks, but from the trials and tribulations of real-life experiences. Every setback was a lesson in disguise, teaching me resilience and adaptability.

I often reflect on my early days in the industry, where I faced numerous challenges that tested my skills and determination. Each failure was a stepping stone, pushing me to rethink my strategies and approach. This philosophy became the cornerstone of my freelance career, reminding me that every setback is an opportunity for growth.

📈 My Professional Journey: The Ups and Downs

My professional life can best be described as an “up and down curve.” From the moment I started, I experienced rapid growth followed by significant setbacks. It’s a cycle I’ve come to accept and embrace. I’ve had three distinct peaks and valleys in my career, each shaped by my ideas and decisions.

During these ups, I found success through innovative ideas and hard work. Conversely, the downs often stemmed from the same source—my ideas. I learned that in the world of freelancing, success isn’t a straight line; it’s a winding road filled with unexpected turns. As I like to say, “The ups have happened because of my ideas, and the downs have happened because of my ideas.” It’s a continuous cycle of learning and unlearning.

🚀 From Startups to Self-Employment

Transitioning from startups to self-employment was a natural progression for me. My journey began with three startup ventures, each offering unique lessons and experiences. As I navigated the tumultuous waters of entrepreneurship, I realized that my true calling lay in self-employment.

Today, I proudly identify as a self-employed entrepreneur. My work is not about creating something entirely new; it’s about refining existing ideas and offering value in a space where many others operate. I no longer view myself as a startup person; instead, I focus on building a sustainable business that aligns with my values and aspirations.

🔄 Industry Agnostic: Learning Over Specialization

One of the most liberating realizations in my career has been the notion of being industry agnostic. I believe that the ability to learn new skills quickly is far more valuable than being pigeonholed into one specific area. My diverse experiences across various sectors have equipped me with a unique perspective and a versatile skill set.

In my view, it’s not about being the best in one field; it’s about being adaptable and open to learning. Whether it’s mastering a new marketing strategy or delving into a different industry, I approach each challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity. This mindset has not only broadened my horizons but also enriched my freelance career.

🌟 Inspiration: Beyond the Conventional

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. For me, it has shifted over the years. Initially, figures like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs fueled my ambition. Their stories of innovation and success ignited a spark within me, pushing me to dream big.

However, as my journey evolved, I found inspiration in the everyday hustle of individuals who, like me, are navigating the complexities of freelancing. The resilience of fellow freelancers, their stories of grit and determination, and their unwavering commitment to their craft motivate me to keep pushing forward.

As I often reflect, “The act of making money is not just about the end goal; it’s about the journey and the community you build along the way.” This belief drives me to connect with others, share insights, and inspire those who are just starting out on their freelancing journey.

📚 The Importance of Learning from Others

One of the most profound realizations I’ve had is that my journey has been deeply influenced by the wisdom and experiences of others. As I often say, “Every single thing I own today has happened to me because of the kindness of strangers.” This philosophy underpins my approach to both personal and professional growth.

In the freelancing world, it’s vital to recognize that no one operates in a vacuum. Whether it’s through mentorship, collaboration, or even casual conversations, we can learn invaluable lessons from those around us. I remember sitting with my mentor and discussing ideas that would eventually lead to the founding of C4E. If he hadn’t been there to guide me, I might not be where I am today.

Learning from others isn’t just about absorbing information; it’s about understanding different perspectives. It’s about acknowledging that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and by doing so, we can build something even greater. The key is to remain open and receptive to those lessons, no matter where they come from.

🌍 Embracing Change: The Explorer Mindset

When I think about my journey, I often identify as an explorer rather than a traditional founder or leader. As I once quoted Derek Sivers, “I am an explorer.” This mindset has allowed me to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience. Change is the only constant in freelancing, and embracing it can lead to unexpected opportunities.

In my experience, being adaptable is crucial. The ability to pivot, to try new things, and to explore different avenues can make all the difference in your freelancing career. Like the wise young woman who said, “I go where my vibes take me,” I’ve learned to trust my instincts and follow the paths that feel right, even if they diverge from my original plan.

Each project, each client, and each experience adds to my toolkit. I’ve come to appreciate that the journey of freelancing is about exploration—discovering new skills, meeting diverse individuals, and pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone.

🤝 Paying It Forward: The Philosophy Behind My Actions

Paying it forward is a philosophy I hold dear. It stems from the understanding that I owe my successes to the generosity of others. As I often reflect, “There is no way I can pay them back, so I found a way of paying it forward.” This realization has shaped my approach to not only my work but my interactions with others.

Every kindness I’ve received has inspired me to extend that same kindness to others. I learned this concept from a character named Jack Reacher, who embodies the spirit of paying it forward. It’s a simple yet powerful idea: when you receive help, you pass it on to someone else in need.

This philosophy drives me to create structured programs that encourage others to share their knowledge and experiences. Since 2017, I’ve been actively working to instill this mindset within my community, ensuring that the cycle of kindness continues. When we uplift one another, we create a ripple effect that can lead to transformative change.

🌱 Building a Legacy: The Importance of Mentorship

Mentorship has been a game-changer in my life. I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible individuals who have shaped my career. In turn, I feel a responsibility to mentor others. As I often say, “If Rajesh did not invest in me, I wouldn’t be investing in others.” This debt of gratitude propels me to give back.

Mentorship is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about creating a supportive environment where others can thrive. I’ve seen firsthand how a little guidance can lead to significant breakthroughs. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching or group workshops, I strive to share the lessons I’ve learned along my journey.

Building a legacy is about ensuring that the next generation of freelancers has the tools and support they need to succeed. It’s about fostering a community that values collaboration and growth. When we invest in others, we not only enrich their lives but also create a stronger, more connected network.

🤝 Creating Value Through Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of freelancing. In a world saturated with competition, the ability to work together can set you apart. I’ve found that the most rewarding projects often come from partnerships where each party brings unique strengths to the table.

By collaborating, we can create value that exceeds what we could achieve alone. Whether it’s teaming up with fellow creatives on a project or pooling resources for a common goal, collaboration opens doors to new possibilities. As I often emphasize, it’s not just about creating something new; it’s about refining existing ideas and enhancing them together.

In my journey, I’ve met incredible individuals who have inspired me to think differently. Each collaboration has taught me the importance of leveraging collective knowledge and skills. The relationships built through collaboration often lead to long-term partnerships that can significantly impact our careers.

✍️ The Power of Writing in My Journey

Writing has been a powerful tool in my journey. It began during a phase when I found myself with ample time and a desire to create. I started penning down my thoughts, which eventually evolved into letters that I shared with others. These letters were a way to connect, to express ideas, and to inspire.

As I reflect on that period, I realize that writing serves multiple purposes. It’s a means of self-expression, a way to clarify my thoughts, and a method to document my journey. Each word penned has been a stepping stone toward greater understanding and connection with others.

In the freelancing world, writing can be a significant asset. Whether it’s through blogs, newsletters, or social media posts, sharing your insights can build your brand and attract opportunities. I encourage everyone to embrace writing as a tool for growth and connection. The stories we tell can resonate with others, inspiring them to embark on their own journeys.

💡 Why My Work Matters: The Impact of Sharing

In the world of freelancing, sharing isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. As I often say, “Each thing in my life is exactly in the same space.” This interconnectedness is vital not only for personal growth but also for building a community. When we share our work, insights, and experiences, we open doors for collaboration and innovation.

However, I’ve noticed a gap. People often appreciate my work, yet they hesitate to share it with their networks. It’s crucial to bridge this gap. If you find something valuable, don’t just keep it to yourself. Share it! Your recommendation can be the catalyst for someone else’s journey.

This philosophy extends to all aspects of my work. Whether it’s through my letters, podcasts, or workshops, I strive to create content that resonates with others. The impact of sharing is exponential; one small act can influence many lives. Remember, “The act of making money is not just about the end goal; it’s about the journey and the community you build along the way.”

🧗‍♂️ Navigating Challenges: Learning from Failures

Failure is an inevitable part of the freelancing journey. As I’ve navigated my path, I’ve faced numerous challenges that tested my resolve. Each setback has been a lesson, shaping my approach to work and life. I often reflect, “If I knew what had to be changed, I would have changed it myself.” This realization has taught me the importance of seeking help and collaboration.

For instance, there have been times when I partnered with individuals who didn’t share my vision. The experience was frustrating, but it highlighted the necessity of aligning values. As I learned, “I want to be sure about who I work with because they end up wasting time.” This insight has been invaluable, guiding my choices in partnerships and projects.

Moreover, maintaining momentum is essential. I’ve seen how delays can derail progress. As one of my collaborators wisely pointed out, “If you stop them from moving, it just delays and then stops.” Keeping things in action, even on tough days, is crucial for success.

⚡ The Importance of Momentum in Freelancing

Momentum is the lifeblood of a successful freelance career. It’s not just about starting strong; it’s about maintaining that energy. Each project, each client interaction is an opportunity to build on your previous successes. I often say, “You have to keep the momentum going.” If you let things stagnate, you risk losing the drive that fuels your creativity.

In my experience, staying connected with clients and collaborators is key. Regular check-ins, updates, and discussions can keep the fire alive. When I work with someone, I aim to establish a relationship that feels like a long-term partnership. As I’ve learned, “Think of it as a long-term transaction.” This mindset fosters trust and encourages ongoing collaboration.

Each small win contributes to a larger narrative. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem. They serve as building blocks for future endeavors. Remember, “Keep things in action,” and you’ll find yourself moving forward, even when the path is unclear.

🌈 Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues

As I reflect on my journey so far, I recognize that it’s an ongoing process of growth and learning. The freelancing landscape is ever-evolving, and so am I. I often remind myself, “The day I make it, you will know.” This keeps me grounded and focused on my goals.

Every experience, whether positive or negative, adds to my tapestry of knowledge. I have not reached my destination yet, but I am committed to the journey. My work is not just about personal success; it’s about uplifting others along the way. I believe in paying it forward, ensuring that my journey contributes to the paths of others.

So, if you’re considering freelancing, remember that it’s not merely about the destination. Embrace the journey, learn from your failures, and keep pushing forward. Your story is unique, and it has the power to inspire others. Let’s navigate this landscape together!

❓ FAQ: Common Questions About Freelancing

  • What skills do I need to start freelancing?
    While specific skills depend on your niche, strong communication, time management, and adaptability are essential. Continuous learning is key in a freelance career.
  • How do I find clients?
    Networking, social media, and freelance platforms are great starting points. Don’t hesitate to share your work and seek referrals.
  • What should I charge for my services?
    Research industry standards and evaluate your experience. It’s essential to set rates that reflect your skills while remaining competitive.
  • How do I manage my time effectively?
    Establish a routine, set clear goals, and use productivity tools to stay organized. Time management is crucial for maintaining momentum.
  • What if I face rejection?
    Rejection is a part of the journey. Learn from it, adapt, and keep moving forward. Every setback can lead to a greater opportunity.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need guidance on your freelancing journey. I’m here to help!

This article was created from the video Deeksha AK and SG with the help of AI.

Untitled 31 Mar 2023

No context post with no specific intent. Just practising my typing.

It’s 6 AM on a Friday. And the regular crowd shuffles in.

Today is the last day of the financial year and as someone that has built a life surrounded by work, I think this is a time to pause and reflect on how the year gone by was. And what would I want to do in the next.

PS: This is an exercise that I would typically want to do at the end of the calendar year (and I do – I make lofty goals (see this) and then I miss those by a large margin) but since the last few months have been like a whirlwind, I just did not get the time to sit, pause, think, reflect, act. So I am merely doing this after three months!

Wait. The post is not about the year gone by. Or the plan for the future. It’s about what I plan to do right now as I let my mind wander and I type out those wanderings.

Lets see what I end up writing. I will write for exactly 45 mins. It’s 6:10 now. And I will stop at 6:55 or post that.

1/ Oil pulling is not that bad.

I recently started with it. I am not a regular but as soon as I wake up, most days I wake up, pee, rinse my mouth and pull oil. I dont know why it’s called pulling cos all you do is take a spoonful of oil and swirl it around your mouth and then spit it out.

No, it’s not as yucky as it sounds.

Plus I’ve had bad teeth (I can’t eat from the right side of my jaw – cavities) and I dont like to go to the doctor. So, I am trying these desi nuskhas.

So that.

2/ Piano Man

Billy Joel’s masterpiece continues to be the track that I really wish I had written.

3/ Personal Branding

More I talk to people, more I think I need to help people build their personal brands. Heck, I want to build mine first.

While I know the tenets (I wrote this guide to personal branding before it was even a word), the inputs, I dont know what causes someone’s brand to blow up or not. I mean I’ve been doing everything that I would recommend to others (posting consistently, adding value, picking a niche (I have stayed away from this for the longest but I am now tending towards a few things), taking help from ghostwriters and all that).

But I haven’t been able to scale mine. Not sure how I would scale it for others.

Thoughts?

4/ Money / Financial duress

It’s payday and today is the first time when I would miss paying my people on time. I haven’t been able to because all my money is locked in some stupid project and I dont know what to do about it. I mean I will get it back sometime in May but it will make me miss the payments.

So, sad.

5/ WordPress

I need to find a way to get someone really cool that knows how to do magic on WordPress. I do have a friend that does my WordPress things for me but he’s no magician. He’s good. He gets things done. But he’s not someone that I could just say, “kar de” and magic happens.

In a creative business, you need to be able to write well, design well, code well (not a facebook kind of webapp but basic, simple pages) and communicate well. I think I’ve been able to achieve all these but code.

Writing I can do. I have C for that. Prak. Others. I am lucky that I can communicate fairly ok. With design, TBH, luckily I have been able to manage it with Canva, V, AK (please subscribe to her newsletter), some freelancers and others. But with code, I dont know.

Any help? Tips?

6/ Growing up

The other day I met a new friend who’s also a client. Let’s call him Z. So Z sees me at work and in life in general. And I’d like to believe that he knows me well.

The other day, he told me a few things that have literally shaken me. Lemme make a list of those. In no order.

  • Significant other – the world knows I dont have one significant other. I have close friends, business partners and my team. Z said that at the age of 40, it’s cool to be a vagabond and all that but as I grow old and I am no longer surrounded by people that I care for (they will have their own life eventually), I will not know what to do.
  • Entrepreneurship – ever since I can remember, I have wanted to blow my trumpet and row my boat (preferably a yacht and if not that, then a dinghy for sure). I think I’ve been doing that since 2014 now. Plus, freedom is the number 1 value I chase (thanks Ankesh for helping me reach this expression). Now, Z tells me that he does not see an entrepreneur in me. And I take his words seriously. He is after all a man who knows how to spot people!
  • Grooming – everyone knows my lack of attention and focus on how I dress and how I look. I remain unkept. I refuse to wear shoes. I am bad to a point that security often doesn’t let me into my own building complex! Z is of the opinion that I must be better.

He called me, “The most unorganised organised person in the world” and I think I agree. I need to remove this un-organization from life.

Anyhow.

The point is, in his eyes, at the age of 40, I am a failure. And while I may feel like that deep inside but I may not want to agree. I have been able to reach a point in life where I find enough work and money to survive. I am at a place where I choose how I spend my days. And while it may not be creating a far-reaching impact anywhere, I think I am at a great place in my head.

7/ Calendaring

I have 6 calendars that I manage on a day-to-day basis. And I am unable to manage all of those. There is no app that I can do a two-way sync with. Especially when they are on different platforms (Gsuite and Microsoft Teams). Any tips for that?

8/ Startup

I really really really really really… infinite times want to do and experience something that scales. To a billion people at least. If not more. You know, think Facebook. 4 BILLION people use it. Think Paytm. Almost a billion users. Think mobile phones. 4 billion. Modi. 1.4 billion. SRK. More than 1.4 billion. I can go on!

I have to have to have to think of something like that. I have no clue what it’s going to be. But I need to find something. I have been in this stage since I was a child. This discovery. I need to find a problem statement and move on.

And no, I dont want to do this because I will make money while I do that. I want to do this to be able to experience what it is like to manage that many people with that kind of width and move an entire company in one direction. I want to chase that experience of uncertainty, I want to know what it is like to lose sleep over lives of so many people. I want to know the bliss that you probably get once you’ve made that dent!

Come on, universe! Can you NOT see my desperation? And hunger? And the pain at the inability to do this? 🙁

—

Oh, its 6:55 and I think I’ve run out of steam.
Plus I need to get ready and get going.
More later.
Dunno when.

Over and out.