Turning 4 is not exciting, it is more thought provoking. I am not comfortable in my shoes this year and while I am trying to figure out the Happy feelings across, deep inside my heart & mind pokes me – Have I reached where I wished to? I wonder again and again!

And then the answer comes – No, I am slow and should have been a level ups. But you know what, I am happy! Happy because during these 4 years, there were times – when holding back was difficult, when the best of friends recommended a job, when business was hopeless, when pressures build on and on. And I am happy for those times tested my faith, given certain circumstances – I might look like an impractical dreamer who is crazy enough to see what all eyes can see. All those (what next) moments were weak moments and introduced my stronger self to me.

Entrepreneurship is not easy and it is certainly a Crazy thing. And you have to be crazy enough to know that, if this makes you happy you must stick to it.

Since it is the 4^th birthday note, I thought to write about the 4 most important things I learnt so far. There is much more learning which I have been sharing on my blog.My last years post was about – What Winning must be like?  But for this one, I am limiting it to the significant four.

Mindset of Belief & Progress

The foremost requirement is to believe in what you started. If you believe in it, pretty soon you will find others who believe in you and hence your venture. Belief pulls respect and respect for what we do – drives us forward.

And I also realized that if we believe in our idea, we should constantly work on making it a better one. Sometimes, it might not be the best one, tweaking it or changing it won’t do any harm. It only shows – you are a progressive entrepreneur and you believe in growth and your self-belief coupled with a progressive mind set will always help.

I remember, how I had decided in the very first year that I will choose my words carefully and that is why, whenever I was asked about how I am doing. Surviving or struggling – my answer was – ‘30TH FEB is progressing’.  Something like this shows belief & faith.

Mentoring

All these years, I have had some real lows & blows 😉 These were the shaking times, sometimes operations were going out of control, sometimes my team issues cropped and there were times, when I was in a fix because I was not able to handle the pressure.

Having a mentor helps in boosting the confidence levels, they keep us up. They encourage us to keep walking & stop worrying. They are the ones – who remind us that mistakes shall be taken as lessons and not the end.

It isn’t easy to follow the heart, not many do it in life. A mentor is that one person who will tell you to follow your heart and sometimes will remind you that success is not everything, doing what you love is. And one failure does not mean a full stop, it is just a comma.

Thank you Mohit for being around J

Right Mindset & Growth Orientation

Right Mindset comes with a lot of confidence. And confidence is required as you are your prime brand ambassador. People will only subscribe to your brand, hire you – if you are confident about your offering.  Be it the clients or your team – everyone is directly related to the right mindset.

Growth Orientation is good as it helps in keeping the business focus. If you are growth oriented you will find yourself always hungry to learn more, to explore the markets and the customers. Keeping growth in mind keeps the entrepreneur on toes and the more one is exposed the better one turns.

Honesty & Transparency coupled with a Well-timed Business Approach

Honesty in work ethics really works well.  If you think you are not very well capacitated and might not be able to give results, say NO. What matters is credibility in whatever we do. If you are not honest with yourself and your clients – you can go high but for going far, honesty & transparency will only help.

Avoid making false promises; do not offer extra work in excitement and in lieu of long term/repetitive work commitments. Value time as for an entrepreneur- time is money. I have learned this as I am no more into free consultation and free suggestions – it won’t add any value to the business and not even to your personal brand. Also timed business approach will lead you in gaining advantage – be it working on your business development strategy, your marketing, service adds or people. Plan it and see the results.

***

Since, I mentioned in the start of this post, I will keep it brief. But most importantly, keep the positive people around you. That doesn’t mean – who always talk positive but those who believe in you, your business, who are vocal is guiding you and suggesting you. I call them friends. Spare sometime to talk, meet & connect often. It helps the health of your business.

And like I said, this post intends to share our happiness with you. We are small but we are progressing. And to mark the progress, I am happy to share that we are going Digital. Our Services now include – Digital Social and Digital Mobile together with the Brand Consulting & Design services.

Thank you for being around for celebrating the 4^th year and I am sure there are many more to go.

Stay tuned to witness many more, Obviously Different Ideaz @30TH FEB