Last Saturday was a great day for a few entrepreneurs in Delhi as we all got to attend the Rodinhoods event in the presence of the RODINHOOD himself. It was a two hour session of learning, relearning and unlearning a lot of things. The event also allowed us to see that how Delhi entrepreneur ecosystem has evolved over years with so many people attending it.
I had asked my childhood friend, who is working in cushy private job, to attend this event as he is new in town and the event might help him to connect with a few people who might interest him or possibly push him to pursue his own idea. After the event was over, he asked me.” I can think of one or two take-aways from the event as I met some people but what are yours?”
At that point in time, I told him that I came across some great ideas, met great people and above all, got the chance of listening and meeting Alok Sir. That’s enough for me. 🙂
He replied “No, that can’t be all. There should be specific take-aways at such events. The things you said can happen at any event, so what is so special about Rodinhoods?
I tried making some points and then our discussion diverted to something else. On my way back home,I was not satisfied with my answer so I kept on thinking about the right answer. I have to come back with a good answer not for me but for the sake of Rodinhooders event being considered as just another networking event.
So this is what I learnt from the Saturday event:
Social is not just hip but it is also happening
Social for us is just not being on social networks but as I saw on Saturday, there is a much larger need which people wanted to fulfil – a role of change maker towards the society. After listening to Mr. Sanjay Kadaveru of Action for India, I saw almost everyone present reaching out to him and showing interest to do something for the society, as I understood many had similar plans along with their commercial plans. I am hoping to see some more ‘Socialprenuers’ made during the event.
Consistent Will power is needed to drive your entrepreneurial vehicle
Akshay from Indian Backpackers shared the usual story that happens with anyone trying to start on his own i.e. parents want you to choose the obvious jobs, market not ready etc. But what I learnt is consistency and will power have the ability to turn your dream into reality.
Relationships are forever
Got to know an amazing but yet unheard concept of departedlife.com. The idea is to know about our elders after they have departed from earth. It is a very dear thought and I am sure many will be benefited with this platform.
Khane main Khazana
Eatlo has already been covered by various newspapers so I don’t think I will be able to do any justice to this great idea of getting foodies to share a common platform for their love for food. I just want to repeat what Alok Sir said, “If you can find a common thread which binds people, in this case food you might as well be able to do wonders through it. You can create a forum, a network and achieve great heights with a thought through idea and implmentation.”
Tying the loyalty knot
Earning loyal customers is a real problem which gives most of the marketers in India sleepless nights. We had two entrepreneurs working on the same idea, one with a great offline attack and other with a good online defence. As both ideas are great, I hope they are going to change the loyalty programs for better.
Every idea has a market but you just got to know the right customers
There was someone who shared his start-up idea, a Bollywood related Hindi content site which he was unsure about gaining stand. But, Alok Sir offered immediate support and surely we will be soon reading great things about them. Ideas certainly have markets but before implementing any idea, you have to do the obvious due diligence in terms of market research or customer need or it can end up as a failure.
Promising Youngistan
We also had a 20 year old Rodinhooder who shared his story of evolution from just another teenager to becoming a responsible citizen cum entrepreneur. I am sure many of the people listening to him were thinking “Whoa!!! Started working at 15, already worked with international NGOs at 20, working on waste management programs – What were we doing at that age??” Our younger generation seems to be promising for sure.
Art of Beliving
We always have at some point of time in our lives lost the belief in things, in us and even our idea. I am blessed that I am empowered with that sense of belief and lot of examples to see that believing is living. JGD
Some fellow believers
Above all, it was the sheer presence of so many like-minded people, flow of energy cum enthusiasm which made it a meet up to remember.
PS- I apologize for not been able to remember names of all who shared their incredible ideas and stories but thanks for the motivation and learnings.
asha chaudhry
WOW!
amit… the perfect morning surprise read for me! thank you so much for sharing what you have. i had no clue that EATLO was there!!!!!! [and i’ve exchanged no less than 70 emails with gurpreet before and after the event!!!!]
awesomely expressed. perfect subheads. “art of believing” is my fav.
i shall look fwd to many such posts in the near future.
welcome to therodinhoods amit!!
this post has a lingering flavour and i’m sure i’m not the only one who feels this way… i won’t be surprised if others are inspired to attend or write after reading your take away.
cheers!
🙂
Amit Mishra
Thanks for the kind words, Asha!!!
I am happy that you liked it and hope the other Rodinhooders will too. I am not a writer but I think its just the sheer presence and motivation of the many innovators I met that evening, that I was able to come with this.
Thanks again everyone present at the event making it so memorable. 🙂
Cheers
Rahul Suri
Amit What a heading you have used for http://www.departedlife.com “Relationships are forever” Thanx buddy ! Good writing.
Alok Rodinhood Kejriwal
wow. just wow. jai gurudev.
Anurag Rastogi
Wow, I see the signs of a revolution…
Delhi folks, please announce the events a bit in advance so that people from nearby cities can make plans…
Mitesh Muley
Nice summary of the takeaways from the meet.
Anamika Joshi
Great one Amit. Thanks for penning it down for all of us who were present there.. Your writing has made the aroma of the evening linger with us for a long time to come.
As I reached late (unfortunately), I couldn’t listen to Mr. Sanjay Kadaveru. The learnings and unlearnings were great and to hear to THE RODINHOOD and other fellow entrepreneurs definitely did wonders to our thoughts..
Kudos for the effort!
Nidhi Kukreja
delightful summary of an inspiring event…
Amit Mishra
Thanks Rahul, I went through the same trauma 10 years back when I lost my mother so certainly understand the intent behind your initiative. God Bless and Good Luck.. 🙂
Amit Mishra
The revolution is already started, Anurag. Now,It needs more people to support and take it to the next level
We do post all the events which happens in Delhi so please do watch out for the next one under events section here or on the facebook Page
Amit Mishra
Thanks Mitesh
Amit Mishra
Thanks Anamika.. there was so much positive enterprenuerial energy in that room that anyone would get motivated listening to all those tales.
Amit Mishra
Thanks Nidhi.
Hareesh KG
fully agree with you on this
Gurpreet Singh Tikku
Asha…..Eatlo was not there………
Its Just that Deepak J Sharma mentioned Eatlo to Alok Sir, and asked me to share the concept as I am a Patron. So, I cleared that its not my Idea and then shared the Theory/Concept behind it.
Gurpreet Singh Tikku
Amit….A Wonderful initiative…….Loved the way you have churned the session and have shared the Butter (Key Take Aways) with us.
Your write-up will be cherished for all and I will keep coming back to it, to Re-Learn.
Deepak Sharma
Super Awesome…
Amit Mishra
Thanks Gurpreet Bhai!! that evening certainly was worth attending and sharing..
Hope we are able to get some more action in Delhi. 🙂
Amit Mishra
Thanks Deepak. 🙂