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
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.