This is the definition when you look up for entrepreneur on internet. “Taking on financial risks” is extremely important here.
Today again a very dear friend of mine started talking to me about how he wants to start “something”, what is this “something”? No, he has no clue about it, but he wanted to know what is trending. He started his talk by asking me “can someone start a startup without money?” And then, there was an interesting conversation which followed. I have copied the whole conversation which I had on Facebook. He has a lot of questions and doubts on being an entrepreneur. My purpose to post the conversation here is to clear out his confusion with crowd sourcing. Please help him clear his mind, that entrepreneurship is a noble idea.
Here’s the conversation I had, with my friend. I am posting it here just because I think it is an interesting read. 🙂 And, for the purpose of simplifying the talk, I have removed and formatted certain messages.
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Wanapreneur: Can someone start a startup without money?
Me: yes…you don’t need money to start. You need focus and commitment
Wanapreneur: I know it’s more about idea, I am fed up with job but have no money
Me: You don’t need money to start.
Wanapreneur: Also, to avert risk, I want to try something along with my current job and then gradually move
Me: But, remember to graduate soon. Have a timeline in your mind… or else it’ll never happen
Wanapreneur: ok
Me: The comfort of a job and the salary at the end of the month is enough to seduce you, never to start
Wanapreneur: I know, can you suggest some good sites for startup gyans
Wanapreneur: I know its originality that matters…but still such site helps
Me: I will help you as much as I can
Wanapreneur: I know and I can always bug you. But you have other engagements too
Me: There’s no website which can help you however… if you want… join us at www.therodinhoods.wpengine.com
Wanapreneur: I am there but did not find it that good
Me: That’s the only place I am on. Hmmm…start with your idea…start with writing a concept note
Wanapreneur: ok, I am too confused. Everything I think of, after giving second thought looks too difficult and confusing to me
Me: No… The Job and salary looks easy, and that’s the truth
Wanapreneur: yes…. if I think the other way, you are right. It seems difficult coz salary on 31st looks easy
Me: so this is what you have to overcome
Wanapreneur: what are the things that are trending outside India?
I may sound like class XII chap asking which book to study to get into IIT
Me: Your idea should not be based on what’s trending. It should be based on the problems. So think of problems you face and would really want to fix it
Wanapreneur: you are right, but does that approach works in India? It’s more of what market needs then what I like. I loved to study literature, but computer science was trending. I studied it. I at least have a job
Me: Nahi toh hospital ya school khol lo… khub chalega… trending bhi hai 🙂
Wanapreneur: ha ha ha ha. Trust me, that’s in my list, but after few years. But from my journey from present till there, for next 5-7 years, I want to start something which not only gets me rid of this job, but also gives me money to start it
Me: Gangs of Wassepur dekha hai?
Wanapreneur: nahi
Me: Dekh lo. Usme ek bada sundar sa dialog hai.. “Beta tum rahne do… Tumse na ho payega”
Wanapreneur: ha ha ha ha
Me: Not joking… you need to have the attitude to become an entrepreneur in the first place… an attitude to solve a problem… an attitude to become a hustler. You’d need to be thick skinned. Jab kisi ko kuchh bechne jaoge aur wo tumhe time dekar khud nahi aayega toh tumhe achha nahi lagega
Wanapreneur: yes, I will get depressed. I feel bad, even if people disconnect my phone
Me: Do your job…invest well.. Save money. And, when you have enough start a school and then take it from there. Till then stick to your job
Wanapreneur: well……. your analysis is right.
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Well, that was the end of our conversation. He promised to get back to me after his confusion is over and he is more convinced about shelving his well paying and comfortable job.
My purpose of posting this conversation here is to get him out of the confusion. Since all (or most) of us are entrepreneurs here I am sure many of us will relate to things being talked here. Please help him with your comments!