Most Indian startups are betting big on technology before securing a customer base. This is a rookie mistake that can lead to a quick demise. You don’t need to be the next Paytm or Byju’s to understand the dangers of pouring resources into tech without first ensuring there’s a market that cares. …
Most Indian founders are sitting on a goldmine and don’t even know it. I’m talking about the alumni networks of your alma mater. Yes, the very same institutions you might have cursed for their outdated curriculums and bureaucratic red tape. But here’s a truth you can’t ignore: alumni networks are…
Most Indian startups that dabble in crowdsourced innovation quickly find themselves lost in a quagmire of inefficiencies and unmet expectations. You’re not alone if you’ve gone down this path and ended up with a mixed bag of results. The harsh truth? Crowdsourced innovation is not a silver bullet…
Ignoring the unionization trends in India isn’t just naïve—it’s a ticking time bomb. If you’re a startup founder brushing off the potential of unionization affecting your employee relations, you’re setting yourself up for a massive blow. Let’s face it: the Indian workforce isn’t what it used to b…
Most Indian founders are wasting their time chasing large social media followings. If you think a million followers equals startup success, you’re fooling yourself. Social media is a mirage. It’s the fake Rolex of startup metrics: shiny and impressive from afar, but utterly worthless under scruti…
In 2022, a staggering 87% of startup funding in India flowed into the metro cities of Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR. Yet, these cities only account for 50% of India’s startup activity. If your Indian startup is focused solely on metros, you’re blind to where the real growth is happening. It’s …
Most founders I encounter are terrified of selling. They think it’s all about charm or slick pitches. It’s not. The truth is, you need to master the basics first, finding that first customer who will actually pay you. This series is a collection of hard-earned lessons from watching real founders …
This chapter emphasizes that everyone is already involved in selling, particularly tech founders. It highlights the importance of intentional selling and learning from each sales experience. Quick Summary You are already selling, so learn to do it on purpose. Do the first sales yourself and learn…
This chapter provides a concise guide for sales conversations, focusing on preparation, execution, and follow-up. It is useful for anyone looking to improve their sales skills. Quick Summary Prepare by identifying the customer, their needs, key questions, and next steps. During the meeting, focus…
This chapter of the ‘How to Sell: The Key to Success’ series guides founders through their first ten customer calls. It emphasizes learning from customer interactions rather than rushing to sell. Quick Summary The goal of the first ten calls is to identify key issues, not to secure sales. In call…
