Lessons learnt along the way
Childhood: Entrepreneurial journey begins
I was an entrepreneur since childhood. I had a small library in my house in Mumbai at age 12 during a 2-year stint in India. Kids in my housing society used to pay for monthly membership and rent one comic or book at a time. I also had a custom stamp made which I stamped inside the publications. It worked for a few months before my mother shut down my business (probably due to my falling grades, I am guessing).
Fast forward to the mid-80s when I stumbled upon a magical device called a computer at a friend’s house. This friend was a rich kid who had all the cool gadgets, and seeing that computer instantly sparked a desire in me to have one of my own. However, convincing my father to buy me a computer was no easy task. He had just started his first business venture, and every dirham counted.
1986 – My First Personal Computer
After countless tantrums and persuasive arguments, I finally got my hands on my very first PC in 1986. It was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum PC, a small wonder that I proudly connected to my living room TV. If any of you remember this gem, please comment below! With its 48K Ram memory and no hard disk, I used to upload games or software using a tape player connected to the PC. The screeching noises it made were music to my ears. That’s when my love affair with computers and all things digital began, and the joy I felt using that device is still etched in my memory.
Enter the Commodore 64
In a time devoid of online networks and social media, the Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) were the closest thing to the internet. These systems offered limited connectivity, allowing users to exchange messages and files. While I won’t delve into the details, you can explore the fascinating history of BBS on your own. However, it’s worth imagining the challenges I faced as a young entrepreneur trying to navigate the world of technology without the modern conveniences, we take for granted today.
Sales & Marketing: Pre-Internet Era
During the mid 80s, my father ran a small startup that dealt with ship spare parts and pumps. Sales and marketing were far from easy for him. Back then, sales and marketing were a whole different ball game.
- Television and radio ads were expensive, and only larger businesses could afford them (even now).
- Newspaper classifieds were an option, but they lacked the impact of quarter-page or full-page ads.
- Reliance on physical client visits, cold calls, telex (remember that?)
- Sending marketing flyers through fax machines.
The older generation had it tough, but they persevered.
Summer Vacations: Firsthand learning
My summer vacations were spent assisting my father, typing pricing quotations on a typewriter, or performing other admin work in his office. This firsthand experience working with my father taught me valuable business skills and also instilled in me the principles of hard work, honesty and transparency that has guided us through 38 years of successful business operations.
People often wonder how our family business has thrived for so many years. The answer lies in a combination of factors mentioned above. Hard work, transparency, honesty, consistency, and planning have played pivotal roles in our sustained success. Moreover, the maxim “minding your own business” encapsulates the essence of focused entrepreneurship and dedication to one’s craft.
The Future Unveiled
A Computer Engineer Selling Pumps? Some readers may be curious about my career as a computer engineer selling pumps. Rest assured, the answer to this intriguing question will be revealed in future articles, where I will delve into the dynamic paths my life has taken, merging technology and business in unexpected ways.
Conclusion
As I wrap up this article, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the journey I’ve embarked upon in the world of technology.
From the humble beginnings of a Sinclair ZX Spectrum to the present day, where the landscape of computing has transformed beyond recognition, my passion for doing business while adopting innovation has remained unwavering.
If you’ve tolerated my ramblings thus far, I encourage you to stay tuned for more insightful stories and reflections on my ever-evolving tech-infused world.
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Until next time, take care and keep chasing your dreams!
childhood commodore computer Entrepreneur motivational sinclair
Last modified: May 6, 2024
