Information overload is not good for your brain and certainly not good for your business. So we decided to shun abstruse theories and instead highlight 8 simple tricks in a comprehensible way.

1. Cultivate Creativity

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Yes, you read it right! This aspect is often overshadowed by other money centric targets. But apparently a business that doesn’t come up with creativity will never work. As a leader you should always encourage your team to stay in touch with diverse perspectives taking into account the current and changing needs of the customers and the world. They should be challenged with new projects so that new ideas can flourish that can manage to break mundanity.

2. Take Some Risks

You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Certain sacrifices have to be made. If you are driving innovations in your business then it is necessary that you take a certain amount of risk. It is important to get out of your comfort zone for critical growth. It will not only make you a better decision maker but also make you a wiser and more knowledgeable person with experiences. This however doesn’t mean that you should throw caution to the winds and jump at each and every opportunity.

3. Accept Failure

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The maximum that can happen is failure and as an entrepreneur you must face it boldly. If you have encountered failure once, your chances of success in the future have doubled! But if you are afraid to fail, you will never take risks and explore new opportunities.

4. Diversify your income opportunities

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While doing business you should be able to diversify your income opportunities. This can be done by adding complementary items, bundle offerings or adding service packages. This can help you to earn more.

5. A Feedback (Positive or Negative) always helps!

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You should make it a point that you are aware about the customer’s experiences or reactions. This gives you an opportunity to tweak your areas of weakness and reinforce the positive points with better customer services. Good customer service helps one to earn happy clients, which in return provides for good word-of-mouth marketing.

6. Find new ways to sell your product

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The competition has increased in the market on a large scale and till the time no new product is offered or in other words creativity is offered, customers won’t show interest. Aren’t you sick of so many ecommerce sites and brands that claim to provide a different experience but eventually end up to be just like the rest? Unwilling to broaden their horizon and advocate novelistic approaches!

A small step to sell the same product differently can help one earn customers. Since everyone is in a need of something new, this mantra would always work!

7. Commit to continuous learning

Learning throughout life is also associated with good mental wellbeing. Apart from being updated about the latest trends in the market and learning ways to make your startup grow, try to learn and grow as a person by reading books, taking up new hobbies, travelling and meeting new people for overall development of mind and soul.

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The way of life that we lead today, makes sure that we have to work more in a less amount of time as everybody needs maximum output in minimum time. We all have just 24 hours in a day, but the way we organize and manage our work is of utmost importance and determines the level of productivity that will in turn lead to lucrative results.

So here below are a few tactics, about how you can work more productively in less time.

Establish Routines

Establishing routines is one way where you can carry out the regular task more efficiently and productively. Work output will also increase due to creation of routines. The routine which will be set should also be adhered to. Stick to new projects and delete them when completed. This will help you to do more work even if you have time constraints.

Don’t Multitask

If we multitask then our tasks get affected adversely and our brain is not able to function properly. As a result, a person will not be able to dedicate his full concentration on one work. His input will always be less, than what he can actually do. So don’t be in a hurry and try to do one work at a time for better results.

Eliminate Unnecessary Meetings

Whenever a person feels that a meeting is not very important and can be eliminated, then it should be done so. Sometimes baseless meetings should not be given importance. Things done with half hearted efforts are redundant and won’t be of any use in the future.

Make Lists

Making lists have been always helpful and useful and it also reminds a person to not dawdle and focus to complete the target. It is always been advised by experts that multiple lists should be made, that is, short and long term goals. But a person should not focus on a long unrealistic agenda.

Clear Off your Desk

Experts recommend this approach highly. They say that every person should take out at least 15 minutes from his daily routines and clear his desk, that is, trash all the papers which are not required and also file the important ones.

Be Friendly to your Colleagues

A person should be aware about other people that are working with him and communication should always be good with them. Personal level interaction should also be maintained but that doesn’t mean you share about things which you are not comfortable with. But always try to create a friendly and healthy work environment. 

Get More Organized

It is true that organized people get more work done. To organize yourself, first learn the art and figure out what works for you. Then set simple guidelines for yourself and work accordingly. This will always help you to work diligently and to the best of your abilities.

These simplest techniques often work best in life and one can always take baby steps to achieve what one wants. Following a simple mantra in life can create a huge difference.

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If you are a student and planning to have a startup of your own, then below are a few common mistakes that you should avoid at any cost. A startup journey is full of ups and downs and it is advisable to consider various aspects and measures to take your business off the ground and achieve greater heights.

1. Not having enough focus

Startup is a field that is quickly expanding in today’s world. Most of them do almost the same thing and are very related to each other, therefore knowingly or unknowingly competition arises. But, the factor that differentiates one from the other is the way of tackling such competitions. Sometimes it may happen that students are not able to have enough focus and are not even able to differentiate between the competitors that are available in the market.

2. Bad location

It has always been seen that a startup will grow only in a location that offers considerable chances of success. That is the reason why some of the cities are a hub for startups and some are not. Of course, we aren’t telling you to shift to Silicon Valley but if a startup is set up in a bad location, it would definitely be a drawback for the company.

3. Hiring a substandard team

Most founders fall into the trap of hiring team mates quickly and then repent when the quality of work suffers. Startups have this rule — ‘Be slow to hire and quick to fire’. By just looking at someone’s resume one cannot make out if the other person will be loyal to the company. Many other factors have to be taken into account. A team is an integral part of a startup and therefore every team member should be critically assessed before having them on-board.

4. Choosing the wrong platform

Platform is a very vague word as it can include a plethora of things. Many students make mistakes when it comes to choosing the right platform. A startup is a very difficult job and if a person is not ready for the difficulties that will be lined up ahead then it is not possible to survive in the market. It is rightly said that nothing can be achieved easily.

5. Having no specific user in mind

To be successful, it is important to have a specific target in mind. If someone begins a startup without having any specific group, then it will always be difficult to have a good response in return. In a situation where a person has a huge group in the market, it will always be difficult to meet everyone’s expectations.

6. Raising Too Little Money

All the startups require funding at some or the other point. If the monetary value raised is less, then it causes difficulty in the long term. But mostly, students fail to comprehend this concept. They tend to take things lightly, but in the long run this affects their startup in many ways.

To be good business leaders, many things have to be taken into account. Small mistakes can sometimes create a huge impact and lead to undesired outcomes. In a startup, a person has to be careful while taking each and every step to achieve sustainable growth and confront other Behemoths in the battlefield. In case you have already made some these mistakes, do not lose heart and buck up to look for more opportunities that lie ahead.

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Oravel was founded in 2011 by 19 year old Ritesh Agarwal, who comes from a family business background of infrastructure. The young entrepreneur been awarded by EO (Entrepreneurs Organization), NEN etc while he has also authored a best seller-Encyclopedia of Indian Engg Colleges.

We caught up with Ritesh and here’s a sneak peek into his startup’s journey this far.

To anyone who’s never come across Oravel, how would you describe it?

Oravel is an online marketplace for unique and affordable rooms. We also run OYO Inns which are economical, no-frills Inns and mid-scale Suites and we are also trying to build a chain of affordable Inns which provide luxury of three star services at prices half as hotels. When a person travels to a new place and is looking for temporary accommodation, Oravel gives exactly what is required i.e. unique places to stay.

Ritesh Agarwal

Who do you see as your target audience?

Basically our target users are the short and mid-term professional and leisure travellers, which includes SMB, who don’t want to spend much money for Spa, Gym, Club etc. All they look for is a clean, comfortable and secure room. Sometimes, corporate companies, medical tourist and event travellers also approach us.

How do you differentiate from your competitors?

The market is so cliché that almost everyone is our competitor and no one is our competitor. We are different from our competitors because of the growth speed. We care about customers more than profit and try to understand what they actually want, then build the best products using the technology available to make them happy. This helps us earning in long term customers.

What is the biggest hurdle you have faced or are still facing?

I have faced a series of challenges in various aspects starting from incorporating the company and setting up bank accounts, as I was only 18 at that time, it even took over three months to hire the initial team. What I can further recall is hustle for solving the major problems, like strategies to be planned and products to be decided. But this was solved after receiving support from Venture Nursery.

Has Oravel got the feedback and growth you expected since launch?

It has grown more ever since the launch of product version 2.0 in August, 2013. It has over 3,500 plus listings and 100 plus inventory with OYO Inns that are majorly spread across North India.

Where do you see Oravel after five years?

Firstly, revolutionizing the accommodation process through high end technology and secondly, spreading globally and disrupting branded affordable room category and making it real and delightful. But the most important vision is to make affordable accommodations for 300 million domestic travellers easy to find.

How important is the role of Social Media for success of any startup?

In today’s world, social media is an important aspect to get more leads and conversion. Everything is getting online and in a scenario like this, social media is a major platform to market business and even improve sales. Social media is not just a place for marketing things but can also be used to build relationships.

What are your plans for promoting Oravel?

Till now we have been pure word of mouth Publicity Company but going forward we are trying to get a bit digitized. We basically reach out to more people on our social platforms and are trying to spread through- Email Marketing, Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, and Online Advertisements etc.

What more do you wish to include to take Oravel to next level?

Right now we are soon going to launch our digital apps. And apart from this, we are also looking forward to add more services other than providing accommodation.

Ritesh is of the opinion that as a CEO, it is his job to raise enough money to keep the company scaling at full speed. Till date, the startup has raised funds from Venture Nursery led by Fame Cinemas CEO, Amit Patni and a bunch of marquee angels. Ritesh also recently bagged $100k in Thiel fellowship along with 19 other global entrepreneurs.

So the next time you are travelling and looking for a short stay accommodation that is convenient and without redundant amenities, do not forget to give Oravel a try!

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It’s true that not every startup will raise capital and walk away with Millions in their pockets just like Steve but what he went through in life, how he tackled the situations, and the manner in which he accomplished his goals are the biggest teachings for any person who wishes to become as successful as him someday.

Of course, we aren’t asking you to be Steve Jobs as you are unique in your own way but there are a few habits which you can learn from Jobs and lead your company and efforts in the right direction.

1. Love What You Do

Will you still work that extra hour on your business if you are extremely fagged out? Are you willing to work on it when there’s no guarantee of any cash flows? Does you dream often keep you awake at night and you desperately want to see it turn into a reality?

Everyone works around us. But the biggest question which arises is whether they love what they are doing? If the answer is yes, then it is great and one should carry on. But if the answer is no, then that is a sign that things need to be changed quickly.

Steve once said- “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.”

2. Put Yourself in Other People’s Shoes

If a person wants his/her products to be successful then he/she should come up with things which were never thought of beforehand but, once in existence it should always seem natural. And to make such products, a person should always be better at dreaming new and unique products.

One should think about solving a problem. Steve’s ability to foresee the future trends helped to make Apple one of the largest and profitable companies in the world. Think about what is missing, what more could be done to make this world a much more convenient and coordinated place to live?

Whenever you feel like embracing mediocrity, try to remember Steve’s words for once before finalizing your decision- “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?”

3. Learn From Others

Steve had worked with HP and Atari and identified the difference he wanted to create in Apple. It has always been seen that to be successful, one needs to learn different things from different persons. The main purpose is that it helps in increasing knowledge. And it has even been rightly said that never hesitate to learn from even small business and workers. Steve even traveled to India, where he met new people and explored some new ideas and possibilities. So buck up and get ready to explore things that can help you to become a better entrepreneur and of course, a better person.

4. Obstacles Won’t Last Long

There was a time when Steve Jobs and his partner Steve Wozniak had to sell some of their belongings in their early days when they ran out of money. Steve was fired from Apple in the year 1984 when the board of directors believed him to be the wrong person to lead the company. In a speech at Stanford University, he stated that being fired from Apple proved to be a boon in disguise for him; “The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life. I’m pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn’t been fired from Apple. It was awful-tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it.”

It’s truly said that, where there’s a will, there’s a way. So whatever obstacles come in the way one must always confront and overcome them, instead of running away from them.

5. Take Risks

Things that are different and unique from other things already available in the market would always be loved by everyone. So whenever a new product is to be made or manufactured, one should never be afraid of the same and should willingly take the risk. Many feared Steve’s decision when he decided to launch iPhone as it would have made the iPod obsolete and therefore redundant but Steve did it anyway and what happened next is history.

6. Stand By Truth

Steve Jobs made sure that whatever he promised, he fulfilled it. He didn’t only convince others but also convinced himself to do it. The greatest goal for a person is to self justify oneself. When a person is able to do that, he achieves the trust of people and is always considered as a good leader.

7. Admit Your Mistakes 

It is important to admit ones mistake, as it will help a person to garner the trust and respect of others. Jobs, always said that if a person commits a mistake, he should also accept it instead of denying it or blaming it on someone else.

8. Trust Your Instincts

Once a reporter asked Jobs what kind of market research he had done for Macintosh and he responded by asking “Did Alexander Graham Bell do any market research before he invented the telephone?”

If you have an idea and if you think it has the potential to make a significant difference, you should certainly go for it. Steve Jobs believed in his taste and always thought that if he liked something, the public would also like it. And he was almost invariably right. A person’s instinct can never be wrong. As a result, one should always try to trust one’s instincts as much as possible.

9. Never Lose Faith

The most inspiring part of the speech delivered by Steve Jobs in Stanford University was advising students to not lose faith; “Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.”

He was of the opinion that whatever happens always happens for good. Therefore, if the first door closes then a second door will definitely open, one just needs the correct approach to see it.

Steve Jobs would always be remembered as a digital visionary and the man who brought poetry to microchip.

We would love to how know how Steve has inspired you. Share your comments below!

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Mitalee Doshi

The Thought, Story and Inspiration

Previously Mitalee was working in an industry which was not serving natural products. So out of her own genuine interest she started Oomph nutrition.  Despite all the efforts put in, sustainable results could not be achieved and she wanted to reach the masses. An observation was made by her that people are willing to improve their health but don’t have enough time to do so. So she ultimately came up with the idea of an online store- where maintaining health on a regular basis was just a click away!

The First Step

So to start with a new concept, Mitalee at first just made observations and collected relevant data. When they realised that customers won’t have time to come to shops for everything, she came up with the concept of online tutorial videos. This made a difference and customers were earned.

The Task of Promotion

According to the requirements of the modern world, they are using an online platform to market their products. They are also planning to come up with brand activation campaigns and small health events to spread WOM.

In today’s time, everything is based on the internet and therefore social media is an excellent tool for keeping in touch with existing and prospective customers. Moreover it even helps one to communicate and connect with the right target group which improves brand recall.

The Difficult Journey

When a person wants to do something which is not being practiced in the industry, difficulties are bound to arise. As Oomph Nutrition wanted to give something genuine, they analysed the crowded market space where every other company offers so called tummy tuck and weight loss programs. Furthermore they looked at the potential of India’s market and real need of the crowd for genuine offerings. They spent hours collecting information from various sources, visited competitors and studied their service gaps, talked to lots of customers and understood what exactly is the need of the market.

Luck has been in their favour as they haven’t faced any major failure till now. Like any other startup, Oomph Nutrition also wants to move further with trial and error method.

When Sweat Pays off

They have received well without much marketing and now they intend to start brand activation campaigns locally.

According to Mitalee, they are trying to become perfect with each passing day and are working to achieve client satisfaction by not trying to commoditize the “Health and Diet Service”.

The Next Big Step

Mitalee wants Oomph Nutrition to be one of the most respected brands in the “Health and Wellness” category and to be known to work on a genuine and fundamental approach. “We want to drive towards our vision to become a preferred home fitness solution provider for the people. We design a unique programme for people after personalized analysis of their lifestyle and say no to fads, pills and machine approach as we want to make small changes in lifestyle through pure nutrition and exercise.” added Mitalee.

Do visit their website! Oomph Nutrition

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