Hailing from the small city of Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, it feels great to be recognised as the entrepreneur who established a growing SEO agency, beating all the odds.
I am certain that every entrepreneur and business owner would agree that becoming a founder/CEO is not a quick success. Being the one requires far more self-control and endurance, along with years of experience and lingering hunger to achieve something big in life. Even though we still have a long way to go, I am forever grateful for where we’ve come in such a short time.
When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I kept in mind some key points that helped me create a niche SEO Agency trusted by Indian brands without allowing its foundation to shake even during the tidal pandemic wave.
Let me take you through those 5 thought pointers which helped me stand where I am today! I hope that this helps any of you who are thinking about starting a business or are looking for advice on how to go about it.
How Did I Make it Happen
I dreamt about it
“Entrepreneurship was a dream my father once had, and I believe I carried it forward.”Dreaming helps you figure out what you want, because dreaming is about making things up in your head and then working through them.
After engineering, I worked for a number of companies and startups, but a part of me always felt that I should do more than a 9-5 job.
My dreams took off during the post-pregnancy phase.
One day, I decided to quit my job to pursue my long pending dream at my own pace while taking care of my baby. And then I saw another dream to build a place where other millennial mothers could fulfil their dreams too. That’s when I also started Mummas.in.
2. I listened to myself
I firmly believe in – “Always listen to your heart…. Look inside yourself, and you will find all your answers”.
It was not that I kicked off this journey like a cakewalk.
Even when I felt demotivated, overworked, and unappreciated, I listened to my inner instincts and consistently worked everyday.
3. I found my Why, and it wasn’t Money
If you ever get a chance to watch a Netflix series, please watch “Grace And Frankie”. There is a very nice scene where Frankie asks Grace, what would you want people to say after you die..
“She died rich” Or “She did something for the people like us”.
@graceandfrankie on Netflix
When I became a mother, I realized how challenging it is to be a mother and a career woman. Being able to handle both jobs (of being a mother and a working woman) can be easier when mothers have a little flexibility and support at home and at work.
So my vision was to create a company where mothers could fulfill their roles as care givers and work at the same time.
At Digi Acai, we have seen some early success where we have a few moms who have grown so much in the field of SEO & Content Marketing. The best part is, they are still able to be hands-on with their kids.
We basically have a team that works so professionally from home that our clients keep asking me how we run a successful agency without an office.
Money is always needed as we are not running an NGO. And if we want to be in business for years, we have to scale our processes. However, having an important goal other than just earning money is critical for me.
And messages like these are a reminder that money must always remain as a by-product, because the cause is always bigger.
4. I built trustworthy network
It is my advice to all the professionals and beginners. You don’t need to go to seminars or networking conferences to build your network. Be so good at your work that people in your organization know you for what you do. Please remember that your colleagues, juniors, and bosses are going to be at different places over the years. They will grow too. They are your network by default.
You wouldn’t believe that in these two years, all our business is coming through referrals. Though we are an agency, but without a business development team. 🙂
5. I saved Money
Rome wasn’t built in a day, as the proverb goes. Starting a business does not guarantee that you will make money right away. However the expenses start right away.
Initially my savings from the job in all these years helped me pay the office expenses (We had an office pre-covid), salaries etc.
And even today, there are times when I don’t take a salary from Digi Acai. My job savings help me keep moving forward and do the extra expenses to build a happy team. Afterall a happy team can keep your clients happy.
Final words…
I hope this list will enable you to succeed more in your business endeavours. Working hard, remaining hungry, and remembering to be consistent will help you achieve your goals.
Starting a business is like taking the first step. Scaling it and ensuring that it fulfils your vision and becomes your legacy requires patience and time.
I just wanted to share with you the things I did before starting my own business, because they helped make it possible for me.
Last but not least, we survived pandemics because it was a choice made after 12 years of arduous struggle.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. ~Robert Frost
