Soaring like an Eagle

I remember the days when at S.P.Jain many of my classmates would talk about starting their businesses and also many would take part in Business Plan competitions just to win a prize and add a feather to their resume for a better job.



Only one of classmates decided to go on his own and I am proud of the fact that he is doing well and is satisfied with his decision.



Talking about the rest the bunch, I have lost count how many times people have shifted jobs, how many might be cribbing about their jobs. The point to consider is that none of them is doing anything tangible to change the state of things.



This reminds of a story of a two friends who could not talk to each other as the pet dog was crying a lot. One asked what was is the reason for his continuous crying. Other one said that he is sitting on a nail and it is pinching him. This surprised the first friend and he asked why he not gets up. To this the first friend said that it is not hurting enough.



Almost all of us are like the dog cribbing about each and everything in life but doing nothing to change it.



I have to admit even I was like this sometime back but I thank god for showing me the right people at the right time who showed me how to change things around me.



I am happy that I have started the journey and I know I will be on the other side of the river by this year end.



We all know that we can achieve our dreams and aspiration only when we do something of our own but a very few venture out and do something of their own. The biggest question to everybody would be what to start and where.



I just came across a seminar of Mr John Sestina who is a World renowned financial planner based out of Ohio,US.



In the seminar John listed some pointers on how to choose a business. I am just a messenger trying to spread his words so that more and more people can benefit from his expertise.



1) The business should cater to the whole world rather than a single locality or market.

This is the basic tenet of starting a new business. This will ensure that your business never suffers a recession or downturn. You may not make a profit but you will never be out of business which means that eventually you will start earning.

2) Your products should have an inelastic demand. Also you should have multitude of products and services.

In layman terms the products should be such that there is always a demand for such products in the market. Boom or Bust these products would definitely sell.

3) Lower labor requirements. - No partners and no employees

Please do not get this point wrong. It only suggests that you should be able to carry out the business alone also.

4) Sell a product which fits a need for human and animal need.

It is the building block of any business. If the product does not satisfy the need then it would not sell.

5) Low overhead.

Many of us don’t realize but overhead can make or break any business. Inventory carrying costs, Transportation, Delivery, Legal issues etc.

6) Produces a product difficult to copy or reproduce.

I don’t think there is anything to explain this point. I am still not able to find out the difference between two toothpastes in the market.

7) Does not require huge cash expenditure

This creates a lot of risk and insecurity in one’s life. Once you invest a huge sum of money then you may have to leave a secured source of income and put all your time. Huge cash expense also increases the gestation period of the business. As it is it may be fair to say that it does take at least 3 yrs to break even in any business. More the cash expense more is the breakeven period.

8) Cash business

Accounts receivable is the biggest nightmare of any business man. The best business is the one which is completely cash no receivables. It is difficult to find but not impossible. You just have to keep your eyes open for the right opportunity.

9) Relatively free from government and legal regulations.

Government is one player you cannot ignore. Rules & regulations can change and could create havoc for your business

10) Business should be portable

When I say portable it means you can carry out the business from any possible habitable location in the world. That is a truly global business.





Many of you might be thinking are there any businesses which fit the above criteria. But believe me there are opportunities out their waiting for you to grab them. Don’t believe that opportunities would come with a placard around their neck; they could come in any shape and form you will have to take a leap of faith and trust.



Tonight before you sleep, do sit down and think where you want to go in life. What is your dream and once you have done that I guarantee that you will find people who can help you in fulfilling all your dreams.



They say eagle is one bird which weathers the strongest of storms because it flies very high in the sky. I will be an eagle this year end so that I can weather any storm in the future.