How times have you been told you can’t?
I was always told it. Even now… on occasions, but don’t listen to them.
(More importantly… I had to have the Rock feature on my Friday Thought…)
Categories
Tag: rich
Categories
Ella, Ella, eh… eh….eh…
A few years ago, I was on the phone to a friend, who is running a startup.
We were talking about various things, and he asked me how the weather is. I said, the weather looks ok – but I’m not sure because I haven’t been outside.
Then I suggested, wouldn’t it be a good idea to have an app that didn’t just tell you the weather but also suggested what to wear!
Anyhow… we didn’t do anything. Like most of the idea’s we discussed that day, we just parked it.
Fast forward a year or two later. And there I am, on the trusted laptop… and look what pops up!
That’s right- someone, somewhere (else in the world) had the same idea… but only went and developed it!
Brella – your personal weather app!
It not only tells you the weather – but tells you what to wear! One less thing I have to do!!
Yes Matt! – put your jeans and t-shirt on… the weather is good!!
Now for me – in London – it’d be, Bal… take an umbrella!
The point of this is, not app – though that it is a great idea, and I’m glad someone did develop it – but the whole point about, if you have an idea… DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
Yes, I did use Caps Lock. Yes, I am shouting at you. Yes, I am making a point.
We all have ideas. But doing something about them – that’s what seperates the successful ones from the not so successful ones.
Now – whilst I’m a little upset I didn’t develop it… I’m ok with it.
Why Bal? – you could’ve made millions.
Not always about the money. But yes, I could’ve made a ‘few bob’, however, I’m already working on plenty of other ideas, have items in pilot stages and supporting other startups and companies.
Whilst having an idea – and working on it – stick to it. Don’t start a million and one things… and not finish anything off. Working on a handful – and finish them!
So, if you’d like to read more about the Brella app – have a read of this.. it’s by the developer. Great read… hope it inspires you….
https://medium.com/@mattbarker016/designing-brella-my-first-ios-app-852a53e04788
Categories
Bal’s Friday Thought…
I remember when I used to get stressed over the smallest things… but I learnt.
It wasn’t so much about not getting stressed – but being able to handle the stress…
Firstly my apologies. I know I usually publish a ‘Throwback Thursday’ on the first Thursday of every month.
However, recently, you may have noticed if you follow me on social media – I’ve been traveling a lot (and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon!)
That’s right, last week I was in Berlin, and didn’t have the opportunity to prepare, write and publish my blog post for my monthly Throwback Thursday.
However, I did want to ensure I published one for the month of July!
So, here we go… Throwback Thursday to a time when I met up with James Caan….
James Caan is a successful business man. He’s worth over £100m and he’s appeared on TV shows such as Dragons Den and many others…
When I met up with James, the important thing I wanted to hear from him was how he started… what did he do, to become so successful!
Well… believe it or not, his family business was leather jackets and garments. They were successful and the natural route for James was to go into the family business.
BUT… he didn’t. He wanted to do something different. So he started a recruitment company. The interesting thing here is, it was all about the address. Location… yes, we’ve seen the TV show…. Location, Location, Location.
But it really matters!
So, in Pall Mall… he found a small location. It wasn’t big at all.. James told me, it was so small…. you wouldn’t believe but the great thing was the address. So when he was talking to clients and customers, and he was providing the address – it’d set a precedent. To be in this location, you’d have to be worth something…
James is a great guy. During our chat (which was a few years ago now…) there were some great hints and tips I picked up…
1. Don’t follow the crowd – Now, you may have seen or heard this before, but for me, it’s so important. James natural progression was the family business, it was all there for him… but no.
2. Be strong – be confident – When in business, you have to be careful you don’t come across arrogant. But at the same time, you have to be strong and confident. And I took this away from James. He was polite… but also strong-minded.
3. Hard Work pays off – He told me a story, of how he takes time out to relax and enjoy life. Now admittely not everyone can go off on their own yacht or take a holiday to the Caribbean but you can, if you work hard… put the hours in and then reap the benefits.
These are the 3 of the many things I took away from our conversation…. There was so much James shared… maybe I’ll dedicate a blog post to some further insights and maybe more about how he started up… and the struggles he had.
You may see all the glitz and glamour but it wasn’t always that easy….
Many people will see the big house, big cars, etc…
…but starting in the smallest of rooms, with just enough space for a telephone… and working hard, has paid off.
And that’s what it comes down to… hard work.
Categories
Bal’s Friday Thought…
Where would you rather cry….?
Categories
A Million at 16….
I thought, it’s been a while since I’ve shared with you a good questions and answers interview.
So, I decided to reach out to someone young… someone rich… someone who’s made it… and someone who’s really helping others. I suppose, most importantly, someone you can learn from.
Dhillan Bhardwaj.
Started a clothing brand when he was 16. Making a million within a very short space of time. Had superstars such as Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and many more reach out to him…
So, I decided to ask him a few questions…. Enjoy!
- When you were younger, did you think you would be so successful? – and who has been your biggest influence on your journey?
When i was younger i was already told i would be working for the family. of which i didn’t enjoy at all. It was car mechanics, cleaning, just boring shit that i don’t think i really wanted to do for the rest of my life. So no i didn’t think i would be anywhere near successful with my own self. My influences were nobody, nobody knew what to do when i had the idea, clothing isn’t anyone’s strength in my family so they were pretty lost with it all lol. But my mum and dad used to guide me and advise me, most of the time i probably didn’t listen but i think it’s ok to break the rules.. sometimes. Oh and my sister was everything to me, my 4 sisters Kd. Rickee, Nikki & Monica helped me when i reached my peak when i started.
- What do you think is your biggest threat?
Myself, my mental mind is my biggest threat. I try and think positive as much as i can, be nice to everyone,always have good vibes. It takes a second to think or do something wrong and then everything is left in your hands. People assume other brands threaten me in the industry, but i don’t have time to think about other people. i stay in my own lane and do me, im way to busy to think about what someone is doing. I know for sure i have inspired a huge amount of start up brands because they use my ideas and designs. But they won’t credit me, i dont mind i just think with that kind of attitude, don’t expect to go far.
- How has technology helped you and your brand grow?
When i started it was amazing, it was free to use. but now you have to make Facebook etc for your posts to be seen by everyone who follows you, which is shit because people can’t afford to do that which is why a few brands fail. SOCIAL media is everything to a start up brand.
- If starting again, what would you do differently?
nothing. if i made changes maybe i wouldn’t be where i am today.
- For all those, who look up to you… and want to learn from you… what is the one bit of advice you would provide them with?
you’re gonna get rubbish days, weeks maybe months. Don’t let that stop you from reaching your goal. It takes alot of time. Stick with it and success will come your way.
Wow!… what a guy. Hope you enjoyed it… and are able to take some of the great insights that were shared!…. For me, it’s the last one. Stick with it and success will come…
Categories
Bal’s Friday Thought…
Integrity…
Categories
Monday Motivation
Today’s motivational quote comes from Alina, who for some reason… is always making me spend my money!
