My Quarter 1 results, reflections, wins and losses

And why I am sharing those in the first place

Hey People!

Welcome to Raw and Real!

Where, every week, I share with you:

1 work life conversation
2 one-liners (because they stay with us for long)
3 pieces of gratitude (nothing else brings plentitude)

Let’s go!

1 Work Life Conversation

(This one’s going to be long, today)

Today, I complete 3 months of going solo.

30th June I moved on from my last job, to take writing and solopreneurship full-time.

The last 3 months have given me so many life lessons, that I think it is important to share them out here. Might inspire some, might answer to some who have been asking “what are you doing these days” and might just give life perspective to others.

So, here we go:

Revenue (we all want to know that, isn’t it?)

I have made a conscious decision not to share my exact business revenue.
Wait, what?

It might look crazy decision that I am virtually saying NO to a lot of engagement on social media, but here is the truth:

Think about it.

Other than public companies, their CEOs and their earnings (which are from multiple sources), they hardly share it. In old baniya houses, it wasn’t shared either.

So I would go that route. Unless something huge happens that forces me to change my decisions (which I hope won’t change).

Also, learning lessons should always motivate you more than learning the outcomes.

For now, revenue came from around 3 sources, mainly ghostwriting (B2B) and courses (B2C). Because it is always wise to not put all your eggs in one basket. Let’s see what the future holds. I always love serendipity <3

Truth be told, if I were to objectively look at my self in this quarter, I think I could do 2X of what I did in half the time and efforts.

There was a lot that had to be done at the end of managing how I felt letting go of the old, embracing the new, and finding my footing.

However, I feel truly truly grateful for people who trust me with my work. Thank you, if you are one of them. And I know there are some.

Wins:

1. Created my first-ever course (and it took off):
   The first 3 days, only 2 sign-ups happened. One of those was me. I told myself, if by 31st August, I got less than 10 people, I’d still make the course, gather feedback, and sell it on-demand course. We closed at 54 (my best case scenario was 40. Will share the details later, of how we did it). The best part? I know only ONE of those people personally, rest all names are new. Which was a place of gratitude.

   
   (PS: If you are in a company and have difficulty communicating in corporate culture, today is the last day to get the course at 50% price. Then it’s up to original price. Forever. Try it here today.)

2. Started including my father in my work - I walk all my agreements through him. He has been doing this for 40+ years. Looks like writing is a genetically acquired skill :)

3. Became very consistent with workouts and outdoor walks and cycling - something that is a top priority for me.

4. Gotten back to learning pro max through courses and YouTube videos and podcasts. I used to do it back in the day few years back, now glad to see it coming back to me - like a school kid I love jamming on this stuff.

Losses:

1. September has been very hectic month. I need to sleep on time, starting tonight!

2. Most people around you don’t know what you do. Creates founder loneliness. The only way, then, is to find people like you and hang around together. I do so through 1-2 people I know, engaging without any ulterior intention, and of course, Nikhil Kamath’s podcast :)))

3. Dealing with numbers. Numbers, by default go up and down. Find peace in the waves, and you will be fine. Trust me :)

Lessons from this journey:

1. There are days happening in months and years happening in days. Keep showing up. Shoot your shots. You have no idea what results your actions are bringing.

2. Stay true to who you are, as you continue learning what you didn’t know. The world doesn’t want another template. The world wants people who have come alive.

3. (I haven’t implemented this, which I will, starting next quarter): As a business owner, even if you are satisfied with the money you are making, your business must keep bringing new revenue to keep growing. Don’t grow complacent. Be satisfied outside of work hours. But in work hours, grow!

4. Long nature walks isn’t only a chill-around time anymore. That is the only thing that will keep you sane and generate new ideas. Don’t discount it.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please feel free to respond to this email, I’ll try my best to answer them.

2 one liners for today:

• If you use YouTube, it builds your life. If YouTube uses you, it ruins your life.

• A great way to be happy at work is just listen to your parents back home, do what you want, and tell no one you did this :)

3 pieces of gratitude:

1. For sunshine. Imagine a life without that!

2. For the shining bright moon light. Yesterday was full-moon night. You might witness a beautiful sky tonight as well.

3. For a friend, whom I asked to share final feedback on my landing page, and he shared this level of detailing:

Don’t lose these kind souls, ever!

..

That’s it for this week, all you wonderful people.

PS: Like I said, my course on Corporate Communications, that teaches you how to deal with difficult colleagues, how to send the right emails, how to deal with people, how to express yourself, how to communicate with clients and agencies, etc., is available at 50% pricing ONLY for September (i.e., today). Then it goes to original cost of Rs. 1,999 forever. Access at your own pace. Even at work :)

Try it here.

PPS: Do watch out for templates and bonuses to see if you want this or if you are okay without them!

PPPS: Nothing more. See you next Saturday :)

Thank you
Nishtha