It wasn’t an easy decision! My story is nothing different from other startups built by passionate entrepreneurs. The only difference is that I don’t have a kickass product but a blog (Lighthouse Insights) that focuses on Indian social media exclusively. So when the investors showed faith on my blog, I was overwhelmed. But with every mistake you learn and my life is full of them. Here, I will divide my story into three chapters.

Before the Funding Episode:

This part of my story starts taking shape in the month of December in 2011. I was juggling around my day job with my startup. You can’t hide things for long in social media and before my employer could give me a pink slip, I made the move. However, this was also the time when I had started meeting a lot of people and shared about my blog, armed with just a notepad and no proper networking etiquette and business cards on me. One such visit was to a funding meetup.

I had gone there to share my idea and get insights on it since I was dead sure that nobody is going to fund a blog with no revenue model. Anyways, the casual meetup turned out to be exciting, as we were few of the lucky startups that where chosen to be funded. Suddenly I was on top of the moon, mainly for two reasons: 1) the money would help survive me and my family plus our savings would be spared! 2) I had found like-minded people who shared my belief. Things were rosy but then they say money surfaces hidden agendas for which this blogger was not at all prepared.

Refusing the Funding:

This part of the story revolves around when we as a team started interacting with our team of angel investors. Love is tested when you start living together. With each passing day, we started getting a feeling that our identity was fading away. At times our blog name was not cool, sometimes we were asked if we could write about tech and then the big question - can’t we double the number of posts per day? Our vision was being modified or in VC terms – being pivoted!

Besides this, in India you are expected to give all things on time but the same should not be expected from the other party. With time, it was also clear that most of our content-related problems went unanswered.

And then came in reality – we were asked to select from a certain range of equity percentage that we were ready to share. I believe that just by reading Paul Graham’s blog, you don’t understand what and why you should give a certain amount of equity. I was also not aware of my startup valuation, forget about deciding what equity percentage to give. But thanks to my brother, a finance guy, who explained to me about our valuation.

Engulfed in a big chakravyu, I had no understanding what to do. At one side, the angels pushed us to sign the deal and on the other, I was finding a way to get out of it all. But at the same time, it was difficult to say no to money and a hopeful future. I started asking people whom I considered as my well-wishers and who had appreciated the work on our blog. This was the best thing to happen. I was asked by most of them- why are you looking for funding? This basic question solved my entire dilemma.

We sat down (my partner and I) to do a simple brainstorming exercise and we realized our mistakes from the very beginning. We had not found out answers for these burning questions:

1. Why do we need money/funding for our survival or startup?

2. What benefit will the money do in terms of resource add-on to our startup?

3. Do the angel investors understand our vision and line of business?

4. What will they bring to the table other than money?

We needed money for our survival and a basic math done earlier indicated that our savings coupled with some consulting work, will suffice. Apart from that, I was soon to be full-time in my startup, so I was excited to test my potential. The decision was made; we refused the funding citing two reasons:

1. We wanted to stretch ourselves and see if we can survive on our own and fuel our dreams.

2. We felt we were getting into a relationship which wouldn’t benefit us in any way apart from the money.

This brainstorming also helped us refuse funding in a second instance too.

After the Refusal:

This part of the story is of present day and I am in the 5^th month of my entrepreneurship but trust me I am yet to regret my decision. At times the thought does creep in whether I opted for the right choice but then as they say – You are known for the choices you make in life. Hence, perhaps the dream of running my startup in my way is the right choice for me!

I am not against startups looking for funding or with the investor community. Scenarios are different for everyone and it is an individual’s call. Tomorrow if my startup calls for funds then I would surely hunt for like-minded people who would not only bring money but also share their learning’s and provide us with mentorship. And I learnt a few lessons along the way:

1. Don’t be hesitant to talk to all kinds of people in the industry.

2. You will have to make the first move, as it is your startup.

3. Talk about funding only when your startup needs it.

4.  And stand by the decisions that you make in life.

Do share the choices you made in your life as an Entrepreneur. I would love to hear them.

P.S. This article was produced first at Pluggd.in

When you have just got married and dream of starting a new beautiful life, sane people will never think of leaving their job. Don’t you think so? And if they would then it would be for better opportunities. At least not for chasing a dream that only I can see. But then I didn’t get up one lovely morning and decide to quit. It took me close to two months to gather the balls to say that I quit. However the story that I am sharing here is why did I quit my job?

In comes my Startup: Well people may ask if a blog Lighthouse Insights can be a startup? I think that it is a blog and a content providing platform too. LHI, as an idea when started had no shape. It was started for the pure love of writing and keeping myself busy. When I started it was never a blog that exclusively captured Indian social media news and insights. The blog was born during the time while I was working in Oracle. I started enjoying my writing, I forgot everything and I was taking the risk of doing all work sitting in Oracle office. Well I know it is unethical but I was selfish. I stopped smoking because I could work on my blog during that time, I stopped going for leisure walks after lunch, I stopped talking to my friends in office. In short it was all for LHI. However whenever I was given any work I did that and it was never sacrificed. This didn't go well in the top level, as I was not showing interest. Why would I at a place where I had no respect, no opportunity? So life was tough juggling between my passion and money. But it didn't last long. You must be thinking why not? I had passion, I had money and life was good.

The Final Chapter: Well life was not good. With every passing day I became more engrossed in LHI and I wanted to do more. I used to get frustrated and I still get when I am not able to write with free mind. Everyone at workplace knew what I was working on. You can't hide things when your work is related to social media. And moreover I was not enjoying that I was working for myself and taking money from Oracle for nothing. I couldn't take it anymore. But all these things were smaller in front of the fear that was growing in me. Fear and mental peace was the problem. I was not able to write because I was warned that I am spending too much time on Facebook. I was frightened to go to office thinking that it could be my last day and again I would be coined as a loser. So before the fear could kill me I thought of killing it and thanks to my co-founder, angel investor and my wife, I could gather strength in my balls. 

15th December 2011 was the day when I walked into my manager’s cabin and said that I have finally made a decision to move on. With that I also made a bold statement that I am not joining any other company but I am joining my company :)

You must be thinking what I have achieved by becoming an Entrepreneur. I have achieved mental peace and the strength to chase my dream with full vigor. No I am not making the same money I use to but for me money is not important now. I think I am lucky to get an opportunity to chase my dream. Maybe I succeed or maybe I fail but that is not the primary thing. I want do something in my life for once, which I believe in as all my life I have followed a bandwagon. So here I am today chasing my dream with my wife.

If you are chasing any such dream or wish to do so then would love to hear it.

Free gifts we all love but at times that’s not we want. We would be happy for a service even if charged but free is not we want always. Last week I shared an amazing 

customer service experience that was provided by the Indane Gas Agency but today I have a different story.

Getting a new gas connection is not easy but I got all the documentations ready without doing any under the table operations. Saturday being a break from work was the right time to get my new connection. My documentations were all proper and after 10 minutes of more waiting I was asked to sign at 3 places. I paid them the fee and I was provided with all the necessary items. The first thing I was handed was a smart free gift. Stationery kit from Reynolds. I had a big smile as I am crazy about stationery. I wanted to open and see but I had some other things to hold. I was given a quick demo and one more surprise gift.

Indane: Sir, can you please call an autorikshaw.

PN: Why?

Indane: Do you have a car to carry the cylinder and the gas burner?

PN: What? Do I need to carry all this? I have a bike boss.

Indane: Sir, we don't do it. It is a new connection so you have to take it on your own.

PN: Please manage it; I am ready to pay the guy who does it. It won't be easy for me to do as I have come alone.

Indane: Sorry Sir.

I had to get an autorikshaw and rest you would understand what went after that.

The free gift I got was very likeable but does it have any relation to the primary item, NO. A tooth brush free with a paste makes sense but a pen set makes me think twice. The point here is what extra effort Indane is taking to make its customers happy. A customer before me had the same complain. Why Indane can’t give the service? We are not asking for free.

Or do businesses really care a damn and think that poor customers really don't have a choice.

Do you think we have a choice or are we happy with free gifts that don't solve a purpose unless Indane is trying to make the country literate?

Recently I visited this place after a gap of a month. The owner was too busy to collect the money so was not in a mood to recognize me. I took my coupon and moved to the food counter. I smiled and gave the coupon to the guy who has been there for some time now. His acceptance with a smile was enough for me.

PN: Wadapav and coffee

Guy: Coffee later?

PN: Yes

I had my wadapav and went to grab my coffee that was in its final stages to be served. Before i could say, he said it.

Guy: Without sugar, right? Here’s it

PN: I just had to nod

I sipped my coffee and left the place.

Two things that I would like to draw from this small incident.

One customer service is about helping your customer that extra bit and it applies for bigger and smaller brands.

Second the guy remembered my taste not because I tip him and neither his shop does but then why he is taking that extra effort? I guess you do this when you are serious and love what you do. Maybe he is not earning like us nor he has a chilled out life but he is doing something that we educated citizens avoid. Even at times I finish my work without caring about it but these small incidents are like a mirror for you.

So what do you have to say?

P.S. @Vinaya did you get your answer that I promised in my last post’s comment.

PN: Sirjee, want to apply for a new connection.

Representative(R): Come after 3 P.M., it's closed for lunch

PN: Sir, take it. I have got all the forms

R: Sorry bhai, its lunch time and no one is there, can't you see

R: Do one thing, take my number and come after 7 P.M.I will do your work. 

PN: I am coming after a drive of 20 minutes and again coming in evening would be tough leaving my work. Please take it, just a matter of 10 minutes.

R: Sirjee, we are humans and we also need food and some rest.

PN: Even I am coming here leaving my lunch.

Saying this I leave the place. Frustrated by the service and the heat I started my bike.

R: Oh bhai, where are you going come here. Give me your application

‘R’ took my application, gave me form and made me explain everything even though it was his lunch time. Maybe he won't get any commission for this service but he just bought a loyal customer who will do his advertisement for free. Ready to serve shouldn't be a motto but should also be implemented. It's a simple thing that businesses try to overlook that you can't buy consumers by big banner ads and promotion but by simple helping gestures.

Manish is today the CEO of MLeads Consulting but above that he is my school buddy. We grew up together playing football, doing stunts on BSA cycles, chasing beautiful beauties that were never meant for us and watching ‘Bold and Beautiful’ secretly. That was the story of teens and coincidentally we are now staying in the same city but find difficult to meet each other. We both are chasing our passions and when you do that you eat, sleep and dream about it.

Manish's ability to lead from the front and having the balls to take risk has made him today what he deserves to be. People will think it's cool to be an Entrepreneur but let me tell you having a family and leaving a permanent salary with a decent salary is not a joke. He is already being tested by now but I am sure he will prove his metal. Anyway I am not here to boast about my friend but to share a small incident that happened on FB chat. Yes life has become so reserved to Twitter and Facebook. For instance I am easily reachable on Twitter than on my phone. I know that's so unsocial :P

PN: Munna, whatupp?

Manish: All well buddy, surviving.

PN: How's you firm buddy?  You were supposed to get some new deals this month? How’s the money part looking?

Manish: Tough man, @#$% and some more of those @#$^# :)

PN: I am sure you will make it bro, just keep on working

Manish: Yes bro, I am doing that but you need bit of luck too.

PN: Hmmm, well I am not sure about the luck part but I am working hard.

Manish: How about you bro? How’s your thing going on?

PN: No buddy not yet, it’s not easy to break the traditional mindset. Nevertheless, I am working hard and I can do that only.

Manish: Hmmm, in my case I need 2-3% luck bro.

PN: Well if you ask me I will say, you can't get luck but what you can achieve is hard work so do that bro, success will follow you.

I know it's easy to give gyan but what you think? Do you wait for luck to happen or you value hard work? 

I am not telling Manish is not putting hard work but how much value do you give to luck?

For last 10 years I am living a nomad life and finally settling. Over the years, I have changed flats, changed cities and changed countries. If you have done any one of those then you would support me that searching a rented apartment and shifting is not an easy job in India. In India owners know how to count your crisp notes. They are not bothered about the condition of the flat and my owner keeps the trend alive.

I was surprised to find that none of the bathroom had a water heater/geezer. Talking to him was no use as he didn't cared to give a clean flat. We always find rules for tenants, what about the owners? After a small search on the internet and talking to friends at work, I zeroed on two brands in which Bajaj was the winner. Bigbazar’s online portal boasted of having water heaters from Bajaj so without wasting any time I landed in a nearby Bigbazar mall. My excitement couldn’t survive long and the bubble was busted by a negative customer service provide.

PN: Do you have a Bajaj water heater?

BB Agent: We don't have Bajaj in stock but we do have some famous international brands

PN: How are the international ones?

BB Agent: They are better than Bajaj.

I made my mind that I need a water heater ASAP as anyone living in Pune would understand the reason.

PN: Fine, I will buy one of the international ones and when will you send your engineer for installation?

BB Agent: You have to do on your own, we don't send any engineer

PN: What? You send engineers for furniture but why not for electrical appliances?

BB Agent: Sorry Sir (as if they know only one word)

I left Bigbazar with negative loyalty points but will Bigbazar be bothered to listen to my grievances. Bigbazar, is a well known common man's brand and the service that I was looking was a basic service. Free installation wasn’t the expectation but they could have assisted me on the instalation. Customer Service is not a virtue but an inline necessity that the business shouldn’t boast but accept as a basic requirement.

I got my water heater connected from a local shop that provided me with their in-house engineer and the whole setup was done in thirty minutes. The service was not free but I was happy to find customer service. I believe Bigbazar should learn a bit about customer service from the local vendor.

Don't you think so? Or do you think customer service is just a board to be read?

Last day lots of formalities were in the pipeline but preparing the demand draft of 15K for his old company was urgent. He wasted no time and with a speed of 40 km/hr, he reached his bank. Monday morning, first half, bank was jam packed. It took 30 minutes for Rukhi to finish his work, before he could rush to his bike. To his surprise he found a friend waiting for him. It was the Traffic Police (TP), waiting with bright and hungry eyes.

TP: Is this your bike?

Rukhi: Yes it is, why?

TP: Give me your license, it’s parked on the pavement and you need to pay fine.

Rukhi: Where is the board of No-Parking? I can't see and I was in a hurry so had no options.

The argument started to gain some more heat and Rukhi did what he thought it was best at that time.

Rukhi: Take 300/- and let me go

TP: Sorry it's less; pay me more, if you want to escape fine.

Rukhi requested but the TP was hungry for more. He saw a nice catch on a Monday morning for the TP. The argument caught some attention by one of the seniors of TP who was standing nearby.

Senior TP: What's wrong, TP settle the issue and let him go.

Rukhi by now who was behaving like a gentleman was no more willing to run away.

Rukhi: No Sir, I want to pay the full fine. I am ready to pay 1000/- but I am not willing to give a single penny to the TP.

TP: With a sense of politeness, Sir give me 300/- and you go to office.

Rukhi: No I want to pay the fine so please charge me.

Rukhi paid a fine of 500/- and left with satisfaction and the TP had to be satisfied by keeping the slip of 500/-.

I know Rukhi could have paid 200/- less but he was happy to pay the fine rather than paying the bribe. Initially like all of us, Rukhi wanted to rush by paying a small bribe but later he paid the fine. Don’t you think we should follow this rather than tweeting about corruption and doing nothing. This week Anna Hazare fasted for the JanLokpalBill. India salutes his willpower but the revolution is from here. Are we ready for the road ahead or will this die with the media coverage.

I am ready to stop corruption at my end, WILL YOU?

But where are you watching it and with whom?

My dad bought a television for us when he caught me hanging on a neighbor’s window where I was trying to watch the good old days of Doordashan entertainment. My dad who is football fanatic also is a die heart supporter of the Indian cricket team. So love for sports was a bit genetic and location based as I grew up in Haldia, Westbengal. Eventhough we had a decent black and white Weston television, we loved to gather in the small club room that was located in the middle of our railway society. We use to gather to enjoy matches and the sentiments would be high as always if it's India Pakistan match. It was just not cricket; it was the excitement to watch the game with your friends, shouting together when the ball would touch the fences from an Indian bat, swore at our lethargic fielders and obviously debate on leg before wickets. Discussions would start from the room and would trend till next day. A win was important but that win became special when we use to watch it with our community.

After a long time I witnessed the India-Australia thriller with my new community. I saw the game in my office canteen with few peers and admin staff. Believe me the fun to watch the game was still the same. The same shouting, swearing and debating was still there. Why? We love to have more fun when we are with someone or with our community. The love for the game grows when you watch it with your community.

So are you watching the finals err the India Pak semifinal battle alone or are you watching with your community?

A child recognizes these words when her parents hold her hand for the first time. 'I am with you' is a promise that a parent makes to her child and as she grows this promise is made to her by few more people in her life. Whether one sticks to her promise is a matter of debate but then the onus is also on the person who has set that expectation. Expectations sometimes make it to the door of fulfillment or lies on the shore to be wiped away.

When I saw Mahendra Singh Dhoni(Mahi) our captain of the Indian cricket team saying the same words 'I am with you' to Piyush Chawala, made my belief stronger that leaders are not made but they are born. Although Piyush was being ripped by the opponents on the field and off the field he was trending on twitter for all bad reasons. I can't comment on his capabilities of him playing the world cup but jingoism sometimes forces me to raise question on his selection. But lets accept both the facts that he is a member of the world cup squad and like us he is going through a lean phase. Life is bumpy ride with ups and downs but we do find an angel at some point to hold our hand. As a kid my parents did the same and i am sure you will also have a similar story to say. Piyush was well supported by his captain and i am not sure if he will get any more chances but as a captain this small gesture might have oozed the confidence level in the dressing room. We all love to be patted on our back when we do well and hold our hand when things are not going our way.

Surprisingly, why is then the same sentiment missing in our professional life? 5 years in the industry is a small period but it has given me at least a single color thinking cap. It's well said that ‘Leaders can be Managers but the vice versa is rare to find’. I fail to understand that we all are humans and at some point of time our special cabin loving managers might have gone through the same emotions but then, why have they forgotten it? Is it memory loss with a stance of deliberateness? No matter what it is? I presume that to be a manager first you need to be human and have common sense. You need to take your team in confidence and then only you can expect for quality work. You can't just show your back when someone is going through a lean phase or a mistake has occurred. You need to hold the hand and not leave it and save your ass.

I am sure you will have a story to share. So go on, I will be happy to talk with you.