Join these lovely faces ... plus, we have a l'il price-tag waiver for each new fan!
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| Rs. 397/- | 0 XS | 0 S | 0 M |
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| 0 L | 0 XL | 0 XXL |
For all those folks who love tennis, and who know how stylish the US Open is, this is a tshirt you could feel blissful about :)
After a hectic season of tennis, the party begins right within the heart of NY - the Flushing Meadows! And it's not just the exotic serve-and-volley game (so prevalent on the blue hardcourts) that the players enthrall us with - but they make it a point to show their stylish sides in colorful, designer kits of their own!
So be prepared to see those blacks, blues, reds, greens - while you wear your own, exclusive (remember - just 20 on sale in 2009 - no more) materpiece of a fan fashionwear!
enlightening experience in itself.
The Front
The US Open's hardcourts (made of DecoTurf) have a blue-inner court, and the non-playing surface is colored green. Why? Because it's stylish! Trust the Americans to do everything in style :)
We used those colors in this tshirt (yes - the front here is 5 color-rich) to show the court, the white lines of the court, and the ball landing on one of those lines! The hawk-eye vision (top view) clarifies that the ball is 'IN' ... and that's what we used to also say, "Tennis is IN"!
Trust us to be witty everytime :))
Well, wit is not what this tshirt is about! It's about style, and the grunge, eroded blue colors, and the stylish font, all that make it one masterpiece ... and eye-catching tshirt that would say,"Hey! Where did you get that!! I want one!!"
(you know they can't - we are makiing just twenty!! tsk tsk!!)
The Back
The back has a graceful write up about the US Open. Things that you should know, and things that you should show-off if you know them! If you had eyes on the back, we bet you would see everyone checking your tshirt out wondering, "Hmmm ... what's this about ... let me see .. !"
Here's what the back says:
"This tshirt has been made to show love for the US Open, the most glamourous of all the Grand Slams.
Arthur Ashe's Mount Everest, John McEnroe's Holy Grail, Bjorn Borg's Waterloo, Rafael Nadal's Final Frontier, or Roger Federer's Second Home (Wimbledon is the first) - the "bluetiful" Flushing Meadows have unfailingly provided some of the best tennis exchanges ever.
The blue hardcourts - made of DecoTurf - of the meadows are said to be a 'great leveller' - everyone finds it tough to execute their silky skills - which makes the US Open an exciting event right from round-1 full with upsets and surprises! While the other slams help the baseliners, the US Open is tailormade for the much more exciting serve-and-volley game - which all tennis lovers always look forward to!
While the 1st Open (1968) was a pretty affair when Arthus Ashe first won it, the US Open now proudly wears the tag of "The Tennis Ramp" - complete with colorful courts (blue and green) and a bizarre collection of "Player Fashion". The blacks, the reds, the oranges, the greens - colors sported by the players on court make the US Open the most appealing to the fashion conscious tennis lovers!
This limited edition tshirt (only twenty for year 2009) celebrates that very blend of fashion and tennis!
In style!"
Trust me! While in the elevators, escalators, on the streets, in a queue ... or grabbing a drink ahead of someone, someone or the other would be peeping his/her head out to read all those beautifully written words!
The Sleeve
Let the picture do the talking here! Here's what we have on the sleeve:
Neat?!
Do remember - this may be your only chance to buy one for yourself - we have just 20 pieces in all! Btw! The US Open begins on the 31st of August - ends on the 13th of September! :)
YOUR SHOPPING BAG
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You Are Here Because ...
... of either of the following reasons ...
1) a loved one of yours told you;
2) you are a customer-turned-friend of mine;
3) you are a friend-turned-customer of mine!
1) a loved one of yours told you;
2) you are a customer-turned-friend of mine;
3) you are a friend-turned-customer of mine!
That's it! Toubé Bäs has never put any ads on Google (or else where), neither do I have the money to do such mass advertising!
Plus, to be very honest, these t-shirts are for a few people - exclusive ones. Like they normally say, "For the classes, not the masses." That's what we mean when we call them,"For-a-few" t-shirts :)
T-shirt wearers crave for a certain feel of privilege. Meaning ... you do not want just about anyone to wear a t-shirt that you have been sporting so lovingly. You desire exclusivity. That's why I stop selling a particular design after having sold 501 pieces of those.
(That's also why people who visit this site do not use the share button above ... but here's something: share this site with friends of yours who are not close to you geographically!!!)
That design goes into the history books - forever! The 501 people who bought that design ... will be the only bearers of that design - ever!
T-shirt wearers crave for a certain feel of privilege. Meaning ... you do not want just about anyone to wear a t-shirt that you have been sporting so lovingly. You desire exclusivity. That's why I stop selling a particular design after having sold 501 pieces of those.
(That's also why people who visit this site do not use the share button above ... but here's something: share this site with friends of yours who are not close to you geographically!!!)
That design goes into the history books - forever! The 501 people who bought that design ... will be the only bearers of that design - ever!
Naturally, then, things like adverts in the newspapers, pamphlets, strategies like luring customers to "tell 20 friends and win a free t-shirt" are all methods to attract a whole lot of people, but not the kind of customer I hope/want to deal with at Toubé Bäs. A typical Toubé Bäs customer is far more prudent, dignified, and sophisticated than that. Plus, slightly richer as well!
I plan not to worry about the masses, or the huge business opportunity that I lose with them. My concern would be to cater to the few elite people, and give them all the customer service I can afford to. That's where I won't like to fail.
Thankfully, that's the business wisdom my grand father felt like sharing with me recently.
Also, Toubé Bäs is not about 'designer' t-shirts ... where a flutter of butterflies, a fleet of birds ... and things like that contribute to some immensely colorful design. The t-shirts here will always have a strong message to deliver ... a message that you will either connect with instantly, or not connect with at all. These are meaningful t-shirts, and may make sense to only a few people who are passionate about the core meaning. In your group, or at a social occasion, these t-shirts will certainly give you that "Hey Nice T-shirt!" response ... serve as conversation starters (about your passion), and make you feel happy about it.
Looks like the ride's going to be tough for me, right?! I hope so too!
Me, and This
I had it all planned at 25 ... but the more you plan, the more Gods laugh! I'm 30 now, and till today, this is what I ended up doing ...
So much for all the planning! I ended up making no money in life - but I now believe I do not need much of it (sour grapes?!!) My stupid passion will carry me through!
(Still, I have a 1000 more things to do - like run a taxi in Bbay, write a book on IIT Bombay's trivia, act in Prithvi atleast once in this lifetime, do some RJ-giri etc. etc., work towards 'community sports')
May be it's difficult to believe, but at IITB, I flunked in 22 courses - and took an extra year to graduate. Ironically, that one year was one of the best years of my life!
Why flunked? Well, almost all the time in the class was spent scribbling and drawing something or the other, and all the time in the hostel/playground was spent farting around and taking pride in being witty.
In 2008, my dad happened to mention some Gitagyaan, "If you can do something well, and you choose not to do it, then you are committing a big sin." So I resumed my drawing, and my farting around ... and Toubé Bäs was born. I thought t-shirt designing would be a nice thing to do - but it turned out to be an incredibly fascinating experience in the industry of 'expression'.
In 2008, my dad happened to mention some Gitagyaan, "If you can do something well, and you choose not to do it, then you are committing a big sin." So I resumed my drawing, and my farting around ... and Toubé Bäs was born. I thought t-shirt designing would be a nice thing to do - but it turned out to be an incredibly fascinating experience in the industry of 'expression'.
The true concept of "tshirts" is yet to 'arrive' in this country. Usually, t-shirts not only provide a strong platform for 'individual expression' ... but if managed suitably, t-shirts have the power to bring about a bottom-to-top ripple in the society too. I have begun with the former hoping that the latter will turn out to be a by-product.
Today, it's just the youth (at heart) that prides in wearing witty and unique tshirts. The poppa-kinds are happy wearing their kurtas and polos and shirts, while the bachcha-party are too kiddish to appreciate most of the wit! In the Western parts of this world, tshirts are the primary street/campus/lounge casual wear - meant for you to flash your attitude while the slightly lesser mortals take notice of you and your beliefs/attitudes!
Today, it's just the youth (at heart) that prides in wearing witty and unique tshirts. The poppa-kinds are happy wearing their kurtas and polos and shirts, while the bachcha-party are too kiddish to appreciate most of the wit! In the Western parts of this world, tshirts are the primary street/campus/lounge casual wear - meant for you to flash your attitude while the slightly lesser mortals take notice of you and your beliefs/attitudes!
I am hoping this would happen in India soon. With the trendy youth that we boast of - it will! There's zero doubt in my head, at least!
T-shirts Don't Hide. They Reveal.
91% of urban population claim that they have a "favorite tee", which they will never discard in their lives! Come what may.
About 5.4 million tshirts are sold worldwide! Daily.
More than 60% of the all urban population owns atleast 10 tees each. 19% own more than 30 tees!
More than 60% of the all urban population owns atleast 10 tees each. 19% own more than 30 tees!
These are statistics - but there's one very generic reason why people wear tshirts: to express. People mistake T-shirts as apparel. They are not. T-shirts are, instead, a form of 'media' - and a much more 'personal' media than the radio or tv can even hope to offer. When someone wears a t-shirt with a message on it, he or she is devoting 50% of the body to that message ... for an entire day. That's how siginificant t-shirts are ...
T-shirts are about one's personal beliefs and thoughts - and that's not the end! T-shirts are a casual, cool, and carefree manner to express one's attitude in style, and in a unique way.
That's why I always maintain, "T-shirts do not hide the body. No. Instead, they reveal your mind!"
Still, that is NOT the reason why a t-shirt becomes someone's favorite - so much so that that's the only thing they will sleep in. There's something else ...
T-shirts are about one's personal beliefs and thoughts - and that's not the end! T-shirts are a casual, cool, and carefree manner to express one's attitude in style, and in a unique way.
That's why I always maintain, "T-shirts do not hide the body. No. Instead, they reveal your mind!"
Still, that is NOT the reason why a t-shirt becomes someone's favorite - so much so that that's the only thing they will sleep in. There's something else ...
Emotional involvement. Yes - researches have shown that the one piece of apparel that people develop maximum emotional bonds with are their tees! A tee may be a gift from your girlfriend (better - it may belong to your girlfriend), it may remind you of that marathon run, it may have a message about your passion and belief, or it may simply reflect something about your school or college - but once ppl get emotionally involved with their tees, they don't want to discard them - no matter how batterred the fabric may be! This is one relationship where there's no breaking-up.
There's little wonder in the fact that almost 33% of the sports world revolves around merchandise, and almost 43% of revenues that colleges in the West generate are through sales of merchandise - and a huge chunk of that is t-shirts.
Garment industry?! No! I think I am in the media industry! :)
There's little wonder in the fact that almost 33% of the sports world revolves around merchandise, and almost 43% of revenues that colleges in the West generate are through sales of merchandise - and a huge chunk of that is t-shirts.
Garment industry?! No! I think I am in the media industry! :)
Customer Testimonials
A few randomly chosen testimonials from a few good men and women!
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The moment I saw this t-shirt, I knew I wanted it. And all my friends recrowned me the ultimate cricket fanatic!!S for God and T for God again!! For a Sachin maniac that I am, seemed like its made for me only! |
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Hey.. great designs.. prompt service.. awesome packaging! will buy more soon :-) |
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Your tee designs are awesome. Innovative, fun and special. I must say that Toube Bas is providing fast delivery and excellent P&P. |
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I really liked the Football tee...i m very choosy abt the slogans written on my tshirts but this one is one of the best I will have!!! :) |
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These tees bring cheeze to your lips!! I put them on with immense grin and joy..Keep up the inventions!!! |
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These tees are a pure delight - the reaction that I see on my friends faces when they see it for the 1st time is a delight to watch! |
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We wore the tees, made a beautiful video and mailed it across to my Mom. She was overjoyed!! Folks at Toube Bas, keep up the good work! |
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I got the Football Geek t-shirt for a soccer crazy friend. He immensely liked the t-shirt and was very happy :) I really thank you for this wonderful gift for my friend. I really appreciate :) |
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The T shirt designs are awesome and so is the quaility . A very rare combo. Also I have washed the T-shirt multiple times and am completey satisfied :) |
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Randomly came across this website; and I was completely awestruck. Awesome stuff here!! Thank you for bringing the tee culture to India in the 'true' sense. |
The Entire Toubé Bäs Collection
"Ke Nako! The FIFA World Cup T-shirt?"
A 200 piece LIMITED EDITION t-shirt, for lovers of the world's favorite game! A neat, sexy piece of World Cup merchandise!
"Burn the Cigarette!"
A terrific gift item for a person you know who smokes, and who shouldn't. Some people can do with a simple tip.
"Human Beings. Being Human?"
Buy a t-shirt for Rs. 200/-, and donate Rs. 20/- to green activities in India. The first in the series of 'Greenizen' t-shirts.
"Earth, Unearth"
The second in the 'Greenizen' t-shirt series. Buy the t-shirt, and donate Rs. 20/- to green activities in India!
"1936 Berlin - Indian Hockey Magicians"
Remembering Dhyanchand and Co., who mesmerised world hockey with their stick wizardy at the 1936 Berlin Olympics! Finally, a decent hockey t-shirt to wear.
"Messy Footballers"
Not for the 'only-fans'. A t-shirt that football players will relate to, if they've played football the way it should be played!
"Surya Namaskara"
For the ardent Yoga advocates, depicting the 12 poses of Surya Namaskara in Warli Art. Plus, all mantras tastefully placed on the back.
"The IIT Bombay Skyline"
The entire skyline of IIT Bombay on a graceful black t-shirt, for anyone who admires IITB, and/or wants to wear a stylish t-shirt.
"Tennis Is In - US Open - 2009"
A 20-only limited edition t-shirt made for the "Paris of Tennis": The US Open. For tennis devotees of the highest order!
"Main Runveer Hoon"
An extra-ordinary t-shirt made for long distance runners, conveying the spirit of marathon running in a strongly worded Hindi prose. Short distance runners can stay away from this one.
"I Love My Mummy"
A sexily witty t-shirt that anyone who loves his/her momma can wear. The graphic plays cutely with the pun on the word 'mummy'. 'The' favorite of almost all.
"Life Main Riks Hai"
A humourous salute to the decades old presence of auto rickshaws on Indian roads. Some made movies, some wrote poetries. We made a t-shirt.
"The Football Geek's A-Z"
A no-frills-and-no-fuss t-shirt that underlines the importance of football in a football fan's life. A smart message about mostly club football from the football fan's perpective.
"Tennis For Peace"
A graceful piece made for one of the most graceful, and peaceful, sport of them all. Plus, a witty connection between 'peace' and 'tennis' depicted in strong colors.
"The Sahasrara Chakra"
A respectful, and soothing, message about the 'Sahasrara Chakra' or the 'Crown Chakra' on a spiritual white base. Ethnic, and easy.
"Main Runveer Hoon"
An extra-ordinary t-shirt made for long distance runners, conveying the spirit of marathon running in a strongly worded Hindi prose. Short distance runners can stay away from this one.
"The Football Geek's Preferences"
Another in the "Football Geek's" series, clearly stating the importance of football to fans, over everything, including women.
"Baap Of All Evil"
A must have for fathers of naughty brats, depicting fathers as 'Super Dads'
"The Cricket Guru's A-Z"
The ultimate wear for a hard core cricket fanatic, depicting 26 cricketing trivia that only masters of the game can decipher. Not for the cricketingly-faint-hearted.
The Toubé Bäs Blog
Buy A Tee, Plant A Tree!!
Most of the t-shirts here are priced at 501/-. These are the limited editon ones.
However, there are a few that go for much cheaper. The reason being - I hope as many people can buy them as possible, since the proceeds from them will be donated to a good cause.
I am selling the 'Greenizen' series t-shirts for as little as Rs. 200-300/- ... and donating 10% of the proceeds to plant trees in India. That's YOUR money and, hence, YOUR contri(bution)!
Total contri from 'Greenizens' sales till today is
Rs. 5640/-
[I don't know how big a difference will this make - and I cannot worry about it too. The good thing is, the first Rs. 3000 were used very well - for this]
You can buy and add to the fund at these links:
T-shirt 1 - Human Beings
T-shirt 2 - UnEarth Ho Jaayega!
T-shirt 3 - Hari Ya Ali? (Latest)
Below, you can Involve a few people you know:
Payment Methods Here
Payments on Toubé Bäs can be made in the following ways:
CreditCards/DebitCards/Direct Net Banking: Oh yes! This is serious business - we have tied up with CCAvenue to bring all the security and conveniences to your payment process. CCAvenue is India's largest payment gateway (they must be really good, right?) ... and provide for payment through global credit cards ... and also debit cards & simple online banking of almost all the banks in India!
PayPal: Allows for ultra-secure credit card and international bank transactions! Also, doesn't require you to have a paypal account :)
Bank Transfers: Requires some work from your end. You got to add me to your bank-payee lists and then pay me the amount online. My account details: Sorabh Sodhani, 005701048198, ICICI Bank - Prabhadevi Branch.
Cheques: Easier than bank transfers. Simply courier or post a crossed cheque addressed to "Sorabh Sodhani" to the following address ... Sorabh Sodhani, IITB Souvenir Shop, 1st Floor, Gulmohar, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai - 400076 - India.
Delivery Around India In 4 Days!
Promise? No! Practice? YYYES!
Unless one is Dominoes Pizza, it's impossible to commit on delivery logistics in India and live up to those. No wonder even FedEx took some time to set base in this country!
I must have sent more than a thousand couriers - tried BlueDart, DTDC, and experimented with a host of other big names - but have always found Maruti Couriers to be the most pragmatic and, hence, efficient of them all.
My observation, and a semi-commitment too: it won't take more than 3-4 working days for your t-shirt gifts/packets to reach anywhere in India - so you can go for some last minute gifting too! I spend quality time packing and shipping the stuff myself ... so yes ... you can be sure that I am personally involved in your order till the very last minute.
I must have sent more than a thousand couriers - tried BlueDart, DTDC, and experimented with a host of other big names - but have always found Maruti Couriers to be the most pragmatic and, hence, efficient of them all.
My observation, and a semi-commitment too: it won't take more than 3-4 working days for your t-shirt gifts/packets to reach anywhere in India - so you can go for some last minute gifting too! I spend quality time packing and shipping the stuff myself ... so yes ... you can be sure that I am personally involved in your order till the very last minute.
What's Our Marketing Budget?
It's Rs. 0/-
:((
That apart, there is another reason why we do not want to market aggressively. Toubé Bäs thrives on exclusivity where a few self-aware people buy t-shirts about things they are passionate about.
In short, it's a classes vs. masses story, and we are going for the former. It would hurt the brand to have 5,000 people wearing the same design. That's the whole basic behind us producing 500 tshirts of a kind.
In short, it's a classes vs. masses story, and we are going for the former. It would hurt the brand to have 5,000 people wearing the same design. That's the whole basic behind us producing 500 tshirts of a kind.
Our only hope of survival: good words being spoken by you about us (if you liked our work and service).
Just in case you can help us, please do use this tool below!
Thanks!
Toubé Bäs: The Mad Lessons So Far
Not that I am a successful millionaire - but what the heck! The experience in this hobb-usiness has been an assortment of lessons already. While I get the ultimate pleasure in selling t-shirts here, I would love to share some empirical realizations about starting-up with you - may be they might benefit you!
8) If Money is Easy, there's Something Fishy!
I have this weird belief, nurtured over experience of both the sides, that easy money always has something fishy (not corrupt, I mean, but just fishy) in it, unlike difficult money. Easy money either is a result of something disgraceful that we do (flatter, bribe, pretend, suck, con, stoop), or results in something disgraceful that either happens to us (sickness) or that we do (splash it on un-necessary evils). So, if money is not coming easy, feel good ... because probably you are a assuredly good person. A point: to have money, you need to learn to do two things: save some of what you earn, and invest some of what you earn. That's the key to become monetarily-rich.
7) Long-term Planning is a Joke!
Yes, it is! Believe me! The gods smile at you pitifully when you plan your life - imagine how loud they will laugh when you try to make a 2 year plan of your business in an excel file, with goals very clearly mentioned in there! While you are doing it, one of your 27 other competitors has already sold his product. My small advice is ... think small, think small term, and make sure you do it. For instance, meet a real customer and test the product on her and take a genuine feedback. As far as your investors, angels, managers etc. are concerned, tell them, and make them repeat it 20 times, that your poorest customer is far, far more important than anyone in the business you are running. Because, he/she is.
6) The Customer is God!
That's what we Indians have always been taught, haven't we? That's what the marketing gods Jack Trout and Al Ries have said, and that's what Theodre Levit said in his HBR classic, "Marketing Myopia". This is a rule that should be followed as a superstition, and yesterday, my 88 year old grandfather advised me to do the same too. When I say, "God", it doesn't mean you sacrifice just about everything for them. But respect them, their wants, and make them happy. They are feeding you, afterall. Oh - my MBA never mentioned a word about it :) MBA is for jokers. I was one when I did it :(
5) The Supplier is Not Satan Either!
Well, it would be wrong to say that the suppliers are Gods too - but they are somewhere close as well. I had the great fortune to come across Ashfaq Hussain (Dash-n-Dots, Bangalore) who turned out to be not only a screen-printing expert, but an expert in quality and aesthetics too. It's been more than a year - and we are still going strong. I make sure he gets his quoted figure in time, and he ensures that I get the best quality one can produce. if you don't expect your customers to keep postponing their payments, don't do it to your suppliers as well. As for the 'cash-flow', you have to make the sales happen to take care of it. If that isn't happenning, there's no point being in business. Really. Warren Buffet himself hates the concept of 'credit' ... and you know who he is, right?!
4) Credit Doesn't Work
I have always been told to 'maintain my cash flow' by paying my suppliers late, and taking money early from my customers. However - in business it's essential to realise that good relationships (even Adi Dassler says this) are much more important than credit periods, plus yours is not the only bank account that feeds on money! Hence, I do not sit on my customer's head to make the payment as if my leg is breaking away, neither do I keep my supplier's money with me just for the sake of it.
3) Passion > MS Excel
Many people start their businesses based on their passion, and before taking the plunge, try to evaluate their passion in figures keyed in an MS Excel mesh - thinking, "Should I, Shouldn't I?" My suggestion (who am I, btw?): if you are passionate about it, jump in anyway - lest you may regret it. I started designing and selling t-shirts without blinking an eye-lid. Money went, money came, money went. I may have had 'tough times' - but did not realise them in all the fun. Only 11 months later did I make my first excel file to organise myself. Plus: an excel file makes sense only when you have numbers with some experience behind them.
2) "F*** It!" Bolke Kar Daalne Ka
When I was but a freshie bachcha in IITB, and tried to apply my brains in usual hostel acitivities, my seniors had this one suggestion: "Bahot zyaada nahin sochne ka. Bas 'F*** It' bolke kar daalne ka." That's what I do - in life, in the football ground, in Toube Bas: I think about things for some time - giving all due respect to the situation. But that's it ... once the Unconscious feels right, I don't give a damn: I say, "F*** It!" ... and I do it. Plus, that's what Sir Richard Branson said too, right? Remember the book, "Screw It ... Let's Do It!" One of my all time favorites!
1) Read Jack Trout and Al Ries
No businessman should be allowed to start a business until he reads a couple of books by these two divine marketers! My father introduced me to the book, "Focus", and then I dug up "Positioning", "Differentiate or Die", "Marketing Warfare", "22 Immutable Laws of Marketing", and "In Search Of The Obvious". Even if you are not about a business, please do read them!
I shall keep populating this section just in case it benefits a few more unreasonable, mad people who may be looking for some encouragement.
Yes, it is! Believe me! The gods smile at you pitifully when you plan your life - imagine how loud they will laugh when you try to make a 2 year plan of your business in an excel file, with goals very clearly mentioned in there! While you are doing it, one of your 27 other competitors has already sold his product. My small advice is ... think small, think small term, and make sure you do it. For instance, meet a real customer and test the product on her and take a genuine feedback. As far as your investors, angels, managers etc. are concerned, tell them, and make them repeat it 20 times, that your poorest customer is far, far more important than anyone in the business you are running. Because, he/she is.
6) The Customer is God!
That's what we Indians have always been taught, haven't we? That's what the marketing gods Jack Trout and Al Ries have said, and that's what Theodre Levit said in his HBR classic, "Marketing Myopia". This is a rule that should be followed as a superstition, and yesterday, my 88 year old grandfather advised me to do the same too. When I say, "God", it doesn't mean you sacrifice just about everything for them. But respect them, their wants, and make them happy. They are feeding you, afterall. Oh - my MBA never mentioned a word about it :) MBA is for jokers. I was one when I did it :(
5) The Supplier is Not Satan Either!
Well, it would be wrong to say that the suppliers are Gods too - but they are somewhere close as well. I had the great fortune to come across Ashfaq Hussain (Dash-n-Dots, Bangalore) who turned out to be not only a screen-printing expert, but an expert in quality and aesthetics too. It's been more than a year - and we are still going strong. I make sure he gets his quoted figure in time, and he ensures that I get the best quality one can produce. if you don't expect your customers to keep postponing their payments, don't do it to your suppliers as well. As for the 'cash-flow', you have to make the sales happen to take care of it. If that isn't happenning, there's no point being in business. Really. Warren Buffet himself hates the concept of 'credit' ... and you know who he is, right?!
4) Credit Doesn't Work
I have always been told to 'maintain my cash flow' by paying my suppliers late, and taking money early from my customers. However - in business it's essential to realise that good relationships (even Adi Dassler says this) are much more important than credit periods, plus yours is not the only bank account that feeds on money! Hence, I do not sit on my customer's head to make the payment as if my leg is breaking away, neither do I keep my supplier's money with me just for the sake of it.
3) Passion > MS Excel
Many people start their businesses based on their passion, and before taking the plunge, try to evaluate their passion in figures keyed in an MS Excel mesh - thinking, "Should I, Shouldn't I?" My suggestion (who am I, btw?): if you are passionate about it, jump in anyway - lest you may regret it. I started designing and selling t-shirts without blinking an eye-lid. Money went, money came, money went. I may have had 'tough times' - but did not realise them in all the fun. Only 11 months later did I make my first excel file to organise myself. Plus: an excel file makes sense only when you have numbers with some experience behind them.
2) "F*** It!" Bolke Kar Daalne Ka
When I was but a freshie bachcha in IITB, and tried to apply my brains in usual hostel acitivities, my seniors had this one suggestion: "Bahot zyaada nahin sochne ka. Bas 'F*** It' bolke kar daalne ka." That's what I do - in life, in the football ground, in Toube Bas: I think about things for some time - giving all due respect to the situation. But that's it ... once the Unconscious feels right, I don't give a damn: I say, "F*** It!" ... and I do it. Plus, that's what Sir Richard Branson said too, right? Remember the book, "Screw It ... Let's Do It!" One of my all time favorites!
1) Read Jack Trout and Al Ries
No businessman should be allowed to start a business until he reads a couple of books by these two divine marketers! My father introduced me to the book, "Focus", and then I dug up "Positioning", "Differentiate or Die", "Marketing Warfare", "22 Immutable Laws of Marketing", and "In Search Of The Obvious". Even if you are not about a business, please do read them!
I shall keep populating this section just in case it benefits a few more unreasonable, mad people who may be looking for some encouragement.
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