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Motivational

5 Desi Movies Every Entrepreneur Must Watch!

Movies, whether from Bollywood or Hollywood have always been our window to the other world. While some are meant for pure entertainment with perfect comic timing and dialogues, some touch our hearts with their high emotional quotient and heartwarming script. There are some masterpieces too that give you food for thought and showcase human tragedy. Then few more Bollywood movies showcase the triumph of human life and influence us in some way.

So whether you want to become the best business motivational speaker or an artist, the road less taken often has a rough path. And though we already know that being an entrepreneur is not an easy deal, what could be the best medium other than movies to showcase the journey of an entrepreneur in India? So we have handpicked five desi movies that show the passion, tenacity, and undying spirit of its characters that all entrepreneurs can relate to:

1. Pyaasa (Guru Dutt, 1957)

‘Old is gold and this epic movie by the legendary Guru Dutt fits the bill completely. Playing the protagonist of the movie, the actor plays the character of a poet with an undying passion for writing poetry. His poems are quite radical and showcase the ordeal of the destitute. He also pens down the arrogance of the rich after the departure of the British from India.

He is frowned upon by his brothers, who sell away his poems as waste paper. After lots of struggle, he becomes frustrated by the hypocrisy around him and declares himself dead. It is only after this that the publishers embrace his work and he becomes famous.

Takeaway: The story speaks about the never-dying passion of entrepreneurs for their work and how despite the challenges that society and life throw, they keep on going and come out as a winner.

2. Manthan (Shyam Benegal, 1976)

If you are not aware of the truth behind the formation of the ‘Amul Co-operative Society’, you can watch our extremely informative case study here. You can also watch this old classic movie Manthan which revolves around the story of a vet doctor who comes to a village. The doctor aims to open a milk cooperative society for the welfare of the villagers.

He faces lots of resistance from the rich businessmen and the head of the village. The movie showcases the real-life journey of Dr. Verghese Kurien- the father of the White Revolution in India and how the Amul Cooperative Society was formed.

The Takeaway: The helplessness of the protagonist is real and the movie beautifully does justice to capture the hurdles entrepreneurs often face in the beginning.

3. Manzil (Basu Chatterjee, 1979)

Another movie from the deck of old, this film captures the life of a young unemployed man who has ambitions and dreams of starting his startup. He starts a galvanometer business but the company fails due to high competition in the market. He drowns in bad debts and faces lots of challenges in his personal life as well. However, the protagonist mends his ways and eventually emerges as a winner.

The Takeaway: This movie may appear very simple on the surface, but deep down it teaches us to be ambitious and follow our passion. It does not matter from where you are coming, chase your dreams with all your heart, learn from your failures and move on.

4. Swades (Ashutosh Gowariker, 2004)

Behind every startup, there is an entrepreneur who is working on a problem at the grass-root level and this movie revolves around the same. The protagonist, played by Shahrukh Khan is a young scientist working as a project manager at NASA who comes to his village to find his nanny. The village which is full of diversity, colorful and complex helps to draw a parallel contrast between the two different countries which compels the protagonist to go on a quest to generate electricity for his village.

The Takeaway: The movie sends out a million years old messages of ‘Unity in Diversity and clearly states that a country’s strength lies in its people. Along with that, it poses a vital question- what should we do as responsible and intelligent members of society?

5. Guru (Mani Ratnam, 2007)

Guru probably is the most obvious entry into this list. Based loosely on the life and times of Dhirubhai Ambani, Guru shows an ambitious middle-class boy who is full of business ideas and wants to make it big in the business world. He gets married to a rich businessman’s daughter and uses the money he receives in his wedding as a dowry to start a business. The controversial film follows how he uses his skills and ambition to create one of the richest companies in the country.

The Takeaway: Though the protagonist in this movie is portrayed to be cunning, over-ambitious, and manipulative, he also encourages us to believe in our dreams.

The five movies that we have mentioned above will not just be entertaining, but will also offer a reflection of our society and the challenges that businessmen often experience. So watch these movies and enjoy!

The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we completely agree with you. This is why to help you move forward with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer an exclusive Business Coaching Program that comes with Foundation courses, specialized courses, and value-added courses.

To know more about our programs, visit: www.badabusiness.com

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Motivational

9 Career Advice From Ankur Warikoo We Wish We Knew Earlier!

Are you anxious about your career choices? Are you worried about how to take your professional career ahead? Worry not! Here are nine pieces of career advice from none other than Ankur Warikoo- a popular face who has his own YouTube channel. He is also the former CEO of Groupon and Nearbuy.

Here is a list of career advice from Ankur Warikoo who will help you navigate all the confusion that we all experience at some point in our lives:

1. You Get Paid for What You CAN Do!

When starting a career, we all have high expectations about the role and reimbursements. But at the initial stage, you only get paid for what you can do. You explore different industries and roles and based on your performance, you make your career. You have to showcase your abilities and then you get paid for those. Later, after you become experienced, you get paid for what you do.

2. You End Up Managing People

No matter in which industry or field you are, every promotion brings you a step closer to managing people.

3. Not Everyone Can Become Managers

Every individual is unique because of their exclusive skills and talents. But this does not mean that they could be good managers too. Managing your job and responsibilities is one thing and managing people who are coming from different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences is completely another ball game.

4. Grow Professionally By Helping Your Peers & Your Boss!

Most people on their first job can be seen working tirelessly even outside their job roles. This simple step not just helps them grow professionally, but also helps them to build networking. The more you make your boss’s job easier by taking on more and more responsibilities, the more you will grow- professionally because you get to learn new things and develop new skills.

5. Grow While Learning

When you start working, always ensure that you are enhancing your skills. A job that gives you experience should add to your knowledge bank as well. If you switch jobs and opt for the same job role, ensure that you are learning something new. If you have three years of experience, make sure that you hone your skills and make it 3 YEARS of experience. Not 1 year of experience done three times.

6. Gain In-depth Knowledge of Your Work

In the early days, it is very important to gain deep knowledge 0of your work, field, and industry. This will give you an edge over everyone else. Deep insights and knowledge will help you in the future. Once you have gained experience, you can go wide. You can explore the horizon of industries and can experiment with distinct roles and positions.

7. Action is Greater than Thoughts

Have a business idea? Then make a business plan along with goals and how will you achieve them. Create a timeline to achieve your goals. An idea remains a dream unless action is taken. No one ever gets rewarded for just having an idea. So work on your idea and never shy away from working hard towards your dreams. You can also take help from a business coach who will mentor you and guide you in the right direction.

8. Respect Your Commitment

Once you have committed, you must fulfill it by beating the odds. When you do what you have promised, you not only become more trustworthy, but it also increases your credibility. The reward for standing by your word and commitment is immense.

9. Be Consistent

“Slow and steady always wins the race.” You must have heard this adverb a lot of times courtesy of the story of a rabbit and a tortoise. The message here is that it does not matter how fast you are running. If you hustle, you grow fast in the short term. However, it is essential to be consistent in your efforts. If you pace yourself, you grow big in the long term.

Everyone has dreams when they start their career, with lots of expectations and high hopes. This career advice by Ankur Warikoo will help you to navigate in the right direction.

The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we completely agree with you. This is why to help you move forward with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer an exclusive Business Coaching Program that comes with Foundation courses, specialized courses, and value-added courses. To know more about our courses, visit: www.badabusiness.com

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Motivational

These 10 Books Recommended By Elon Musk Will Open A Whole New World Of Knowledge!

“A book can be your best friend.” Sometimes it can be your peaceful escape, while other times it can take you to a world, where you have never been before. A book can give you a fresh new perspective, open your mind, and give wings to your imagination. It can throw light in the darkest corners of your mind by making you aware of various aspects of the world.

Many successful millionaires read books. In an interview, Bill Gates mentioned that he is very fond of reading and reads around fifty books per year. And Elon Musk who is the brilliant mind behind Tesla and SpaceX is no exception.

Whenever Musk is asked about how he learned to build rockets, he says, “by reading books.” Not only this genius reads them but also devours them. Musk has a personal library and offers some recommendations of his own.

Here are the top 10 books recommended by Elon Musk:

1. Life 3.0: Being Human in the age of Artificial Intelligence| By Max Tegmark

Will superhuman intelligence be our slave, or become our god? What will the future look like? Taking us to the heart of the latest thinking about AI, Max Tegmark, the MIT professor whose work has helped mainstream research on how to keep AI beneficial, separates myths from reality, and utopias from dystopias, to explore the next phase of our existence.

How automation can help us grow our prosperity, without leaving people lacking income or purpose? How can we ensure that future AI systems do what we want without crashing, malfunctioning, or getting hacked? Should we fear an arms race in lethal autonomous weapons? Will AI help life flourish as never before, or will machines eventually outsmart us at all tasks, and even, perhaps, replace us altogether?

2. Twelve Against the Gods| By William Bolitho

Encompassing the timeless values of perseverance, bravery, and strength of spirit; this book consists of essays that are nearly one hundred years old but still that have proven to resonate with the pioneers and thought leaders of today.

In this book, author William Bolitho details the lives of twelve great adventurers — Alexander the Great, Casanova, Mahomet, Christopher Columbus, Lola Montez, Charles XII of Sweden, Cagliostro (and Seraphina), Napoleon I, Lucius Sergius Catiline, Isadora Duncan, Napoleon III, and Woodrow Wilson. He also demonstrates the struggles and successes that made these iconic figures famous.

3. Screw Business As Usual | By Richard Branson

It’s a vibrant and definite sea change from the way business was always done, when financial profit was a driving force. Today, people aren’t afraid to say, Screw business as usual!-and show they mean it. Richard Branson is one of the world’s most famous and admired business leaders. He argues in his book that it is time to turn capitalism upside down-to shift our values from an exclusive focus on profit to also caring for people, communities, and the planet.

4. Waiting for Godot| By Samuel Beckett

‘Waiting for Godot’ is a valuable book that begins with a summary of the play and its origins and editions. It then explores the play’s meaning and the historical and intellectual contexts informing Beckett’s work. The book then examines Beckett’s dramatic art and gives full coverage of the play’s performance history. A bibliographical essay surveys the most important critical studies.

5. Howard Hughes | By Donald L. Barlett

Whether he was courting public attention in the roles of aviator, playboy, and entrepreneur, or shunning it as a recluse, Howard Hughes commanded headlines throughout his career. Yet the image of his life, his power, and his business empire that caught the public imagination was almost completely false. This book revolves around his life, revealing the multiple layers page by page, taking its readers closer to the reality of his life.

6. Super Intelligence | By Nick Bostrom

Human beings are blessed with some of the most amazing capabilities that the other species on this planet lack. It is these capabilities that put humans in a more dominant position. Where other animals have stronger muscles and sharper claws, humans possess the ability to think with their cleverer brains. Read the book and learn about genies, oracles, singletons, and a lot more intricate concepts.

7. Benjamin Franklin | By Walter Isaacson

Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who seems made of flesh rather than marble. In a sweeping narrative in this book that follows Franklin’s life from Boston to Philadelphia to London and Paris and back, Walter Isaacson chronicles the adventures of the runaway apprentice who became, over the course of his eighty-four-year life, America’s best writer, inventor, media baron, scientist, diplomat, and business strategist, as well as one of its most practical and ingenious political leaders.

8. The Machine Stops | By E.M Forster

The Machine Stops” is a science fiction short story (12,300 words) by E. M. Forster. After initial publication in The Oxford and Cambridge Review (November 1909), the story was republished in Forster’s The Eternal Moment and Other Stories in 1928. It was voted as one of the best novels in 1965.

9. Steve Jobs | By Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson tells the story of the rollercoaster life and intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.

10. The Life of Greece | By Will Durant

A history of Greek civilization from the beginnings, and of civilization in the Near East from the Death of Alexander to the Roman Conquest of Greece!

Inspiration can be anywhere! And if you want to be a successful entrepreneur reading could be a great way to increase your knowledge and awareness. These 10 books recommended by Elon Musk should be on your reading list.

The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we completely agree with you. This is why to help you move forward with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer an exclusive Business Coaching Program that comes with Foundation courses, specialized courses, and value-added courses. To know more, visit: www.badabusiness.com

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Motivational

11 Timeless Quotes By Sudha Murty Will Give You A New Perspective of Life!

Sudha Murthy, an affable-looking woman with short height and a friendly demeanor is the wife of the founder of the country’s topmost tech company- Infosys! But, that is not what she is known for! Sudha Murty is a philanthropist, award-winning author, and Padma Shri awardee for the amazing work she is doing for the benefit of society.

Sudha Murty is the Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, a Karnataka-based non-profit that works towards empowering underprivileged and marginalized communities. The award-winning author empowers them through quality education, rural development, public hygiene, healthcare, art, and culture.

Having worked with people from different walks of life, Sudha Murty believes that her true calling is to serve others. She says she woke up to a new outlook over two decades ago when her daughter urged her to reflect on the purpose of her life.

Here are 11 quotes by the author who is famous for her book- “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” which has been an inspiration for many across India and is also included in the academic syllabus:

  1.   The struggle is Life!
  2.   Trust is difficult to earn and easy to destroy.
  3.   Too much money in too little time is just like excess liquor
  4.   One should stick to what one can do best.
  5.   Money mostly divides.
  6.   A fire cannot be extinguished with another fire. It is the only water that can make a difference.
  7.   Life is an exam where the syllabus is unknown and question papers are not set. Nor are there model answer papers.
  8.   Nature is very intelligent. Whether you are good-looking or not, whether you are intelligent or not, whether you are rich or not, you only have 24 hours a day. Whatever your set of problems or difficulties or solutions, you have to accommodate all of them in 24 hours.
  9.   It doesn’t matter how intelligent you are, how well-off you are, or how well-connected you are. Your perseverance, your courage – if you keep that intact, only such people will always be successful.
  10.   Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is merely passing time. But vision and action together can change the world.
  11.   Having good relationships, compassion, and peace of mind is much more important than achievements, awards, degrees, or money.

So keep dreaming and keep growing! The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we completely agree with you. This is why to help you move forward with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer an exclusive Business Coaching Program that comes with Foundation courses, specialized courses, and value-added courses.

To know more about interesting quotes, visit www.badabusiness.com

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Motivational

5 Powerful Quotes By Virat Kohli For A Stronger Comeback

One of the finest batters in the world made his debut for India some 14 years ago. With years passing by, Kohli went on to change the way sports was perceived in the country and became one of the greatest players the world has ever seen.

From bringing the revolution to breaking unthinkable records, Kohli’s contribution to the game was unparalleled. Born on 5th November 1988, this Delhi boy has come a long way. From being a regular next-door chubby boy to a gluten-free athlete, Virat has climbed up the ladder of success with his sheer hard work, passion, and determination to succeed.

Here are 5 powerful quotes by the world’s greatest batsman who never shied away from expressing his true self:

1. The bat is not a toy, it’s a weapon. It gives me everything in my life, which helps me to do everything in the field.

— The cricket bat isn’t just a toy or tool for Virat Kohli, it is a weapon that helps him express himself on the field.

2. I always like to lead from the front and set an example for whoever is playing with me or around me. I like taking responsibility. That is my natural thing.

No matter the circumstances, Virat Kohli always believes in leading the team from the front and putting himself in the line of fire.

3. Whatever you want to do, do it with full passion and work hard towards it. Don’t look anywhere else.

Virat Kohli believes in his capabilities, leaving it all on the field no matter who the opponent is. This quote represents his love, dedication, and passion for sports and perfectly represents his passion for the game and his hunger to perform well.

4. A lot of people tell me a lot of things about my conduct, my game, and my future… but I try to stay away from their words of wisdom. I don’t let it distract me. On the field, you will be facing the ball alone. If you fail, you will be the only one to blame. So, you should be the one deciding for yourself.

There will be as many opinions in the world, as there are people. So no matter what critics say or what the experts tell him, Virat Kohli doesn’t let the outside noise distract him.

5. I love playing under pressure. If there’s no pressure, then I’m not in the perfect zone.

Virat Kohli isn’t someone who gets bogged down by big challenges. He loves to perform under pressure and gives his best when there is pressure.

While Kohli remains one of India’s favorite cricketing sons, his charisma goes across the globe. The Indian cricket team skipper has fans all over the world. Virat Kohli has been out of form for some time as he was struggling with depression. But with his stellar performance in the recent Ind v/s Pak match in ICC World Cup 2022, he has amazed everyone!

The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we completely agree with you. This is why to help you move forward with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer an exclusive Business Coaching Program that comes with Foundation courses, specialized courses, and value-added courses. To know more, visit: www.badabusiness.com

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Motivational

Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam: 11 Inspiring Quotes From India’s Missile Man To Motivate You!

A.P.J Abdul Kalam needs no introduction. Known as the ‘Missile Man of India’, he was the 11th President of India. He worked as an aerospace scientist with India’s two major space organizations- Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

A league apart, Abdul Kalam was a source of inspiration for tens and thousands of Indians. Kalam’s prodigious rise from Rameswaram, a small but famous pilgrimage town in Tamil Nadu, led him to become one of the world’s most accomplished leaders.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. He left a remarkable legacy in the fields of science and technology, contributing significantly to India’s missile and space programs. Tragically, this inspirational leader passed away on July 27, 2015, leaving a profound impact on countless lives and continuing to be remembered for his extraordinary contributions to the nation and the world.

His contributions have enabled scientists, educationists, and writers across the country, and have encouraged every Indian citizen to dream and achieve extraordinary things in life despite adverse conditions.

Here are eleven quotes by the leader who was passionate about his work and his love for science, technology and innovation have led to some of the most crucial satellite launches along with the development and operationalization of the Agni and Prithvi missiles:

  1. All Birds find shelter during rain. But Eagle avoids rain by flying above clouds.
  2. Don’t take a rest after your first victory because if you fail in the second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.
  3. All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.
  4. You have to dream before your dreams can come true.
  5. Failure will never overtake me if my definition of success is strong enough.
  6. I’m not a handsome guy, but I can give my hand to someone who needs help. Beauty is in the heart, not in the face.
  7. You cannot change your future, but you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.
  8. Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only with those who dream and work.
  9. Your best teacher is your last mistake.
  10. Don’t read success stories, you will only get the message. Read failure stories, you will get some ideas to get success.
  11. Man needs difficulties in life because they are necessary to enjoy success.

We hope these quotes inspire you to achieve your dreams and follow your passion. The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we totally agree with you. That is why to help you move ahead with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer a specialized Diploma in Entrepreneurship course accredited by GLA University which comes with Foundation Courses, Specialized Courses and Value Added Courses. To Know More visit our Bada Business website.

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Motivational

3 Consumer Trends In 2023 Entrepreneurs Should Watch Out For!

Do you understand your customers? What their fears might be or the value they possess? Understanding your customers is a very important aspect of any business. Knowing about the challenges they are facing and what they expect from businesses can contribute to a business’s success. These factors affect how they interact with your company.

Here are three consumer trends you should watch out for in 2023:

1. Trust-Based Economy

Be it a personal or a professional relationship; trust is a significant part of anything that forms a strong foundation. Unfortunately, it has become a commodity in these modern times. But the brighter side is that it has not lost its value. Rather it has gained a lot of value for businesses like Uber, Ola, Airbnb, and a lot more companies that completely depend on customers’ trust.

As we get into cars with strangers, sleep in the homes of people we’ve never met, and lend money to others on the other side of the world, a powerful new currency is emerging — and it’s based on trust.

Customers are more likely to engage with companies that actively demonstrate good values and prioritize health and safety. This trend is a welcoming change and has brought a sense of inclusivity by sparking new thinking and patterns where the customer is no more just a prospect, but a human too! Businesses that will focus more on customer satisfaction will be rewarded with huge profits. You can hire a business coach who can help you overcome these aspects.

2. Brand Loyalty

Thanks to digitalization, the world is now an open playground for businesses where those who not just abide by the rules, but keep on making improvements, win the loyalty of the customers. While this is great news for the customers, it also means that developing brand loyalty is crucial more than ever.

However, customer relationships can be affected by unexpected factors. Here are some of the following:

  • 70% want to know you treat employees well.
  • 61% are looking at how you respond to racial injustice.
  • 50% will be scrutinizing your environmental practices.
  • 47% consider action on economic injustice important.
  • 41% rate you on how involved you are in the community.

One of the obvious ways of building brand loyalty is to deliver on everything you have promised and deliver that to the highest standard. Never let your customers down. The services and products you provide also need to be of the highest quality. Maintaining this quality in everything you do so that the value you offer is never questioned. You can learn about distinct ways by taking help from a business mentor.

Another thing is to never forget about your customers; also never let them forget about you. Regularly conversing with them will strengthen the bond between you and your organization, and your client and their organization. Share the latest developments in your organization with your clients and ask them about theirs. You can also build loyalty by focusing your organization’s combined efforts on customer experience and service.

3. A Pleasant Omni-channel Experience

Your customer should be able to interact with your business across multiple channels as part of one seamless customer journey. Marketing, sales, customer support, and even in-store experiences are synced up so a customer can easily go from one customer channel to another to complete their purchase.

Customers want to experience a consistent voice across departments. Many believe that it doesn’t feel like service, sales, and marketing teams share true information for a seamless experience.

The most important thing to remember about creating an Omni-channel customer experience is that it needs to deliver what your customer wants, when they want it, and how they want it. Make sure you’re rewarding your customers with a great, joined-up experience in exchange for their data.

The future is the sky’s limit for businesses. So, do deep research to understand and give your customers nothing but the best experience. The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we completely agree with you. This is why to help you move forward with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer an exclusive Business Coaching Program that comes with Foundation courses, specialized courses, and value-added courses. To know more, visit: www.badabusiness.com

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Motivational

10 Powerful Elon Musk Quotes That Will Inspire You To Achieve Business Success

Known for his impressive accomplishments, Elon Musk has been an inspiration for many young entrepreneurs across the world.

While Musk has founded billion-dollar companies, money was not the driving force behind them. He invested a huge whopping amount and sometimes nearly all of his fortune to solve some of the world`s biggest problems.

Just like Elon Musk, we too believe that ordinary people write extraordinary stories by believing in themselves. To inspire our readers, we are presenting some of the key learning lessons from Musk’s life. Take on the impossible with these seven Elon musk quotes:

1. I think ordinary people can choose to be extraordinary.

2. The first step is to establish that something is possible; then probability will occur.

3. When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.

4. If you get up in the morning and think the future is going to be better, it is a bright day. Otherwise, it’s not.

5. Persistence is very important. You should not give up unless you are forced to give up.

6. If you go back a few hundred years, what we take for granted today would seem like magic-being able to talk to people over long distances, transmit images, fly, and access vast amounts of data like an oracle. These are all things that would have been considered magic a few hundred years ago.

7. The first step is to establish that something is possible; then probability will occur.

8. It’s OK to have your eggs in one basket as long as you control what happens to that basket

9. My biggest mistake is probably weighing too much on someone’s talent and not someone’s personality. I think it matters whether someone has a good heart.”

10. If something has to be designed and invented, and you have to figure out how to ensure that the value of the thing you create is greater than the cost of the inputs, then that is probably my core skill.

Turn your ideas into reality with smart business models and strategies with our business coaching programs that will take you from a newbie to a pro!

The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we completely agree with you. This is why to help you move forward with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer an exclusive Business Coaching Program that comes with Foundation courses, specialized courses, and value-added courses.

To know more, visit: https://www.badabusiness.com/psc

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Motivational

This Designer Is Making Blind Women Financially Independent With Artisanal Brooms!

How many of us use our brooms as decorative pieces? None, right? But there is one house in Kerala where you can see two broomsticks placed side by side adorning the wall right beside the doorway at the entrance like a piece of art. And this house belongs to none other than Lakshmi Menon.

These broomsticks are not ordinary! In fact, they have an interesting story behind them that will not only touch your heart but will also inspire you to do something to give back to society. These broomsticks look stunning in their designs, but what makes them unique is their imperfection. Attractive and colourful, one may point out that the pattern is not perfect in a few places.

To which Lakshmi Menon gives a befitting reply, “If you can see the imperfections, you are one of the luckiest people because the person who made the broom could never see it themself.”

The craftsmen who weave these beautiful broomsticks belong to a group of visually impaired women at the Kerala Federation of the Blind. These visually impaired women receive training from Lakshmi in a bid to become financially independent and lead a better quality of life. Attaining a sense of independence gives them hope for tomorrow.

A Fascination Start to a Noble Journey

Lakshmi, who hails from Kerala, was struck with this amazing idea while vacationing at an Ayurvedic beach resort in Thrissur at a beautiful property. Spending her days admiring the picturesque beauty of nature and the line of coconut and palm trees that outlined the landscape of the resort, she noticed that the hotel staff would cut the leaves once they became aged and dry.

In Kerala, it is a common practice to make brooms from these dried coconut leaves. Lakshmi too used to do this with her grandmother and mother when she was younger. Once she joined them, she realised that she could easily make around five broomsticks a day.

She soon discovered that these broomsticks can be sold for INR 250 and thought it would be a very sustainable venture to have. To make it more sustainable, Lakshmi decided to use scrap pieces of cloth from a neighbouring tailor instead of plastic that was usually used to tape the broomsticks together.

She started putting pictures on her social media account. As soon as her followers saw the images of the broomsticks she had put up, she was flooded with orders for these.

So how did this amazing idea that she got on vacation turn into a noble cause?

What you Seek, Seeks You!

Following her vacation, one of her friends told her about the Kerala Federation of Blind and how women at the federation were not getting much work those days. And when her friend asked Lakshmi, if she knew any activity that can help these women to gain financial independence? Lakshmi was quick to reply!

She indeed knew of the activity that could transform the lives of those women forever. In fact by this time Lakshmi had taken the innovation further. She further shares, “I thought a tapestry would make an attractive covering for the broom. There was no point weaving through the entire thing. By simply covering the outer layer of the broom with colourful woven yarn, the appearance would be fabulous.”

The next day she shared her idea with the women in the federation and she received a great response and was quite surprised to see their impeccable skills in doing the work.

In 2022, she established her venture- Choolala—which means “broom” in Malayalam. Her venture would solely focus on these broomsticks made by visually impaired women. The broomsticks created by Choolala have a luxury associated with them because they are non-polished and also because of the fact that each broomstick is made by someone who, despite not being able to see, has crafted it with love and passion.

Currently, there are 15 visually impaired women from Idukki, Calicut, Trivandrum, Kottayam, and other places around Kerala, who are engaged in Choolala. And watching them piecing them together is wholesome.

Speaking about the process of making the broomsticks, she says it is heart rendering to watch these visually impaired women make these. “They hum, sing, listen to music and enjoy the process so much, it almost feels there is magic happening right where the brooms are made.”

These women live at the Federation of the Blind and have all their needs taken care of, Lakshmi provides them with training to make the brooms and they are given INR 150 for the sale of the broomsticks. Lakshmi is also in talks with the airport authorities in Kerala to have the broomsticks made available in all souvenir shops, as she says, “This is the best memory you can take back from the state.”

Nothing handmade can ever be perfect and this is why the broomsticks from Choolala also have a kind of special touch. Circling back to why her venture is focused on visually impaired people this time, Lakshmi says it has made her more aware of the beauty of life.

She adds that we as a society and the world sometimes fail to understand how tough life must be to wake up and not be able to see. This is why we should be grateful for everything that we have in life and keep working toward the betterment of society.

Want to read more success stories? Visit: https://news.badabusiness.com/motivational/

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Motivational

Improve Your Body Language & Look More Confident With These 5 Powerful Tips!

You may be a successful entrepreneur with excellent leadership skills but do you look like one? Influencing people’s perception of you is called impression management. And in today’s world building a positive image is essential to be successful in any industry.

Whether you are looking to crack a job interview or want to impress investors, your body language plays a key role in effective leadership communication. Here are five body language hacks that will make you look like a leader:

1. Make Eye Contact!

Nope! We are not talking about staring at people. But when you make eye contact while talking to someone, it makes you look more confident and interested in the conversation. People who don’t make eye contact look timid, shady, and uncomfortable either with the conversation or the entire environment. Keep a subtle gaze and be comfortable with holding eye contact while talking. Learn how to build a magnetic personality in this video from Dr. Vivek Bindrathe best motivational speaker in India– 

2. Pay Attention to Posture

Power and authority are often expressed by non-verbal language. You don’t have to shout out and demand attention. All you have to do is pay attention to body posture. When you want to project leadership presence at a conference or in a meeting, sit tall and claim your territory. Sit tall, don’t slouch, uncross your legs and place your feet firmly on the floor.  Widen your arm position and keep your elbows away from your body.

To avoid looking unsure or hesitant, widen your stance, relax your knees, and center your weight in your lower body. Keeping your posture erect makes you look more confident and credible.

3. Quit Fidgeting

Fidgeting is your body’s response to a situation where you feel confused, anxious, or uncomfortable in a certain situation. Fidgeting includes biting nails, and moving legs nervously, which signals you are anxious. People often start doing it without even realizing that they are shaking their legs, biting their nails, or sweating their palms. So when you catch yourself doing this, take a deep breath, relax and stop fidgeting.

4. Smile To Make a Difficult Task Seem Simple

Only human beings are bestowed with the ability to smile. And this is unfortunate that as compared to kids, we adults laugh and smile less often. No matter the task, when you frown or grimace, your brain releases stress chemicals into your bloodstream. And this creates a vicious circle: the more stressed you are, the more difficult the task becomes.

When you smile, your brain gets the message that the situation is not-so-bad. However, avoid smiling like a creeper. Have a happy and relaxed demeanor when you enter the room to put other people at ease and increase credibility.

5. Sound Like a Confident Leader

How you say a certain thing matters more than what you have to say! And as a leader, you can be sure that people will not only be listening to you but will also be evaluating how you say what you say.

Put enough emotion in your voice, so that you don’t sound like a well-rehearsed parrot. Speak politely but sound confident. Don’t mumble or speak too fast as it might make you look under-confident. Take pauses while speaking wherever it is appropriate. It’s unexpected, it’s attention-getting, and it’s effective . . . very effective. And avoid using the words “like” or “um” too much. This will make you sound more confident. Always make sure you are speaking with enough volume to be heard. And remember to enunciate and speak clearly.

In the workplace, how you conduct yourself matters a lot! Well, the first impression certainly shouldn’t last a lifetime but can affect how a person perceives you when meeting you for the first time. With these 5 hacks, you can improve your body language and appear to look more confident.

The idea of managing a business is easier said than done and we completely agree with you. This is why to help you move forward with your business goals, we at Bada Business offer an exclusive Business Coaching Program that comes with Foundation courses, specialized courses, and value-added courses. To know more about our courses, visit: www.badabusiness.com