Sheetal Mulay

We all know, a good business idea is must to start any business. Many say, “Let me get that idea then I will crush it!” Hold on, it’s not true. No doubt a good idea boosts your chances but it’s not enough! There are many examples where good business ideas simply failed! The point here is that in order to build a successful business, business idea is important but there is something more. And that single most important factor is a ‘Clear and Established business model’. Pay special attention to that word, ‘Established’. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to your business model. Find people who have done what you want to do and learn the business model inside out before you get going. Remember there is a big difference between following the model & copying.  If you are using the similar logo, website or content that’s called copying. Modelling is studying what strategie...

One day I decided to start my own business.  But my problem was I was not aware of my passion. I read self-help books, watched great movies, videos to find inspiration, motivation, learn positive thinking etc. etc., you name it.  Everybody was shouting, “You should always follow your heart .”  But my biggest problem was, my ‘Heart' never talked to me.  And if at all it did I never heard it talking.  I always had a very simple life; School, college, job, marriage and kid. I really never got any time to think about this passion stuff. So now what? How could I find my true passion?  How could I start a business without knowing my passion?  Finally, ‘Mera 'Dil' bhi bola’. Here is what happened. I made caramel chocolates for my daughter. I gave them to her friends and my friends and relatives. They loved them. Many asked whether I make them on order. Unbelievable, ...

It was 5 th March. I got a call from a friend who is an event organizer. She was conducting some event on 8 th March for women’s day. One of her key speaker quitted at the last moment. And now she wanted me to speak at her event. It was an awesome event. The speakers at the event were the ones I really admired so I agreed without hesitation. It was an honour. Also another big advantage was, I didn't have to purchase the expensive pass. J I asked, “What topic you would like me to talk?” She got shocked,” Topic?” Now it was my turn,” Yaa, topic like marketing, social media, women entrepreneurship etc.” “Hell, from when you started talking on topic? You   tell stories. Come and tell some of them” Now it was my turn to get shocked. She continued,” I am going to add your title/designation as a storyteller. “Ahh what?” I got even bigger shock now. “Storyteller that is what you are. Girls love your stories. That’s your USP. Darling common n...

Does it ever happen to you? When you see a story saying, they are making huge profits in only a few short months, an obvious thought that comes to mind, is this a marketing trick or can an online business really grow that fast? I've read a lot of those overnight success stories and I can completely understand that suspicion. We live in an over hyped society where girls want to lose weight with no exercise, look great without any effort and want more money in three easy steps, and they want it right now. Oops!!! Hold on! Want the truth? Most of us have completely lost touch with what it really takes to be successful. If you want to be wealthy, influential and an expert in your field, being successful is not easy and it does not happen fast. You have to earn it. (Yes, Just like Bournville Chocolate. Earn it. ) Here's the thing. To become successful, it requires hard work. It is monotonous and boring, but no one ever tells you that. So let's talk about it; three real truths...

It was really a hectic day. It was a wonderful event, no doubt, many good speakers, variety of topics. It was over, I was totally exhausted. Entire day, I had concentrated hard. I didn’t want to miss any of those golden words. In the evening, I was on my way back home. One new friend and me, both of us were in a local train. Thankfully it was Sunday evening. The train was not crowded. We were sitting comfortably. But not talking much. In fact I was planning for a good nap. Then all of a sudden something happened. That new friend of mine asked me a question. She asked,” What do you think, which is the best place in the world? ” Oh no, not again. I had enough of positive thinking, motivation, manifestation, dreaming etc etc for that day. I really don’t want to answer any question. People ask about dream, passion, motivation, diet and exercise. But nobody asked me about a place yet Also I found her tone very peculiar. I started thinkin...

Today I am going to share a question from Sarika and she writes, “I am little confused. I heard naming your business by your name is not a good idea. But your website www.sheetalmulay.com Not only you, but I found few other people doing same. So my confusion is how do I choose a name for my business? How do you know when to call your business by your name versus a name that describes the business? Hey Sarika, Loved your question. In fact this is one of the most popular questions of all time. Here is your answer. Your business name is your first image. It is what customers will remember, about your business that will either draw them to it, or send them to your competitor. It helps you, to create your image, brand and position effectively, to reach, to your niche market. The key factors which determine naming decision are Your Industry, Your Vision and Your Long Term Business Plan. Here’s what I mean. If you’re looking to build your business, around being an expert, like an author, a ...

Few years back, some guests came to my place. My three year old daughter was playing around. The uncle asked, “What’s her name, her school’s name, which standard she is in, her teacher’s name etc.” All were standard questions. Like all other kids of her age, she was trained to answer them accurately. Then something unexpected happened. The Uncle asked, “ When you grow up, what would you like to become?” Stumped!!! I agree, it’s another typical question. But for my daughter, someone was asking it first time. The answer was not already been taught to her like other questions.  Naturally she was puzzled. Then uncle pushed it further, “Your mom is an engineer, she had done her MBA and now working for Top MNC in the country. You have your role model at home .” Just to simplify the things he answered in her behalf . And off course that was a pat on my back. Wait…It is not over yet!!! I can feel a lot of colo...

Hey Friend, Today I am going to share a question from Priya and she writes; “I am interested to know about an online business. But what exactly is an online business? Can I start it? How much time I need to allot and how it’s different than any other business?” Hushh!!! Girl, its’s not a question but it’s a rapid fire. Kidding. Yes Priya, I am going to answer all your questions right here. Thank you so much for asking “All of them” :-) It’s going to be little lengthy mail but once you finish reading you will not have any questions regarding online business. Let’s get started. Let’s first understand  what an online business is ? Many of the times, we confuse online business with  earn money fast type of scams. They are in different forms; data entry, opening emails, writing reviews, some kind of copy paste and many more. Think honestly, will you call it ‘Your Own Business’  if you are planning to do any of the above activities? Ob...