How I wish I had learned these 3 skills earlier

View profile for Rizwan Sajan

Founder & Chairman Danube Group | 31+ Years in Real Estate Development | Transforming Real Estate Across the UAE & Beyond

If I could go back and advise the younger Rizwan, I would want him to learn these three skills as soon as possible: Learn to sell. Since I was young, I have known how to see an opportunity to SELL.  I sold rakhis, books, milk…anything. That’s when I learned: if you can sell, you’ll never go hungry. Sales teaches you communication, patience, and how to handle rejection. People skills You can’t build an empire alone. You have to learn to build a team, how to lead, listen, and genuinely care. Some of the people who joined me 30 years ago are still with me today, because of trust. Take calculated risks. With your own money, you can start a small business. To scale, you need courage, and sometimes a loan. Every big step I took, from materials to interiors, came with a risk. But all of this would’ve never happened in my comfort zone. And you know, these three skills don’t come from books. They come from mistakes, from trial and error, from the will to keep learning. P.S. Which of these three do you struggle with the most?

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Jussi Kosola

Rera Certified Property Consultant

2w

Well said. I took big risk with my last company in Finland, and things went bad after the Russia-Ukraine war started. So i bankrupt a year ago, moved to Dubai to start over, left my three children and wife in Finland. If all goes as planned, we will all live in Dubai next year.

Unni Krishnan

CEO at HCC Group of Companies

2w

well said Mr. Rizwan - you are a role model to many !!!

Selling, leading people, and taking smart risks, the trifecta that separates dreamers from doers. Most of us learn them the hard way, but that’s what makes the lessons stick.

Meenu Khurana

Founder | Kind Twig – Alcohol-Free Solid Perfume | Exporter – Sustainable Indian Handicrafts | Helping you source eco friendly sustainable items/products from India | BNI

2w

Well said , please add one more thing in today’s world it’s about “tell” How to tell a story for sales happen more with stories in today’s Social media era!

Adnan Ahmed Khan

.NET Developer @ Zisya Technologies | Microsoft .Net Technology Certified

2w

I completely agree, Rizwan sir! Taking calculated risks is something I’m still learning to get comfortable with. The fear of failure often holds me back, but I’ve realized that growth never happens inside the comfort zone. Every small risk I’ve taken—whether it was starting a new project or investing in myself—has taught me more than any success ever did. It’s true — courage and clarity are built only when you act despite uncertainty.

Debabrata Nath

Real Estate Consultant | Guwahati & Northeast Market Specialist

2w

Really helpful insights. The thing I struggle with the most is being part of an A team. Although, I am capable enough but I find it hard to find people on the same wavelength or more experienced and passionate than myself. Hence you are such an inspiration.

Maryam Nowroozi

Founder of 1700 Trading | Construction stones & Project Management | Translation & Interpretation | UAE 🇦🇪 Iran 🇮🇷

1w

I truly learned from your words...and as a young entrepreneur we need to learn these valuable lessons from experienced models like u Appreciated dear Rizwan Sajan

Medhavi Shah

Marketing Consultant | Brand Strategist | Lead Generation Specialist | Paid Media Specialist

2w

Selling is truly one of the finest skills — and only a few truly master it. Not everyone can sell, because it takes immense courage to face rejection, to hear comments that can shake your confidence, and yet still show up every single day, fighting your own silent battle.

Alton Arendz

Commercial & Industrial Specialist Broker

2w

Great insights Sir, masterfull simplicity speaks volumes. Its is clear that you schooling was not academic but in the school of Life and Business.

Neah Poh Suan

GM at UTC WAKIL INS (HUAT MOTOR)

1w

WELL SAID. Sales is one of the essential skills out there. It is an art of persuasion, to upsell and cross sell customers products and solutions that they need. there is no one size fits all solution, we have to customise service for each client.

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