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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
Great insights Sir, masterfull simplicity speaks volumes. Its is clear that you schooling was not academic but in the school of Life and Business.
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.
Rera Certified Property Consultant
2wWell 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.