Gratitude will bring you success
REFLECTIVE journalling every morning and at the end of the day developed the spirit of gratefulness and ethical purpose in an entrepreneur.
Sriram Bharatam, a founding member of the Entrepreneur Organisation in East Africa, told members of the newly launched Durban chapter this week that when he woke up in the morning, the first thing he did was ask himself: “‘What am I grateful for today? What would make today great?’ And then I write down my daily affirmations and a daily quote.”
At the close of the day, he wrote down three “amazing” events that had played out during the day. And then he asked himself how he could have made the day better.
“It has changed my thinking and the way I do business,” he said.
Bharatam’s business, Kuza Biashara (in kiSwahili, “kuza” means to grow and “biashara” means business), offers learning and development programmes for micro and small businesses – or, as he describes it, “the first port of call for small business owners”.
The super-entrepreneur, who was born in India but then moved to Nairobi in 2010 after he “fell in love” with the business potential on the east coast of Africa, said the world was waiting for the “force” of entrepreneurs. Micro-businesses on the continent were the answer to economic growth and the alleviation of poverty and unemployment.
“If each of us employed just one person, we would eradicate unemployment. Entrepreneurs don’t understand how powerful they are.”
Bharatam – who won the 2015 EO Global Citizen Award at the Global Leadership Conference in San Diego in May – said participating in the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology Entrepreneur Master Programme in 2008 had influenced him greatly.
The annual programme, held in partnership with EO, is available to just 65 hand-picked participants.
“Instead of thinking of how to do something, reach out to those who have done it. Then keep sharing what you copy,” he said. In a nutshell:
“I work on my business and not in my business (I spend 70% of my time meeting my customers, partners, industry influencers and leaders). This has made a huge difference.
“Success leaves clues. Learn from others.
“Have a purpose-driven life. Design your life the way you want to live it.
“Hunger is the key differentiator. If you are hungry enough, you will find the answers.
Bharatam strongly recommended the book, Jugaad Innovation, as mandatory reading for entrepreneurs (“jugaad” is a Hindi word meaning “frugal”). The book can be bought and downloaded at http://jugaadinnovation.com/buythe
To join the elite EO requires a turnover of $1 million (R13,5 million) together with a global initiation fee of $1 500 (R19 900), and international annual membership of $1 900 (R25 500), a South African joining fee of R3 000 topped by an annual fee of R12 500. EO has a membership of just 11 000 of the world’s super-successful entrepreneurs.
For information, e-mail Sandi Thorpe at sandi@eodurban.com.