What Not To Do To Be A Successful Entrepreneur

By Nimish Desai

Unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial success with "What Not To Do" – your essential guide to navigating the complex world of business. This book is not just a collection of advice; it's a treasure trove of real-life experiences, distilled into powerful lessons by someone who's walked the path.

Why should you read this book? Because it offers something invaluable: wisdom born from mistakes and triumphs alike. Each chapter unveils critical dos and don'ts in business, drawn from authentic scenarios. It's like having a mentor who shares not only what to strive for but also what pitfalls to avoid. With S.M.A.R.T. Goal Worksheets, the book ensures a hands-on approach, making it more than just a read—it's a transformative experience.

From maintaining integrity to effect of ego on your decision-making, and balancing ambition with humility, "What Not To Do" covers it all. It's designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone in between who seeks to refine their entrepreneurial journey. By embracing the insights within these pages, you equip yourself to make smarter decisions, foster stronger relationships, and build a more successful professional life.

Dive into "What Not To Do" and transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality, one chapter at a time. It's your key to unlocking a world of possibilities!

 

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About The Author
Er. Nimish Desai is a qualified Civil Engineer with over 34 years of experience in Real Estate Industry and author of 3 books. He is the director at 5 Private Limited Companies & Proprietor of two companies. All the companies are involved in Real Estate Industry in various capacities.  He is also a Business Efficiency Consultant & Certified Master Coach from TLC.

He is the Founder & Chief Mentor at Prescient Strategist. Prescient Strategist is a Business Coaching & Consultancy Firm engaged in mentoring young entrepreneurs, guiding them through the challenges and pitfalls of the industry to ensure that they have sustainable accelerated growth in their business. At Prescient Strategist, they have impacted more than 3 Lakh lives across 11 countries & aim to impact more than one million lives.

Nimish believes that empowering employees right from the supervisory level to the top management is necessary to align successful, organization-wide business goals. He, thus, understands businesses, team management and leadership inside out and wishes to reach out to businesses far and wide to help them excel beyond their dreams.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Tree Publishing
• Release date: Jan 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9789394807747

Book preview

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Copyright @ 2024 by NIMISH DESAI

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in whole or part including photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Cover designed by Authors Tree Publishing, image used from free stock library.

ISBN: 978-93-94807-74-7

eBook : INR 299/-

India Paperback: INR 599/-

Outside India Paperback: $ 7.99 USD

Authors Tree Publishing

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First Edition. 2024

This book has been published with all reasonable efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. No part of this book shall be used, reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. The author of this book is solely responsible and liable for its content including but not limited to the views, representations, descriptions, statements, information, opinions and references [content]. The content of this book shall not constitute or be construed or deemed to reflect the opinion or expression of the publisher or editor. Neither the publisher nor editor endorse or approve the content of this book or guarantee the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the content published herein and do not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose. the publisher and editor shall not be liable whatsoever for any errors, omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause or claims for loss or damages of any kind, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising out of use, inability to use, or about the reliability, accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in this book.

Printed In India

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Also By Nimish Desai

The Power of Being Organised

Construction Efficiency Unravelled.

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5 Hour Workday

For Business Longevity

Improved Productivity,

Better Work-Life Balance

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Co-authored Book

Values – 16 Steps to Success

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The Transformative Power of a Business Mentor

The notion of enlisting a business mentor near me might initially raise eyebrows. As an entrepreneur, your venture is your brainchild, and entrusting its trajectory to an outsider can seem counterintuitive. But this is where the true value of a business mentor shines. Business mentors are not just advisors; they are seasoned professionals who bring with them the wisdom of navigating through business challenges firsthand.

Evidence of their impact is robust and compelling. An ICF Global Coaching Client Study highlights the tangible benefits of mentorship: 70% of businesses that embraced mentorship reported a notable increase in work performance, 80% witnessed a surge in self-confidence among their staff, and 51% saw a significant boost in team effectiveness. These are more than just numbers; they are testaments to the transformative influence that a mentor can bestow upon your business and its people.

To know more about Prescient Strategist & Er. Nimish Desai scan the QR Code

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To download all the S.M.A.R.T. Goal worksheets, scan the QR Code

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Table of Contents

Foreword

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Navigating the Treacherous Waters of Entrepreneurship

I

t is with great pleasure and immense pride that I write this foreword for my dear friend Nimish Desai’s book on the pitfalls and challenges faced by entrepreneurs. As someone who has had the privilege of witnessing his unwavering dedication to helping young entrepreneurs scale their businesses, I can confidently say that this book is a testament to his invaluable expertise and commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, the journey of an entrepreneur is riddled with numerous obstacles, uncertainties, and tough decisions. It is a path that demands resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. However, even the most determined individuals can find themselves stumbling upon pitfalls that could have been avoided with the right guidance.

That is precisely where my friend’s book, What Not to Do: To Be a Successful Entrepreneur comes to the rescue. Drawing from his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, business coach and mentor, he has meticulously compiled a comprehensive guide that sheds light on the common mistakes made by entrepreneurs and provides practical insights to navigate these treacherous waters.

One of the key strengths of this book lies in its relatability. By sharing real-life anecdotes and case studies, my friend brings to life the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, making it easier for readers to connect with the lessons learned. Through these stories, he not only highlights the mistakes made but also showcases the transformative power of learning from them. This approach fosters a sense of empathy and encouragement, assuring aspiring entrepreneurs that they are not alone in their struggles.

As I reflect on my entrepreneurial journey, I cannot help but recall the countless times my friend has been a pillar of strength, offering guidance and support when I needed it most. His unwavering belief in the potential of startups and his ability to identify the root causes of their struggles have been instrumental in their success. With this book, he extends that support to a wider audience, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to overcome the hurdles that lie ahead.

What Not to Do is not just a guidebook; it is a roadmap to success. It covers a wide range of topics, from understanding market trends and building a strong team to embracing innovation. Each chapter is carefully crafted to address the most critical aspects of entrepreneurship, providing invaluable advice on how to avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.

Furthermore, my friend’s book emphasises the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. He understands that success in entrepreneurship is not solely dependent on avoiding mistakes but also on embracing a growth mindset. Throughout the book, he encourages readers to embrace failures as learning opportunities, challenging them to constantly evolve and adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.

I am confident that the book will serve as an indispensable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, business professionals, and even seasoned entrepreneurs looking to refine their strategies. My friend’s passion for empowering others shines through every page, making this book a compelling and inspiring read.

To my dear friend, I want to express my deepest gratitude for sharing your wisdom and experiences with the world. Your dedication and commitment to helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses is truly commendable. I do not doubt that this book will be a game-changer for countless entrepreneurs, guiding them toward sustainable growth and success.

In closing, I want to encourage every reader to approach this book with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the mistakes of others. Remember, entrepreneurship is not just about the destination; it is about the journey and the lessons learned along the way. Embrace the insights shared in this book, and may it serve as a guiding light on your own entrepreneurial path.

Wishing you all the success in your entrepreneurial endeavours.

Vijay Dalwani

Chairman

DNY Group

Dedications

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his is one Chapter in which content will never change, these are THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE in my life and whatever I am today is because of their teachings & blessings.

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1.  Late Er. AP Remedios – My Industry Guru

A picture containing person, outdoor Description automatically generated Er. Remedios held my hand and taught me everything that I needed to learn as an engineer. He literally brought me out of the darkness and showed me the beautiful rainbow of the construction world. The work ethic, integrity towards projects and dedication for doing quality work are his blessings to me. He is the one who seeded the thought and practice of employing systems & processes in everything one does, and I am so glad that I nurtured those seeds and allowed them to become full-grown trees and today I am enjoying their fruits and reaping the benefits.

2.  Morari Bapu - My Spiritual Guru

A picture containing text Description automatically generated What can I say about Morari Bapu. I have never met him, but I regularly listen to his teachings through his recital of Ramayana. It’s like he is the Dronacharya and I am his Eklavya. My personal values and thought processes have been moulded by him and my parents. Giving back to the weaker section of the society, empathy towards others and being always balanced in trying to serve justice to everyone are his blessings to me. He taught me to be myself, to be what I am and not to worry about what the entire world thinks about me or how they perceive me. He always says be yourself in every situation, in every circumstance and you will never have to worry about how you have to present yourself to different people in different ways.

3.  My Parents

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There can never be enough or articulate the right words to show my gratitude towards my parents. All I can say is, Thank You Very Much for bringing me into this imperfect world, loving me unconditionally even with my many imperfections, and for always being there for me. One piece of advice from my dad has become my mantra of living life in a dignified manner. He always used to say, Don’t ever do anything that will prevent you from meeting the other person’s eyes and do things that will make you walk with pride and a swelled chest. The attitude of giving and thinking about others has been ingrained into me by my mother. The moment she finds something useful that has helped her immensely, she goes out and gives it to others. She never keeps it to herself and never thinks why she should give it to others, they should find out on their own. So, probably writing all these books could, in a way, be thanks to her and her practical teaching of giving it all to others.

There are some special friends who have always been right by my side through all my thick & thin periods in life, especially through my thin periods when I was lost and did not know who to turn to. They were always there, waiting for me with open arms and holding me. I so cherish and value their friendship and Thank GOD for bringing them into my life.

Acknowledgment

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I

n the journey of life, there are individuals whose influence becomes the cornerstone of our being. As I pause to reflect on the journey that led me to pen these pages, my heart swells with gratitude for those who have been pillars in my life's story. This book, a tapestry of experiences and lessons, wouldn't be complete without acknowledging their profound impact.

At the forefront of this journey stands my brother, Nikhil Desai. This acknowledgment begins with a heartfelt tribute to my brother, a constant in my life's narrative.

Nikhil and I, separated by a mere two years, grew together, learning and evolving in tandem. Our relationship, marked by innumerable quarrels (a tradition that humorously persists even as we step into our sixties), has been a testament to solidarity and mutual respect. Together, we navigated the complexities of life, our countless fights interspersed with unwavering solidarity when facing external challenges. He has been my comrade-in-arms, standing united against any challenge that came our way. Our skirmishes taught me a valuable lesson: to fight with purpose and conviction, but to let go of any bitterness once the dust settles.

This philosophy, ingrained since childhood, has been a guiding principle in my professional ethos. I've learned to express my displeasure openly yet never harbour any resentment beyond the necessary moment. Nikhil, your unwavering support and our shared resilience have been my strength. I am grateful for every argument, every reconciliation, and the unbreakable bond we share. For your constant presence, guidance, and the unyielding support, brother, I am eternally grateful.

My professional journey was profoundly influenced by Mr. Surendra Hiranandani and Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, who welcomed me into the esteemed Hiranandani organisation. The opportunities they provided were instrumental in my professional development. It was here, under their tutelage, that I met my industry mentor, the late Mr. A. P. Remedios. Hiranandani's forward-thinking approach to systems and processes, a rarity at the time, laid the foundation for my organisational and managerial skills. Their pioneering spirit in the construction industry, evident from our very own construction manual back in 1992, was a beacon that guided me towards efficiency and effective delegation.

Further gratitude is extended to Mr. Noshir Talati of Talati & Panthaky Associates. His trust and the creative freedom he afforded me were invaluable. Working alongside him, I delved into the intricacies of architectural elegance and the functionality of spaces. This experience broadened my horizons, instilling a belief that with the right intent and dedication, anything is achievable. Mr. Talati’s mentorship refined my skills as an engineer and taught me the art of client persuasion and the realisation of visionary ideas.

To all my friends and relatives, your influence, whether direct or subtle, has played a significant role in moulding my perspectives and character. Your contributions, though they may seem small, have been significant in shaping the person I am today.

Finally, this acknowledgment would be incomplete without expressing my deepest gratitude to my son, Vedant Desai. His faith in me, voiced during our Diwali and New Year greetings exchanged with some of our relatives, was the catalyst that transformed this book from a dormant dream into a tangible reality. His unwavering belief in my ongoing project of authoring this book reignited my passion and commitment. His innocent yet profound faith in my endeavours pulled this book out of the shadows of procrastination and back into the light of creation. It is because of Vedant's belief in me that this book, once a dormant file on my laptop, has come to fruition. Vedant, your belief has been the spark that reignited my passion for writing, bringing this book to life in your hands in 2024.

To each of you, thank you for being the guiding stars in my journey. Your impact resonates in every word of this book, a reflection of the lessons learned, and the bonds cherished.

Testimonials

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The author of this book, Nimish Desai, is known to me since his childhood. He has lots of visualisation, he has the nature of studying the work in-depth and then implementing it. I wish him all the best.

Bhushan C. Mehta, Director, Bhoomi Group

I have seen Nimish grow up in front of me because his family was close to my parents. I have seen him grow from a Civil Engineer to PMC and to having his own contracting company. He is the most energetic, hardworking, dedicated and honest human being that I have come across. His humble upbringing gave him the right values and helped him to face the challenges of life with confidence and ambition. He has worked with known brands and people like the Hiranandani Group of Companies, Noshir Talati & Associates and even for Group Satellite with Pankaj Shah, my late husband. His attitude of moving ahead always with ideas and growth has paid him rich dividends at this stage of his life. I wish Nimish the best in life with more achievements to come his way.

Kalpana Shah, Chairperson, Group Satellite

The author of this book Er. Nimish Desai is known to me for more than 25 years when he worked with the Hiranandani Group of Companies. He is a strict disciplinarian, who is also a visionary and always strives to do better than the best. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Cyrus Pithawalla, Director Engineering, Hiranandani Group of Companies.

I have known Nimish for the last 25 years. His passion and commitment towards construction are indisputable. This book is an extract of all his experiences and a perfect blend of theory and practice which will help fresh and practicing engineers equally. I wish him all the best.

Raman Sapru, Executive President, K. Raheja Corp

The world’s greatest achievers have been those who have always stayed focused on their goals and have remained consistent in their efforts. Nimish has always been a great advocate of systems & processes and having seen him closely, I am not surprised that he is able to successfully distribute time for all walks of his life and enjoy it to the fullest. Congratulations on the launch of his third book. The knowledge you share is the knowledge you grow.

Vijay Dalwani, Chairman, DNY Group

Reviews for the previous books

This book is a good guide for people in the field of civil engineering. The author himself has experience in the construction industry and hence, he has effectively penned down strategies and tools for all those people in a similar field. Though this is basically a guidebook, giving it a touch of a self-help book has enhanced its charm. The detailing and designing of the book are very user-friendly and help the readers to get into the depths of the topic. The book explains the importance of being organised and deals with other areas such as professional skills and attitude, problem solving ability etc. The title is catchy, and the cover is attractive. The language is simple and lucid.

Aitijhyawearstiara.

I honestly judged the book by its cover and started reading it. Being Organised myself, the title of the book was so tempting hence, of course it was not so difficult to pick it up - it was so riveting that I finished it in one go in a few hours. I am not aware of any other book of this kind. Being an ex- engineer (though not Civil), myself, I totally loved the book. The writer has written it from his personal experience of decades, which makes it even more compelling to read. Thus, I also understand how real this book can be for similar aspirants. Every field needed a perfect strategy to build up and with poor knowledge, the path seemed thornier. This book is not only helpful for aspiring civil engineers but is also helpful in improving our behavioural and professional skills. It will also help us to improve/polish our problem-solving capabilities and our professional skills. Pictorial reparation of all the tools/methods makes it easier for even a novice to gauge. It explains how important it is to be organised and by being organised one can reach great heights in life. I personally, (being an ORGANISED person) can relate to its content. It is a must read for students and entrepreneurs who are learning to grow their business and at the same time it is