Truth Behind Starting a Business — And Why It’s Not for Everyone - Part 2
By Raviteja Kongara | June 2025 | Business Fiction
Meeting
One afternoon, as scheduled, Riya went to Krish's office. She knocked on the door, but Krish was busy on his phone and gestured for her to wait outside. After five minutes, Krish came out, apologized for keeping her waiting, and invited her into his office.
After some casual greetings, Krish started the conversation. "Hey Riya, thanks for your feedback."
Riya nodded in acknowledgment.
Krish continued, "So, what brings you here?"
Riya explained what had been happening at her office and how she came across an article written by Krish. She thought Krish might be able to help her gain clarity about her future career move.
Krish replied, "I’m glad you came for help! That’s a definite step toward success. Most people shy away from asking for help and just go with whatever comes to mind. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t."
Riya responded, "I believe seeking expert advice is not bad at all. In fact, it’s definitely worth it when it comes from people like you."
Krish: "I’ve been thinking about this for years—why do people usually seek expert advice only after things go wrong? Why not before, when it could make a real difference? I still haven’t found the answer. But you’re an exception, Riya. You’ve come for guidance before taking any reckless steps, and that’s truly commendable."
Riya, I can't decide for you whether to start a business or not. That’s a decision only you can make. However, if you find it difficult to make this choice now, remember that there will be many more decisions to face in the future if you choose to start a business.
Riya nodded in agreement.
Requirements to start a Business
Krish said Riya if you have any idea on which field or category you need to start business.
Riya paused for a moment, thoughtfully considering Krish's question. She had been thinking about it for a while but hadn’t yet figured out the perfect fit. She knew she wanted something meaningful, something that would bring both personal satisfaction and financial success.
Riya responded "I’ve been tossing around a few ideas," she said, "but I’m not sure where to start." Krish gestured for Riya to stop overthinking and, with a reassuring smile, continued, "Let’s take it one step at a time."
People with a family business or inherited wealth may seem blessed, but that’s not our story. We are different, and we don’t aspire to be like them.
You and I share a similar background, and over the past few years, I’ve been learning how to build a business from scratch, for people like us.
Required evaluation before starting a business
Step 1: Understand Your Personality
“The first step is to understand who you are. Take the MBTI test—it’s a great tool to learn about your personality type, your natural strengths, and the areas where you might struggle. This isn't just a fun quiz. It gives you direction. When you know yourself, you make better choices that actually suit your style and energy.”
Step 2: Brainstorm Business Ideas Freely
“Next, write down all the business ideas that come to your mind. Don’t worry about money, capital, or how practical it is right now. Just list the ideas you’re drawn to, no matter how small or big. The only rule is: it should excite you.”
Step 3: Align Ideas with Your Strengths
“Now go back to your list and think about your interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Cross-check them with the ideas. Which of these feel like a natural extension of who you are? Which ones align with your energy and skillset? This step helps you narrow down to one or two solid options.”
Step 4: Analyse the Activities Involved
“For each shortlisted idea, break down the key activities required to run that business. Now ask yourself: Am I comfortable doing at least 80% of these activities? If yes, you’re on the right track. If not, you might burn out or lose motivation fast.”
Step 5: Start Small and Validate
“Don’t build a massive setup yet. Just start small. Test your idea in the real world with a simple version—a prototype, a basic offering, or a small batch. The goal here is to see if the market accepts it. Are people showing interest? Are they paying for it? That’s your validation.”
Step 6: Grow Gradually
“If the market responds positively, scale slowly. Go from 1x to 2x to 3x growth. That means more customers, better service, and small improvements. If the market doesn’t respond well, don’t panic—just go back to Step 3, re-analyse, and try the next idea. It’s all part of the journey.”
Krish: “See?
It’s not about luck or privilege. It’s about knowing yourself, starting small, and growing with purpose. We don’t need to copy anyone else’s path. We build our own—step by step.”
Riya: “But Krish… some businesses need more capital than others. What do we do in that case?”
Krish: (glances at the clock as it softly ticks)
“Ah… I didn’t realize how much time we’ve spent. I actually have a meeting lined up now.”
(He smiles gently and stands up.)
“Riya, I really appreciate your curiosity—and these are important questions. But let’s not rush through them. Let’s give them the time they deserve.”
(He walks her toward the door with calm energy.)
Krish: “I’ll be in the meditation hall tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Come by then, and we’ll continue from where we left off. Bring all your questions. We'll talk through them, one step at a time.”
Like Riya, you don’t have to rush—know yourself first, list what excites you, think small and practical, and share this post with a friend who's also considering their next step.
Written by Kongara Raviteja – a storyteller exploring the quiet power of ordinary moments.