Many readers of this column have understood the principles of discovering self-employment opportunities and have already started to make money. Rajiv is one among them.
Five years ago Rajiv did not score good marks in school finals and so joined B.Sc. (Physics). He had a passion for computer software programming. While his friends wasted their time in useless activities, he spent all his time in learning the software programming and became an expert in Microsoft DotNet technology. He paid the price - he scored very poor marks in B.Sc. exam. After graduation, he applied for a job in Microsoft, Oracle, Infosys and TCS! As his academic background had no relationship with computers, he could not get a job for which he had a passion. Meanwhile his father became restless and started to scold Rajiv for not being responsible. With a heavy heart, he joined a private firm as a clerk for Rs.1,800 a month. In the evenings, he worked in a tutorial college that coached failed +2 students as a physics tutor for Rs.1,200 per month.
When I suggested to Rajiv that he start his own software development company, he replied: "Though it is great idea, there are two problems. My father insists that I must bring in some money every month. Generating income from my own company may take time. I have only an old computer. I don't have money to invest in infrastructure."
I responded: "Begin where you are. Try to do something with what you already have. I need a developer who can develop a decision-making software tool. Can you do it as a part time project?" Rajiv's response was instantaneous: "Yes, I can!"
Within a fortnight, he delivered the prototype version of the software. When we were discussing the features of the programme, a student from a private engineering college popped in to enquire about my neighbour. While I was answering her query, my computer screen caught her eyes and she asked me, "Are you an expert in DotNet technology? My lecturers are not good at teaching it. Can you help me?" I replied, "Rajiv is an expert. Ask him."
Rajiv was silent for a few moments and then said, "I can help you become proficient in DotNet in two months if you invest an hour a day. I can teach you on one-to-one basis or on small informal group basis. My fees will be Rs.3,000!" I could not believe my ears when I heard the student's reply. "Your offer is excellent. Coaching centres charge Rs.10,000 and more. It is not personal. Timings are not flexible. However, I will pay you in full only after a few satisfactory sessions." Then they discussed her project and she left.
I asked Rajiv, "How did you come up with this proposal?" Rajiv replied, "As suggested in your articles for Express, I analysed my life, knowledge, skills and talents. I found out that I have sound knowledge in DotNet programming and computer. I don't have official qualifications to work as a professional developer or money to start my own company. I decided to begin with what I have and grow. I have been keeping my ears, eyes and heart open for opportunities that require my knowledge and my old computer. When this girl enquired about DotNet, this idea came to my mind. If I accept low tuition fees, give personal attention and provide value for money, students will not mind small inconveniences such as old computer and informal atmosphere."
"I am happy with your idea. What you say is true for hundreds of other sophisticated software tools such as Maya and InDesign. Any hardworking person can learn a difficult-to-learn software and offer private tuition to students. Imparting a skill is a profitable business," I told him and realised that just then I had learnt a new concept from my reader.
After a month, Rajiv called me over his new mobile phone and said, "The girl who had come to your place last month was very happy with my service. Within a week of taking up my tuition, she brought fifteen students to my .net coaching class. All of them have paid in advance!" I was happy with the development. I asked him, "Will you be able to sustain your business?"
"Now I have 40 students. I resigned my job last week. My income has already crossed Rs.30,000. I have bought two new computers and employed two tutors - one for Java and one for DotNet. Future is bright. There are eight engineering colleges in this area. Every year there will be more than 600 new final year students. I have got a one-way ticket to growth," Rajiv kept elaborating on his plans.
"Would you mind if I publish your story in MoneySpinners?" I asked him. Rajiv replied, "Well, if you think it can inspire other readers, please do it. But, make sure that you change my name and please don't mention the name of my town." Perhaps, he was worried about that Taxman!