Gursimar Anand’s journey into entrepreneurship is not just a story of building a business; it is a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of transforming skepticism into support. As the Founder of Vision Blend, Gursimar Anand faced one of the most significant challenges that many aspiring entrepreneurs encounter: gaining the trust and backing of his family. In a recent reflection, Gursimar Anand shared how he convinced his father to support his entrepreneurial dreams, a process that not only secured his father’s support but also strengthened their relationship.
Gursimar Anand’s entrepreneurial journey began with a vision, but it wasn’t met with immediate enthusiasm from his father. Like many traditional Indian parents, his father had simple dreams for his son: a stable job, a good salary, and a secure future. The thought of Gursimar Anand diving into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship in India’s competitive market was far from reassuring. However, Gursimar Anand was determined to pursue his passion and knew that to gain his father’s support, he needed to approach the situation with careful planning and persistence.
The first step Gursimar Anand took was to prepare thoroughly. Understanding his father’s concerns, Gursimar Anand knew that he needed to present his business idea in a way that addressed these concerns head-on. He spent time meticulously crafting a detailed business plan, complete with numbers, market research, and competitor analysis. Gursimar Anand knew that this was not just about convincing his father; it was about showing that his decision was grounded in research and careful consideration, rather than being a whimsical idea.
Another crucial aspect of Gursimar Anand’s approach was leveraging his prior work experience. With two years in the corporate world under his belt, Gursimar Anand highlighted how this experience had equipped him with the skills necessary to succeed in his entrepreneurial venture. He presented each skill he had gained as a building block for his business, demonstrating to his father that his time in the corporate world had been a valuable learning experience, preparing him for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Gursimar Anand also recognized the importance of external validation in gaining his father’s trust. He connected with a successful entrepreneur within their community and sought mentorship. This mentor not only provided guidance but also vouched for Gursimar Anand’s capabilities and business idea. Having a respected figure in their community support his venture made a significant impact on his father, helping to turn skepticism into cautious optimism.
Starting small was another strategy that Gursimar Anand employed to ease his father’s concerns. Instead of diving headfirst into the business, Gursimar Anand proposed beginning as a side hustle. This approach allowed him to minimize risk and gradually prove the concept while maintaining financial stability. By taking this measured approach, Gursimar Anand was able to demonstrate his commitment and seriousness about the business while reducing the perceived risks in his father’s eyes.
Gursimar Anand didn’t shy away from addressing his father’s concerns directly. Whether it was financial stability, lack of experience, or market saturation, Gursimar Anand had a plan in place. He had savings to ensure financial stability, a learning plan to build on his experience, and had identified a unique niche to differentiate himself in the market. By proactively addressing these concerns, Gursimar Anand showed his father that he had thought through the potential challenges and was prepared to overcome them.
To further build his case, Gursimar Anand researched and shared stories of successful young Indian entrepreneurs with his father. These examples helped his father see that success was not only possible but achievable. By showing that others had succeeded under similar circumstances, Gursimar Anand helped his father envision the potential of his entrepreneurial journey.
One of the most powerful strategies Gursimar Anand used was involving his father in the process. He sought his father’s advice on various aspects of the business, valuing his years of experience. This inclusion not only made his father feel valued but also turned him into an active participant in the business, gradually transforming his role from a skeptic to a supporter.
The turning point came when Gursimar Anand had a heartfelt conversation with his father, saying, “Dad, the world is changing. The skills and determination you’ve instilled in me are exactly what I need to succeed in this new landscape. I’m ready to make you proud in my own way.” This declaration was not just about seeking approval; it was about showing his father that the values and lessons he had imparted were the foundation upon which Gursimar Anand was building his future.
Gursimar Anand’s journey to gaining his father’s support was not an overnight success. It took months of conversations, planning, and proving his commitment. However, through patience, preparation, and perseverance, skepticism gradually turned into curiosity, and curiosity into unwavering support. Today, as Gursimar Anand builds his business at Vision Blend alongside his co-founder Aquib Shaikh, his father stands as his biggest cheerleader. Their relationship has evolved into a partnership where his father’s cautious approach complements Gursimar Anand’s enthusiasm, making them a formidable team.
To all young entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, Gursimar Anand’s story serves as an inspiration. It is a reminder that with the right approach, patience, and determination, it is possible to turn even the biggest skeptics into your strongest supporters. Gursimar Anand’s journey is not just a story of entrepreneurship; it is a story of resilience, family, and the pursuit of dreams.
