Q. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A. Blockchain Asset Review is a news, analysis and thought-leadership site on the Asian blockchain and cryptocurrency industry. I am based between Dehra Dun and New Delhi and often travel to Singapore and Hong Kong for work.
Q. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A. I have nearly twenty years of experience in writing and journalism and have authored a few books. Before founding Blockchain Asset Review, I was regional correspondent for MLex Market Insight, a leading global provider of news about regulations. I was one of the first reporters to cover cryptocurrency and blockchain regulations in Asia. I have an MA in journalism from the University of Iowa and M.A mass communications from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Q. What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A. I was working in Hong Kong and writing about regulations when I first encountered the blockchain industry. I found it fascinating that I found myself in the middle of a major technological innovation and ecosystem that was rapidly growing right in front of my eyes. I decided that I should focus on the new industry because such opportunities do not come very often: a new technology that will change our lives. But there wasn’t a solid and professional website that focuses blockchain industry in Asia. I decided to create a website and started interviewing major players in the industry and that is how it was born.
Q. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A. First, you must have passion towards what you are doing. Second, make sure there are real opportunities in the industry. Third, one must be sure that you are fully dedicated towards what you set out to do.
Q. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A. Passion, energy and dedication.
Q. How many hours do you work a day on average?
A. It depends; I am always working including on the weekends. In other words, my mind is constantly absorbed by my work.
Q. To what do you most attribute your success?
A. Strong partners and mentors.
Q. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A. Social media primarily LinkedIn and Twitter.
Q. Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A. Angel investor.
Q. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A. Consistency in what you are doing.
Q. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A. I want to be one of the best provider of news and analysis on the blockchain industry in Asia.
Q. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A. I admire some of my competitors. Coindesk is a great role model, I think.
Q. How important have good employees been to your success?
A. Extremely important. They are the backbone of your business.
Q. How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A. I never give up.
Q. What motivates you?
A. Success.
Q. What are your ideals?
A. Making the world a better place.
Q. How do you generate new ideas?
A. The old ideas will help you generate new ideas. Discussion with mentors that you respect and attending conferences.
Q. How do you define success?
A. Success is the ability to do what you enjoy doing while having the time to spend time with the loved ones.
Q. How do you build a successful customer base?
A. Social media.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A. Flexibility and creativity.
Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
A. When your competitors tell you that you are good at what you are doing.
Q. What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A. Entrepreneurship and taking initiatives.
Q. What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
A. Hard work and the right kind of culture suited to my business
Q. In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A. Being a journalist and writer is very similar to being entrepreneur.