Photo by Ravi Kiran Vivek on Unsplash
In the first episode of his "Problem Solving Marathon," Sandeep Maheshwari dives deep into the struggles many face in life, especially when it comes to career, financial pressures, and the mindset needed to overcome obstacles. Drawing from real-life conversations and his own experiences, Sandeep offers practical guidance on how to rethink challenges, harness opportunities, and build a sustainable future. This article captures the essence of his insightful session, focusing on problem-solving, entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, and financial wisdom.
Understanding the Core Problem: The Struggle of Competition and Financial Pressure
Sandeep begins by addressing a common scenario faced by many, especially those preparing for competitive government exams in India. The pressure to succeed, family expectations, and financial constraints create a heavy burden. One participant shares how despite years of attempts at clearing government exams, he hasn’t succeeded yet and now faces marriage and financial responsibilities.
Sandeep points out a critical mindset issue prevalent among millions in India — the fixation on government jobs as the sole path to success. This mindset leads to repeated attempts without exploring alternative avenues. He challenges this by asking why, after multiple attempts, one does not consider other opportunities.
"The craze for government exams is well-known in India, but why stick to one path when there are so many others? If you haven't succeeded after 8-10 attempts, why not explore other options?"
Opportunity in Teaching and Coaching: Beyond Cracking Exams
The discussion moves toward the teaching profession, particularly coaching competitive exams. While cracking these exams is highly competitive with limited vacancies, teaching and coaching those preparing can be a lucrative and scalable business opportunity.
Sandeep explains that although coaching has its own competition, the upside is significantly larger because the demand for quality coaching is immense and ongoing. He encourages shifting focus from solely clearing exams to becoming a catalyst for others’ success, which opens doors to unlimited earning potential.
Key Insight:
- Coaching has fewer players compared to candidates trying to clear exams.
- Revenue potential in coaching is unlimited, unlike a capped salary in government jobs.
- Building a coaching business requires mindset training — being friendly and open to money and opportunities.
Building a Business Mindset: From Teaching to Entrepreneurship
Sandeep emphasizes the importance of developing a business mindset, especially for those coming from educational or job backgrounds. He illustrates this through a case of an IIT graduate with a master's in mathematics who wants to teach IB curriculum students online, targeting international markets for better financial returns.
The main challenge identified is marketing — knowing how to attract and convert potential students. Sandeep advises leveraging professional help such as freelancers who can generate leads at reasonable costs, utilizing platforms like Fiverr. Starting small with free trial classes and building testimonials can gradually scale the business.
He highlights three phases to grow such a business:
- Generate initial leads and convert a fraction into paying students.
- Reinvest earnings into professional marketing agencies to expand reach and improve conversions.
- Scale operations by hiring and training more teachers to meet growing demand, potentially reaching sales of 8-10 lakhs per month or more.
Scaling Beyond Limits: Vision for a Multinational Educational Enterprise
Sandeep envisions a future where such businesses grow into multinational companies teaching millions worldwide, starting with subjects like mathematics and later diversifying. The key lies in passion, expertise, and a clear long-term vision combined with patient, consistent effort.
"If you have the passion and depth in your subject, building a large-scale business is just a matter of time and strategic effort."
Managing Cash Flow and Financial Discipline
Another critical topic Sandeep discusses is financial management, especially when income increases but debt and loans consume most earnings. He stresses the importance of halting further loans until existing ones are cleared and intelligently managing expenses to save and invest in skill upgrades.
He warns against the common trap of increasing lifestyle expenses alongside income, which prevents wealth accumulation. Instead, controlling costs, prioritizing debt repayment, and investing in personal growth are vital steps.
Key Financial Wisdom:
- Stop taking new loans until current debts are fully paid.
- Reduce unnecessary expenses to increase savings.
- Invest primarily in upgrading skills rather than risky financial schemes.
- Be wary of unrealistic promises of quick wealth; focus on sustainable growth.
Adapting to Technological Changes: The Impact of AI
Sandeep highlights the rapid transformation AI is bringing to industries, including his own business. He shares how integrating AI reduced costs drastically and increased revenue, emphasizing that those who adapt early will thrive.
He cautions that many traditional methods of earning and investing are becoming obsolete and encourages learning, adapting, and preparing for future changes rather than resisting them.
Practical Entrepreneurship: Real-Life Business Example
A participant shares her journey of starting a food cart business selling momos and rolls. She began with a small investment and is already making a profit, employing a staff member and managing operations efficiently.
Sandeep praises this approach of starting small, learning from challenges, and scaling step-by-step. He notes that many hesitate to start small due to ego or fear of failure, but the reality is that every big business begins with small steps.
"No work is small or big. What matters is doing something with pride and consistency."
Conclusion: The Power of Thought, Action, and Persistence
This marathon session by Sandeep Maheshwari is a masterclass in problem solving through mindset shifts, practical strategies, and embracing opportunities beyond conventional paths. Whether it’s transforming from a job seeker to an entrepreneur, managing finances wisely, or adapting to technological disruptions, the key lies in thinking big, starting small, and persistently moving forward.
For those feeling stuck, overwhelmed by societal pressures, or confused about the next step, this session offers clarity and motivation to take control of their destiny with a well-planned approach.
Remember, success is not just about hard work but also about smart work, continuous learning, and the courage to break free from limiting beliefs.
