I still remember how difficult it was to secure our first ten customers, even though the Favoriot Platform was offered for free initially.
Despite the offer, it wasn’t easy to attract interest. At that time, I was genuinely worried. I kept wondering, would this product succeed? Or would it just become another obsolete product forgotten shortly after its launch?
“Is all this effort going to be in vain?” That was the question that often crossed my mind. What if the product we had developed with such dedication wasn’t accepted by the market? What if all the hard work my team put in, tirelessly day and night, to make Favoriot a success, didn’t bear fruit?
I knew I couldn’t let them down. My team had given their best, and as their leader, I couldn’t allow their efforts to go to waste.
But as time went on, I felt more and more pressure to ensure that Favoriot found its rightful place in the market.
I often sat and pondered, sometimes late into the night, trying to figure out how to gain the necessary market traction. Market traction isn’t something easily achieved, especially when you’re a new player in a competitive industry like IoT.
At first, we started by offering Favoriot to individuals. We targeted university students and freelancers who might be interested in using the platform for their projects.
But even with this strategy, the results were not what we had hoped for. I began to think that maybe our approach wasn’t quite right.
I then considered, “Perhaps we should offer this platform to university lecturers.” They had students involved in IoT projects, so maybe they would see the value in Favoriot.
But unfortunately, this effort also didn’t yield satisfying results. I began to feel anxious. “What else can we do?” I asked myself, searching for a way forward.
We then shifted our focus to offering Favoriot directly to customers. We tried introducing the platform to companies and organizations that might need IoT solutions.
However, once again, a new challenge arose. Many didn’t know how to use the platform. “Are we too early to the market?” I wondered. Maybe, at that time, awareness of IoT among customers wasn’t mature enough.
In the startup world, there’s a concept known as “Product-Market Fit” (PMF). This is the point where your product truly meets the needs of the market.
If you don’t achieve PMF quickly, your product might fail. And I knew that if Favoriot didn’t reach PMF, there was a high chance we would have to shut down operations.
But I didn’t give up. I kept searching for the right customers, those who truly needed what Favoriot offered.
After many trials and errors, we finally found that the best customers for our platform were IoT System Integrators. These were companies or individuals who provided IoT solutions to their own customers. They needed a platform like Favoriot to build IoT applications that could meet the specific needs of their clients.
Finally, Favoriot found its way. We started offering the platform in two models – cloud-based and enterprise-based.
The cloud-based model was for customers who wanted a more flexible solution that could be accessed from anywhere. Meanwhile, the enterprise-based model was more suited for System Integrators who wanted full control over their platform.
This model came with a perpetual license and unlimited API, allowing them to build IoT applications without worrying about the high API costs typically charged by other major platforms like AWS or Azure.
With this discovery, Favoriot began to find its place in the market. I felt a bit of relief, but at the same time, I knew that the journey was far from over.
We still needed to continue innovating and ensuring that the platform remained relevant in an ever-changing industry.
But at least now, I was more confident that Favoriot had a bright future.
This isn’t the end of the story. I will continue to share our journey, how we found other customers, and how we grew Favoriot into one of the leading IoT platforms. But that will be in the next part.
Stay with me on this journey, because I believe that every step we take has its own story that can inspire those striving in the startup world.
In the next part, I will share more about who else became customers of the Favoriot IoT Platform and how we won their hearts.
Behind the Scenes of Favoriot IoT Platform — Part IV
When we developed the Favoriot IoT Platform, it wasn’t meant for everyone but just for our use. My team and I sought ways to overcome our problems managing IoT data at that time. The existing platforms did not fully meet our needs, so we developed our own.
However, when I saw foreign IoT platforms like ThingSpeak and Blynk being widely used in higher education institutions in Malaysia, I thought, “Why don’t we offer the same thing?”
Our platform could also benefit students and researchers in Malaysia. We just needed to find a way to introduce Favoriot more effectively.
Whenever I was invited to give an IoT lecture at a university, I would introduce Favoriot and give students free access. I hoped these students would use our platform in their projects and expand its use.
However, reality did not match my expectations.
My main problem was that ThingSpeak and Blynk were still the preferred choices. I wondered, “Why is that?” After some investigation, I found that one of the main reasons was the lack of video tutorials and learning content on our platform.
ThingSpeak and Blynk had a lot of content that made it easy for students and researchers to understand and use their platforms.
“I need to do something,” I thought. I started encouraging students or anyone using Favoriot to share their tutorial videos on YouTube. However, I realized that not many were willing to spend the time to create educational content.
Understandably, Malaysians are reluctant to create scholarly content. So, we developed several YouTube tutorials and used social media like TikTok to introduce Favoriot.
Initially, only students used Favoriot. I often wondered, “Will this effort succeed? Can we compete with the bigger platforms?” However, I kept trying and did not give up. Gradually, the results started to show.
Students and many external organizations use Favoriot for various applications in agriculture, industry, smart cities, security, etc.
I feel very grateful. “Alhamdulillah… this effort will not stop here.” We continue to introduce several unique ways to use Favoriot that differ from what ThingSpeak or Blynk offers. We continually strive to improve our platform and ensure it meets users’ needs better.
This story is not over yet.
I have much more to share about our journey in developing the Favoriot IoT Platform.
Stay tuned for Part V, where I will discuss our challenges and successes.
In 2019, we began offering our self-developed IoT services. However, no one wanted to use it. I still remember how hard it was to get our first customers. We offered it for free to the first ten customers, but that wasn’t easy.
“Why doesn’t anyone want to use our platform?” I asked myself almost every night. “Is there something wrong with our product, or is there something we missed?”
It turned out the problem wasn’t with our product. The real issue was that most people didn’t know how to use an IoT platform. They lacked knowledge about IoT. It was a hard truth to accept, but I knew we had to do something.
As an Industry Advisory Panel member at several universities, I started suggesting changes in their curriculum. “We need to teach students how to use IoT technology more systematically,” I said in meetings with lecturers and deans. I hoped these changes would help increase students’ understanding of IoT.
Slowly, I saw changes happening. Many universities have started offering more systematic IoT courses. However, I faced a significant challenge when I saw many students choosing Blynk and ThingSpeak as their primary choices for their final-year projects.
“Why aren’t they using Favoriot?” I wondered again. “What does our platform lack?”
I knew I couldn’t give up. I had to keep working hard to introduce the Favoriot IoT Platform to the public. I began organizing many seminars and workshops to introduce this platform. I would stand in front of the participants each time and passionately explain the advantages of using Favoriot.
“This platform is not just for students but also for professionals and large companies,” I always said. “It can be used for larger R&D projects and other commercial projects.”
The Favoriot IoT Platform started to become well-known slowly. Users began to see the potential and benefits offered by our platform.
Finally, in 2024, we managed to get 80% of Favoriot platform users from Malaysia. Out of 8,800 users, the majority were from our own country.
I felt proud of this achievement. “We did it,” I told my team. “We have proven that we can compete with other platforms.”
The Favoriot IoT Platform is now used to collect data for larger R&D projects and other commercial projects. Our journey is still long, but this success gives me confidence that we are on the right track.
The Favoriot IoT Platform was not our first commercial IoT product. Before this IoT Platform, we had developed two other IoT products, namely Raqib and Favorsense, but both failed in the market.
I still remember the first time we introduced Raqib. “This product will bring a revolution,” I told my team. However, reality was not as beautiful as imagined. We faced various unexpected challenges, from technical issues to marketing.
Favorsense, although it had a good concept, still couldn’t attract user interest. I sat in the office, pondering our failures. “What went wrong? Where was the mistake?” I asked myself. Two products, two failures. It wasn’t a good statistic.
However, behind Raqib’s failure, there was one component that survived — the Favoriot IoT Platform. We realized that this platform had great potential. “This platform can be used by anyone who wants to develop their own IoT products,” I told my team. With renewed enthusiasm, we decided to shift our focus. We started offering the Favoriot IoT Platform for free.
But, even though the platform was free, many didn’t know how to use it. “Why aren’t they using it?” I asked. “We’ve published many videos and info, but still, many don’t know how to use it.” It was really disappointing.
We didn’t give up. I knew there was a way to solve this problem. “We need to give them more guidance,” I told the team. So, we started offering IoT courses using the Favoriot IoT Platform. These courses were designed to help users understand and apply the platform in their projects.
This step turned out to be successful. Now, more than 16 universities and polytechnics in Malaysia have been using the Favoriot IoT Platform for their students’ final-year projects. “This is a major achievement,” I said proudly. These students learn about IoT and gain practical experience using a real platform.
I often visit these universities to give lectures and see how students are using our platform. “This is great, how do you use Favoriot for this project?” I asked a student. Seeing their joy and enthusiasm gives me immense satisfaction. I know we are on the right track.
Now, we are working on introducing the Favoriot IoT Platform in foreign universities. “The global market is the next step,” I told the team. We are discussing with several universities abroad and hope to see students worldwide using our platform soon.
However, this journey is not without challenges. I often ask myself, “How can we continuously improve and enhance this platform?” In the ever-evolving technology industry, we need always to stay ahead.
Every night, before sleeping, I reflect on our journey. “We have learned a lot from our failures,” I tell myself. From those failures, the Favoriot IoT Platform was born and is now Malaysia’s main pulse in IoT education.
This success is not just mine but the entire Favoriot team’s. “Thank you, everyone,” I always tell them. Without their commitment and hard work, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
I know our journey is still long. “This is just the beginning,” I often tell the team. With an undying spirit, we will continue to move forward, facing new challenges and achieving greater success.
We have proven that with effort and dedication, failure is not the end but the beginning of something greater. The Favoriot IoT Platform is solid proof that from failure, success can be born.
I still remember when we started developing the Favoriot IoT Platform back in 2017. At that time, we were in a small room with only a handful of dedicated staff.
The original idea came from the need to create a platform that could support our first IoT product, called Raqib.
“Can we really compete with giants like AWS and Azure?” I often asked myself.
We knew the challenge wasn’t small. Many outsiders didn’t know us and doubted the capabilities of this newly developed platform. However, we remained determined. We were confident in our technology’s potential and capabilities.
In 2019, we decided to offer the Favoriot IoT Platform to the public for free. “Perhaps this is the best way to attract attention and build an early user base,” I thought. However, the response we received was very disappointing. Only a handful showed interest.
“We need to do something more than this,” I discussed with the team. “We must find a way to introduce this platform to more people.”
At that time, the idea of offering IoT courses emerged. We realized that one of the best ways to attract users was by teaching them about IoT’s importance and utility while introducing our platform. These courses not only allowed participants to learn about IoT but also to try out the Favoriot IoT Platform themselves.
“Will they be interested? What if no one registers?” Many questions played out in my mind.
Alhamdulillah, this step bore fruit. Through the IoT courses, we introduced the Favoriot IoT Platform to more users. The response we received was very encouraging. We saw a significant increase in the number of users of our platform. Today, the Favoriot IoT Platform has over 8800 users from 120 countries.
“I can’t believe we’ve come this far,” I shared my joy with the team. “This is just the beginning. We still have a lot to achieve.”
Now, we aspire to expand to neighboring countries. I am confident that the Favoriot IoT Platform can achieve even greater success with effort and dedication.
“Ready for the next phase?” I asked the team. Their answer was clear – we are ready to conquer the IoT world.
This is a glimpse of the story behind the development of the Favoriot IoT Platform. Each step was taken with great care and a high fighting spirit. We believe that with hard work and determination, nothing is impossible.
Stay tuned for our journey in Part II, where I will share more challenges and successes we’ve experienced along the way.
I’ve often wondered what I would say if I could write a letter to my future self.
What advice would I give? What warnings, insights, or words of encouragement would I offer?
Dear Future Mazlan,
I contemplate our journey as I begin composing this letter. I trust that this letter will prompt recollections of our ambitions, hopes, and the wisdom we’ve gained.
It’s a warm day in July 2024, and the buzzing energy of FAVORIOT surrounds me. The office is alive with the sound of collaboration and innovation.
Our team is working tirelessly to bring the next big idea to life. I hope you’re reading this with a sense of pride, knowing that we’ve stayed true to our vision and continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of IoT.
As you read this, I hope you remember the early days when we first dreamed of creating a company that would be a leader in technology and a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
FAVORIOT was born out of a desire to make a difference, transform the way we interact with technology, and build smarter, more connected cities. Wherever you are now, that vision has been realized in ways we could only have imagined.
Remember the countless hours spent brainstorming and strategizing, the late nights and early mornings, and the unwavering belief that we were on the right path.
A deep sense of purpose always counterbalanced those moments of doubt and uncertainty. We knew that our work mattered and that it had the potential to change lives. And it did.
The stories of how our solutions have improved the quality of life for so many people are the true measure of our success.
I hope you’ve continued to share your knowledge and experiences with others. Writing has always been our passion, and through platforms like Medium and our blog, we’ve reached and inspired countless readers.
I hope you’ve kept up with that, using your voice to educate and motivate. Your words have power; they’ve helped many see the potential within themselves and the world around them.
Do you remember the thrill of speaking at conferences, the excitement of standing in front of an audience and sharing our vision? Those moments were exhilarating, not just because of the applause or recognition but because of our connections and impact on others.
I hope you’ve continued to embrace those opportunities, stand on those stages, and inspire others with your journey.
Our family has always been our anchor, grounding us through the highs and lows. The support and love from our wife and children have been unwavering.
I hope you’ve continued to cherish those relationships to make time for them amidst the chaos of work. They are, after all, our most outstanding achievement.
Looking back, it’s clear that the road wasn’t always easy. Some challenges tested our resolve, and there were moments when giving up seemed like an option. But we persevered, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a belief in our mission.
I hope that in the years that have passed, you’ve found new ways to innovate, to stay ahead of the curve, and to keep that fire burning.
I trust that you have maintained a mindset of curiosity and open-mindedness as we anticipate the future. The technology landscape is constantly advancing, presenting us with continuous opportunities for learning and overcoming new challenges. Maintain a strong thirst for knowledge, continue to explore, and persist in dreaming without limits.
I wonder what new horizons you’ve explored.
Have you ventured into new areas of technology, perhaps even beyond IoT? Have you taken on new roles, maybe as a mentor or advisor, helping the next generation of innovators find their path? Whatever it is, I hope you’ve found fulfillment and joy in your endeavors.
Lastly, remember to take a moment to breathe and appreciate the journey and progress made. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of daily life, but it’s essential to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come.
Celebrate the victories, big and small, and learn from the setbacks.
As I write this, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for our experiences, the people we’ve met, and the impact we’ve made. I hope you carry that gratitude with you always.
It’s been an incredible journey, with so much more to come.
So, here’s to the future, new adventures, and the enduring spirit of innovation that drives us. Keep pushing boundaries, keep inspiring, and keep making a difference.
With warm regards and unwavering belief in our shared future,
For many years, we’ve worked side by side, In meetings and hallways, no secrets to hide. But lately, I’ve noticed something new, In the way I see her, in the things I do.
Her voice, familiar, yet somehow changed, A melody that leaves me strangely arranged. Each word she speaks, a note so pure, A symphony that makes my heart unsure.
Her eyes, like stars, they catch my gaze, In different hues through the passing days. One moment they’re gentle, like morning’s light, The next they’re burning with evening’s might.
Every glance, a silent song, A rhythm that feels so right, so wrong. I find myself lost in her soulful stare, Wondering what secrets might be there.
Her laughter, once just a pleasant sound, Now a melody that my heart has found. It dances through my mind like a breeze, Bringing with it a sense of ease.
Her presence, once a comfort, now a thrill, A sensation that I can’t quite kill. I feel her near, my pulse will race, My heart responding to her grace.
In crowded rooms or quiet halls, Her presence lifts me, and my spirit calls. I see her smile, and the world seems bright, A beacon cutting through the darkest night.
Each day with her, something new unfolds, A mystery in the stories she holds. Her voice and eyes, ever changing, ever true, A reflection of a soul so pure, so blue.
I wonder if she feels it too, This strange connection, this feeling new. Does her heart skip a beat when I’m near? Does she see the world in colors clear?
I can’t deny these feelings strong, This sense that with her, I belong. Each meeting, each moment, a gift so rare, A chance to breathe in her magic air.
Her kindness, her wit, her gentle ways, Have woven into the fabric of my days. She’s more than a colleague, more than a friend, A presence that makes my heart ascend.
And so I cherish every glance, Every word, every chance. To see her eyes, to hear her voice, To feel this love, this quiet choice.
For many years, we’ve walked this line, But now I see her in a light divine. Her voice, her eyes, a constant change, A beautiful mystery, a love so strange.
I don’t know where this path will lead, But for now, my heart is freed. To feel, to hope, to dream anew, In the light of her eyes, in the sound of her voice so true.
In a quiet town where whispers roam, Lived a man in a modest home. He wandered through each quiet day, Until he heard a voice that made him stay.
A melody drifted on the breeze, A song that brought him to his knees. Her voice, like honey, smooth and sweet, Called out to him, their souls to meet.
He followed notes through twilight’s glow, To find the source of this echo. There she stood, with grace and charm, Her singing was a soothing balm.
Her eyes met his, a spark ignites, Two hearts entwined in love’s delight. They sang together, side by side, Their voices blending, love their guide.
Each morning brought a new refrain, A symphony to ease their pain. Their harmonies a pure embrace, A testament to love’s sweet grace.
In fields of green, beneath the skies, Their songs would rise, their spirits high. They sang of dreams and whispered fears, Their melodies washed away their tears.
Through winter’s chill and summer’s heat, Their love, a song, was always sweet. Each note a promise, strong and true, Their hearts composed a love anew.
They danced through life, a joyous waltz, With every verse, their hearts exalts. A duet in life’s grand serenade, Their love, a timeless, sweet cascade.
Years rolled by, yet still they sang, In perfect harmony, their love rang. A bond unbroken, through time’s embrace, Their love songs left a tender trace.
And as the twilight years drew near, Their voices still rang pure and clear. In every note, their love would flow, A beautiful song, forever to grow.
So in that town, where whispers roam, Lived a man in a loving home. He found his heart through her sweet song, And together, their love was ever strong.
I still remember the first time I picked up a badminton racket. I was a young boy, brimming with energy and curiosity, eager to master the sport that had captured the hearts of so many around me. Little did I know that my passion for badminton would bring me joy and camaraderie and teach me invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship.
As I step onto the court, the familiar sound of shuttles being hit and sneakers squeaking on the polished floor brings a sense of nostalgia. I glance at my opponent, another eager player, and I can’t help but draw parallels between this game and the business world I navigate every day.
In badminton, the serve sets the tone for the game.
It’s when you take control, dictate the pace, and pressure your opponent.
In entrepreneurship, the serve represents the initial step – the idea, the decision to start a business, the first move.
“Mazlan, remember when you started FAVORIOT?” I often remind myself. “You had an idea, a vision, and you took the initiative to bring it to life. Like in badminton, where a well-placed serve can give you an early advantage, your proactive approach set the stage for your entrepreneurial journey.”
Taking the initiative is crucial.
Whether reaching out to potential clients, launching a new product, or entering a new market, the willingness to take that first step often determines success.
Hesitation can lead to missed opportunities, just as a weak serve can give your opponent an easy point.
Badminton requires quick reflexes and the ability to move swiftly around the court.
Your footwork needs to be impeccable; you must be ready to change direction at a moment’s notice.
This agility is mirrored in the world of business.
“Mazlan, think about how many times you’ve had to pivot in your career,” I told myself. “From transitioning from academia to the corporate world, then moving from telecommunications to IoT, and eventually founding FAVORIOT. Each step required adaptability and a willingness to change direction when needed.”
In entrepreneurship, the market is constantly evolving.
Consumer preferences shift, new competitors emerge, and technological advancements disrupt the status quo.
Just as badminton players adjust their position to return a shot, an entrepreneur must remain flexible and responsive to stay ahead.
Winning a badminton match isn’t just about physical prowess; it’s also about strategy.
You must study your opponent, anticipate their moves, and plan your shots accordingly.
The same principle applies to entrepreneurship.
“Every time we plan a new business strategy at FAVORIOT, it’s like preparing for a crucial match,” I think. “We analyze the market, understand our competitors, and devise a plan to offer unique value to our customers.”
A successful entrepreneur must have a clear vision and a well-thought-out plan.
This involves market research, understanding customer needs, and developing a unique selling proposition.
Just as a badminton player aims to outthink their opponent, a business leader strives to stay ahead of the competition.
In badminton, losing a point can be disheartening, especially after a long rally.
However, the key to winning is resilience – the ability to bounce back and stay focused on the next point.
This resilience is equally essential in entrepreneurship.
“Mazlan, remember the setbacks you faced when FAVORIOT was still in its infancy?” I recall. “There were times when funding was scarce, partnerships fell through, and growth seemed slow. But each setback was a learning experience, and resilience kept you moving forward.”
Failure and rejection are part and parcel of the entrepreneurial journey.
What distinguishes successful entrepreneurs is their ability to learn from these experiences, adapt, and keep pushing forward.
Just as a badminton player shakes off a lost point and prepares for the next rally, an entrepreneur must remain focused on the long-term goal despite short-term setbacks.
While badminton is often played as a singles game, doubles matches emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
Effective communication, trust, and understanding between partners are crucial for success.
This lesson is directly applicable to entrepreneurship.
“Mazlan, think about the team you’ve built at FAVORIOT,” I remind myself. “Each member brings unique strengths and perspectives, and the collaborative effort drives the company forward.”
In business, no one achieves success alone.
Building a solid team, fostering a collaborative culture, and leveraging diverse skills are vital.
Just as a doubles pair in badminton coordinates their movements and supports each other, an entrepreneur must cultivate a supportive and synergistic team environment.
Badminton players constantly work to improve their skills, whether refining their technique, enhancing their fitness, or developing new strategies.
This commitment to continuous improvement is a cornerstone of entrepreneurship.
“Mazlan, your journey with FAVORIOT has been marked by continuous learning and growth,” I reflect. “From staying updated with the latest IoT trends to attending industry conferences and seeking customer feedback, the pursuit of excellence is ongoing.”
Entrepreneurs must embrace lifelong learning and a growth mindset.
The business landscape is dynamic, and staying ahead requires a commitment to personal and professional development.
Just as badminton players hone their craft, an entrepreneur must constantly seek ways to innovate and improve.
There’s an undeniable thrill in competition, whether on the badminton court or in the business arena.
The challenges, intensity, and drive to win are exhilarating.
Embracing this competitive spirit is essential for entrepreneurial success.
“Mazlan, remember the excitement you felt when FAVORIOT secured its first major contract?” I smile at the memory. “The competition was fierce, but the sense of achievement was worth every effort.”
Competition pushes us to strive for excellence, innovate, and perform at our best. It’s the challenges that make the journey rewarding.
Just as a badminton match is won a point by point, entrepreneurial success is achieved by overcoming one challenge at a time.
As the final rally of the game unfolds, I’m reminded of the entrepreneurial journey – a series of strategic moves, moments of agility, resilience, and the thrill of competition.
Each point, each decision, contributes to the overall outcome.
“Similar principles have marked Mazlan, your journey in badminton and entrepreneurship,” I conclude. “The court has taught you lessons that transcend the game and have shaped your approach to business.”
Badminton, with its demands for initiative, adaptability, strategic thinking, resilience, teamwork, continuous improvement, and competitive spirit, mirrors the world of entrepreneurship in many ways.
The lessons I’ve learned on the court have made me a better player and equipped me with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the complex and dynamic world of business.
As I leave the court, I am grateful for the sport that has been both a passion and a teacher.
The next time I face a challenge in my entrepreneurial journey, I’ll remember the lessons from the badminton court and approach it with the same determination and enthusiasm.
The echoes of the game linger as I walk away, my mind buzzing with the parallels between badminton and entrepreneurship.
With its fast-paced rallies and strategic plays, the court has been a microcosm of the business world.
The lessons learned here are invaluable and extend far beyond the boundaries of the game.
“Mazlan, you’ve always believed in the power of sports to teach life lessons,” I remind myself. “Badminton has been a constant companion, shaping your approach to challenges, both on and off the court.”
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that the principles of badminton – initiative, agility, strategy, resilience, teamwork, continuous improvement, and competitive spirit – have been the guiding stars in my entrepreneurial endeavors.
They have helped me navigate the complexities of the business world and instilled in me a sense of discipline and purpose.
In badminton and entrepreneurship, success is not just about winning; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the lessons learned along the way.
The court has been my training ground, and the skills honed here continue to propel me forward in my entrepreneurial pursuits.
So, the next time you pick up a racket or embark on a new business venture, remember the lessons from the badminton court.
Embrace the challenges, stay agile, strategize wisely, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Whether in the game or in life, the pursuit of excellence and the joy of continuous learning truly define success.
This transformation wasn’t magic but rather a result of intentional changes and strategies.
Here’s how I did it.
Capturing Attention: The Three-Second Rule
In the digital world, attention is a scarce commodity.
You have about three seconds to grab someone’s attention before they scroll right past your post to the next. I learned this the hard way.
My initial articles were lengthy, with long-winded introductions that didn’t captivate readers.
I had to rethink my approach.
I recall a specific moment of realization while reading an article by one of my favorite writers. Their opening line was a punchy, thought-provoking statement that hooked me immediately.
“Why couldn’t I do that?” I thought.
So, I started experimenting with catchy hooks and concise introductions. It was a game-changer.
The shorter and sweeter my openings, the more engagement I received.
This simple truth became my guiding principle. Instead of hiding behind dry, factual content, I began sharing my personal experiences and anecdotes. It was intimidating at first — exposing my vulnerabilities and failures.
But it was necessary.
I remember writing about my early days in the tech industry, filled with uncertainties and challenges.
The response was overwhelming.
Readers resonated with my story, finding comfort and inspiration in my journey.
Letting my personality shine through wasn’t just about being relatable but about being authentic.
What’s the point of a story if it doesn’t leave the reader with something to ponder? This was another critical lesson I learned.
Early on, my articles often ended abruptly, without offering any significant insight or takeaway.
I realized that every piece needed a conclusion that provided value.
One of my breakthrough articles was about the future of IoT and its impact on everyday life. Instead of just presenting information, I concluded with actionable insights and questions that encouraged readers to think about how they could integrate IoT solutions into their lives.
This approach didn’t just inform; it engaged and empowered my readers.
Writing is not about showcasing your knowledge but empowering your readers.
Early on, my articles were laden with technical jargon and complex concepts, which, in hindsight, was more about proving my expertise than providing value.
This was a mistake.
A turning point came when I wrote an article to demystify IoT for beginners. I stripped away the jargon and focused on simple, relatable explanations.
The feedback was incredible.
Readers appreciated the clarity and felt more confident in their understanding.
Making readers feel competent became my new mantra rather than showcasing my intelligence.
I started paying close attention to the work of my favorite writers, analyzing their style, structure, and content. I noticed patterns — how they crafted compelling narratives, their use of metaphors, and their ability to connect with readers on an emotional level.
One of my favorite writers had a knack for seamlessly weaving personal anecdotes with profound insights.
I noted three things they did exceptionally well: engaging hooks, relatable stories, and thought-provoking conclusions.
I began incorporating these elements into my writing. It wasn’t about copying but understanding what worked and adapting it to my style.
I set a goal to write regularly, even when I felt uninspired. Some of my best articles emerged from moments when I pushed through writer’s block. The key was to keep writing, learning, and adapting.
In conclusion, my journey to becoming a top writer on Medium was marked by trial and error, introspection, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
I grew my account by capturing attention quickly, sharing personal stories, providing valuable takeaways, finding my authentic voice, empowering my readers, and learning from the best.
Anyone can undertake this journey with the right mindset and strategies.
So, if you’re struggling, remember that success is just a few intentional changes away.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 