The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 17: How I Learned to Share Favoriot’s Story Without Overdoing It

The Fine Line Between Inspiration and Bragging

Should I share, or should I stay silent?

This question has haunted me since the early days of Favoriot.

Building a startup isn’t just about technology, funding, or business strategy—it’s also about storytelling. But where do we draw the line between sharing our journey to inspire others and coming across as boastful?

I’ve wrestled with this dilemma more times than I can count. Some people say, “Just let your work speak for itself.” Others insist, “People need to see your progress. They want to learn from your story.”

So, which one is it?

Let’s dive into the delicate balance of sharing our startup journey—without overdoing it.

The Early Days: A Team Fueled by Passion and Uncertainty

When we first started Favoriot, we were a small team with big dreams. We believed IoT had the power to change industries, improve lives, and create new opportunities.

But passion alone wasn’t enough.

We faced countless obstacles, including funding challenges, product-market fit struggles, and the ever-present fear of failure. We worked tirelessly behind the scenes, developing our platform and engaging with potential customers.

Then came the big question:

Should we share our struggles and milestones with the world or keep everything under wraps until we have something massive to announce?

I was torn.

“Maybe we should just stay quiet and let the results speak for themselves,” I thought. “What if we share too much, and it backfires?”

At the same time, I knew that people don’t just buy products—they buy into stories. They connect with a brand that feels human.

That’s when I realized the power of storytelling.

The Power of Storytelling in Startups

I’ve always believed that stories are what bring people together. They make businesses feel real, not just faceless corporations.

I started to ask myself:

“Wouldn’t sharing our small wins show others we’re genuine and making real progress?”

Momentum is everything in a startup. People want to know your journey—not just the polished version, but the raw and real struggles.

A few trusted advisors encouraged me:

“Mazlan, people want to see how a company grows. They want to learn from your experience, the ups and downs. Your story can inspire them.”

That made sense. After all, I’ve been inspired by others who openly shared their startup journeys. So why not do the same?

That was the moment I decided—we would share Favoriot’s story.

But little did I know that decision came with its own challenges.

The Doubts: Criticism and the Fear of Overexposure

The moment we started sharing our journey, the doubts crept in.

What if people thought we were just showing off?

What if our small wins were misinterpreted as arrogance?

I knew that no matter how genuine our intent was, some people would see it differently. Not everyone would cheer for our progress. Some might even root for us to fail.

That fear of inviting negativity was real.

A friend cautioned me, “Mazlan if you keep celebrating every little milestone, people might think you’re just making noise. Be careful.”

That struck a chord. I didn’t want Favoriot to be seen as all talk with no substance.

I had to find the right balance—sharing enough to inspire but not so much that it felt forced or unnecessary.

Finding the Right Balance: Authenticity Over Hype

I came to a realization:

It’s not about choosing between complete silence or constant broadcasting. The key is authenticity.

People can tell when a story is real. They can sense when you share because it’s meaningful, not because you want attention.

So, instead of treating every minor update as a big achievement, we focused on:

  1. Telling the whole story – Not just the victories but the challenges, failures, and lessons learned.
  2. Showing our human side – The sleepless nights, the difficult decisions, and the little moments that keep us going.
  3. Engaging, not boasting – Encouraging discussions rather than just making announcements.

The goal wasn’t to impress but to connect.

Emotion vs. Success Stories: Striking the Right Mix

So, how do we balance sharing emotions with business success?

I realized that while people love to hear about wins, they also appreciate honesty.

It wouldn’t be relatable if all we did was talk about how great we were doing. But if we only focused on struggles, it might seem like we were always in crisis mode.

We had to share both our progress and the hard lessons we were learning along the way.

A startup journey isn’t just about achievements. It’s about persistence, the small breakthroughs that lead to bigger ones, and the human experience behind the business.

Dealing with Criticism: Staying True to Our Mission

No matter how carefully we shared our story, there would always be critics.

Some would call it bragging. Others would question our decisions.

At first, this got to me. I second-guessed whether we should continue sharing at all.

But then I reminded myself:

Not everyone will root for you, and that’s okay.

The key is how you share. If you want to genuinely document your journey and help others, the right people will appreciate it.

It’s not about boasting—it’s about showing what it takes to build something from the ground up.

If someone sees that as bragging, that’s their perspective. But that shouldn’t stop us from telling our story.

Lessons Learned from Sharing the FAVORIOT Journey

Looking back, I’m glad we shared parts of our journey.

It helped us:

✅ Build a community that believes in our mission.
✅ Establish trust with partners and customers.
✅ Inspire other entrepreneurs who are going through the same struggles.

But we also learned to be mindful of how we share.

We don’t need to post every minor update. We don’t need to be overly polished. But we also don’t need to stay silent.

It’s all about balance—giving people a window into our world while staying true to our values.

The Importance of Authenticity in Business

At the end of the day, what matters most is staying authentic.

Favoriot isn’t just a company—we’re a team with a vision.

And that vision isn’t just about technology. It’s about building relationships, creating impact, and helping others understand the potential of IoT.

That’s why we continue sharing our story—not to show off but to invite others to share in our journey.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this:

People don’t connect with success. They connect with the story behind it.

And as long as we stay true to that, we’ll always have something meaningful to share.

Favoriot Entrepreneurship Stories

  1. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 16: Why Favoriot Must Look Beyond Malaysia for Success
  2. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 15: From Lecture Halls to Investor Pitches
  3. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 14: To Exit or Not to Exit?
  4. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 13: Does Winning Awards Help a Startup Succeed?
  5. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 12: The Dream of M&A Exit
  6. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 11: The Rocky Road of Smart Cities
  7. The Story Behind Favoriot — Part 10: Age Does Not Matter in Business
  8. The Story Behind Favoriot — Part 9: Leaving the Comfort Zone
  9. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 8: The Frustration of Unanswered Emails and Missed Opportunities
  10. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 7: The Task of Finding Favoriot’s First 10 Customers
  11. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 6: Expanding The Business Models
  12. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 5: Finding the Right Fit
  13. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 4: How Favoriot Became More Than Just an IoT Platform
  14. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 3: Why No One Wanted Our IoT Platform—And How We Turned It Around
  15. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part 2: Turning Failures into Milestones
  16. The Story Behind Favoriot – Part I: The Humble Beginnings of Favoriot

About Favoriot — Part-17: The Fine Line Between Inspiration and Bragging

Storytelling in Business

Sharing Genuine Stories Without Overdoing It

Image created using ChatGPT

The Dilemma: To Share or Stay Silent?

As I reflect on the journey of growing FAVORIOT, one question has always been at the forefront of my mind: Should we share the stories behind our successes or remain quiet and let the results speak for themselves?

I’ve often pondered this tricky balance.

Some believe in working silently, revealing success only once it becomes undeniable. On the other hand, people are curious; they want to see progress, witness small victories, and learn from their journey.

So, how do we balance being open and relatable without seeming boastful?

The Early Days: A Team Fueled by Passion

When we first started FAVORIOT, the energy was undeniable. We were a small team united by the vision of transforming how IoT could revolutionise businesses and daily life.

The excitement was palpable, but so was the uncertainty. I often asked myself, “Should we share our journey with the world? Should we discuss our vision, milestones, and progress?” I wrestled with the idea of staying silent. “No, Mazlan, keep it quiet. Let the work speak for itself,” a voice in my head said.

But at the same time, I knew that trust is built through openness and sharing the journey, not just the destination.

The Power of Storytelling

I’ve always believed that stories are what connect us. They bring people into your mission, making them feel like they’re not just buying a product but becoming part of something larger.

So why not share?” I asked myself.

Wouldn’t sharing our small wins show others that we’re genuine and making real progress?” Startups thrive on building momentum, after all.

A few people even encouraged me, saying, “Mazlan, people want to see how a company grows. They want to learn from your journey, the ups and the downs. Sharing those stories can inspire others and create a positive vibe around your business.

The Doubts: Criticism and Envy

But with the excitement of sharing also came the inevitable doubts. I realised that sharing too much could open us up to criticism.

People might misinterpret what we say. A small victory could easily be seen as bragging. Worse, some might become envious and even hope for our downfall. “Do I want to attract that kind of negative energy?” I asked myself.

The fear of inviting unwanted attention was real.

There’s also the risk of setting expectations too high. “What if we don’t meet them? What if people start doubting the authenticity of our story?” I thought. “Mazlan, if you keep showing every little success, people might think you’re exaggerating,” a close friend told me.

That struck a chord. I didn’t want FAVORIOT to be seen as all talk with no substance.

Finding the Balance

In the end, I realized that the answer wasn’t about choosing one extreme—silence or constant sharing—but about finding a balance.

The stories we tell need to be authentic.

They need to show the human side of the business, not just the successes but the challenges, struggles, sleepless nights, and small wins that keep us moving forward.

It’s about being honest.

People can tell when a story is genuine. They can sense when you’re sharing because it’s meaningful, not because you’re seeking attention. And when you’re authentic, they relate to you more deeply.

Trust is built through those authentic connections, which is crucial in business.

Emotion vs. Success Stories: The Right Mix

So, how do we balance emotion with success stories? Here’s how I see it: we share enough to let people know the heart of our company, the struggles we face, and the small victories we achieve.

We don’t paint a too glossy picture, but we don’t focus solely on the challenges.

There’s a delicate balance between being open about your journey and avoiding oversharing.

We must show people the progress, the hurdles we’ve overcome, and the small wins that push us forward. But we do it with honesty. We’re transparent, but don’t overwhelm people with too much noise.

Navigating Criticism: Staying True to Our Mission

Of course, there will always be those who view any success as bragging. That’s unavoidable.

But I remind myself that not everyone will root for you. That doesn’t mean you should stay silent. The key is how you share your story.

It’s not about boasting; it’s about connecting with people. It’s about showing them that success isn’t a straight line upward but a journey filled with twists and turns.

Looking Back: Lessons Learned from Sharing the FAVORIOT Journey

Looking back, I’m glad we shared parts of the FAVORIOT journey. It helped us build a community, create trust, and inspire others walking similar paths.

But we also learned to be mindful of how much we share and when. We don’t need to broadcast every detail, but we also don’t need to keep everything under wraps.

It’s all about balance—giving people enough to understand our mission and feel the emotion behind our work without overwhelming them with too much.

The Importance of Authenticity in Business

At the end of the day, it’s about staying true to who we are as a company and being thoughtful about how we tell our story.

We’re not just building a business; we’re building relationships.

Those relationships are strengthened through genuine, heartfelt stories—not just of success but of the journey to get there.

FAVORIOT’s growth is a testament to the power of finding that balance. By being open and honest and sharing our victories and lessons we’ve learned along the way, we’ve connected with people on a deeper level.

That connection is what continues to drive us forward.

How to Stay Motivated and Inspired to Write Each Day

WRITER’S STORIES

Tips on how to remain consistent as a writer.

Photo by Omar Prestwich on Unsplash

As a technology entrepreneur deeply involved in IoT and smart cities, my days are often filled with writing: crafting blog posts, preparing speeches, or detailing the latest in tech advancements.

The process of turning ideas into written words is essential, not just for sharing knowledge but for clarifying my own thoughts.

However, finding the motivation to write daily can be a monumental task.

Here, I’ll share a more personal view of how I faced these challenges.

Discovering My Purpose

Photo by Kylo on Unsplash

“Why am I doing this?” This question surfaces frequently, especially on days filled with myriad responsibilities.

Writing isn’t just part of my job – it’s my primary method for sharing insights and educating others about emerging tech.

Realizing that my writing has the power to demystify complex technologies for many rejuvenates my purpose and fuels my drive.

It’s about making a difference, one article at a time.

Setting Small, Achievable Goals

Photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash

“Let’s break this down.” When the prospect of writing something extensive looms over me, I remind myself to take it one step at a time.

Setting small goals – like drafting a few hundred words before lunch – seems more manageable. Each small victory not only propels me forward but builds up to larger accomplishments without the overwhelm.

“Just start with one paragraph, Mazlan,” I often mutter to myself, and before I know it, I’m several pages in.

Minimizing Distractions

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

“Focus, Mazlan.” In a world where notifications never cease, finding focus is crucial.

I strategize to combat distractions by creating a physical and digital environment conducive to writing.

This means silencing my phone and using apps to block off the digital noise.

Establishing specific times to write also compartmentalizes my day effectively, allowing uninterrupted stretches for writing amidst my other tasks.

Developing Good Writing Habits

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

“Plan first, edit later.” I’ve learned to streamline my writing process over the years.

Outlining is the first step, helping me organize my thoughts and structure my piece.

I avoid editing as I write to keep the flow going. “Leave the editing for later, focus on getting your thoughts out now,” is a mantra I repeat.

Breaks are also part of my routine – essential pauses that refresh my mind. “Time for a walk,” I’ll say, stepping away to clear my head.

Creating a Publishing Schedule

Photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash

“What’s on the schedule?” Having a clear publishing plan each week keeps me accountable.

It’s not just about maintaining productivity but also about satisfying the reader’s expectations.

I lay out what needs to be written and when, adjusting as needed but always keeping the rhythm.

“Monday for the blog, Wednesday for the white paper,” I plan, ensuring each project gets its due time.

Continuously Seeking Inspiration

Photo by Martin Shreder on Unsplash

“Need new ideas.” Staying inspired is critical.

I seek fresh perspectives through reading, conversations, or industry events.

Each new piece of information is a potential spark for writing.

“This could be a great topic for my next piece,” I think as I note down ideas that can be expanded into full articles.

Reflecting on Achievements and Setting New Targets

Photo by Salonagility.com Daniel on Unsplash

“Look how far you’ve come, Mazlan.” Reflecting on past writings and the milestones achieved is incredibly motivating.

It reminds me of the journey and the impact of my work. Setting new goals based on past successes pushes me to keep going.

“What’s the next challenge?” I ask myself, aiming always to contribute more meaningfully.

Engaging With My Audience

Photo by Melanie Deziel on Unsplash

“What do they think?” Finally, interacting with my readers brings me direct motivation.

The feedback I receive shapes my future writings and keeps me connected to my audience’s needs.

“This suggestion is great; I should cover this topic next,” I consider, making note of reader inputs.


Writing daily is a complex interplay of discipline, passion, and purpose.

Through manageable goals, structured schedules, and ongoing dialogues with myself, I stay motivated, making every piece a stepping stone to broader impacts in the tech world.

Each day is a new chance to influence through words, and I am here for it, one sentence at a time.

Feel free to leave any feedback and share what works best for you as a writer!

Poem: Undimmed by the Sun

Rising from Shadows

Photo by Spencer Goggin on Unsplash

In the heart of night, where shadows loom and falter,

A soul whispers to the stars, unyielding, never to alter.

From the depths of despair, where silence reigns supreme,

Emerges a spirit, emboldened, chasing a dream.

Through the tapestry of failures, a resilient thread is spun,

A narrative of courage, undimmed by the sun.

Each setback, a lesson; each fall, a rise anew,

A journey of becoming, a path only a few pursue.

Amidst the tempests of doubt, a steadfast ship sails,

Guided by a heart that believes, where reason pales.

The waves of adversity, fierce and unkind,

Forge a will of steel, a resilient mind.

From the ashes of defeat, a phoenix takes flight,

Soaring above the clouds, a beacon of light.

In the crucible of hardship, character is made,

A testament to perseverance, that never shall fade.

Braving the storms, undeterred by the night,

Embracing the struggles, with all might.

In every scar, a story of victory is told,

A testament to bravery, bold and bold.

The summit beckons, with promises of new views,

A realm of possibilities, where dreams ensue.

Photo by Gaurav K on Unsplash

Rising from the failures, a spirit reborn,

In the heart of hardship, a legend is born.

So march forth, intrepid soul, with hope as your guide,

Through the valleys of despair, with strides wide.

For in the end, it’s not the triumphs that we recall,

But the brave journey through hardships, standing tall.

Photo by Thomas Fryatt on Unsplash

How To Brand Your Startup Using the Cheapest Media Channels

Traditional media channels can be very effective but too expensive for early Startups — Here’s how I find a better way to brand my Startup.

“True brand visibility comes not from the size of your budget but the depth of your connections.” — Anonymous.

Starting my journey with Favoriot was a rollercoaster of emotions filled with exhilarating highs and daunting lows.

As a Startup, you don’t have the luxury of a branding budget to make yourself known to the world.

The thrill of bringing a new idea to life was often shadowed by the stark realities of business challenges, especially regarding the crucial aspect of brand visibility.

I was at a crossroads in the crowded IoT industry, where traditional media channels like TV and radio felt like distant dreams due to their prohibitive costs and selectiveness.

But still, we have the dream to brand ourselves — make ourselves heard and position the company as the leader in IoT.

This is how I navigated the maze of alternative media channels to build and promote the Favoriot brand, a journey marked by innovation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of connection.

“Branding on a budget teaches you the power of creativity, authenticity, and a clear vision.”

Getting the Right Visibility: A Daunting Start

“In the age of the Internet, visibility is less about being seen and more about creating genuine connections.”

I quickly realized that getting Favoriot featured in mainstream media was a steep climb.

The choices were stark — either become an overnight sensation to be picked up organically or shell out sums of money we didn’t have.

This dilemma led me to an epiphany: in the internet age, traditional media wasn’t the only game in town.

Social media and other online platforms offer a beacon of hope, promising visibility, and a means to connect with our audience genuinely.

Replacing Radio, TV, Billboards, Newspapers and Magazines

“Not every channel will fit your story, but finding the right ones can turn whispers into roars.”

Determined to turn our constraints into opportunities, we dove headfirst into the alternative media world.

I remember the excitement and nervousness of launching our podcast series.

Our bid was to replace radio, a medium that felt personable and direct.

The podcast became a canvas for our stories, industry insights, and heartfelt conversations with experts.

Each episode was a step towards building a community, not just a customer base.

YouTube presented itself as our television alternative.

Launching our channel felt like opening a window for the world to peek into Favoriot.

From product demos to customer testimonials, each video was a labor of love, showcasing what we did and who we were.

Then there were digital posters, our answer to billboards, designed to capture the essence of Favoriot in a single, striking image.

Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest became our galleries, each post a testament to our creativity and vision.

Our blog replaced newspapers, becoming a treasure trove of valuable content ranging from how-to guides to industry analysis.

Writing each blog post, we were laying down the building blocks of a knowledge hub that would inform, engage, and inspire.

“Building a brand is not just about selling a product; it’s about embedding your story in the hearts and minds of your audience.”

A Strategy of Precision

“Adaptability in branding is not a sign of failure but a step towards finding your true audience.”

As we experimented with various platforms, it became clear that not all channels were created equal.

Our strategy evolved from casting a wide net to focusing on those that truly resonated with our audience.

TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn emerged as our champions, each offering unique avenues for engagement and connection.

This focus wasn’t just about numbers; it was about finding spaces where our stories could thrive and where we could genuinely interact with our community.

A Quest for Trust and Recognition

“Content is not just king; it’s the entire kingdom. Engage, inform, and inspire.”

I learned early on that our mission was more significant than mere sales figures.

Favoriot was about building a brand for trust, innovation, and community.

Every update, milestone celebration, and story shared was a step towards embedding our brand in the hearts and minds of our audience.

The aim was to become a brand that was not just recognized but revered and recommended.

Key Lessons Along the Way

This journey has been an invaluable teacher.

One of the first lessons was adaptability; the digital landscape is ever-changing, and flexibility is crucial.

We learned that not every channel fit us, and there was wisdom in pivoting when necessary.

The power of content became undeniably clear.

Quality content was not just king; it was the entire kingdom. It was what engaged people, made them think, and, more importantly, felt connected to Favoriot.

Consistency emerged as another cornerstone of our strategy. In the bustling world of social media, maintaining a steady presence was vital to staying relevant and top of mind.

“A consistent presence in your chosen channels is like a beacon, guiding your audience back to you amidst the noise.”

Epilogue

Reflecting on this journey, I see it as more than a marketing endeavor; it was a voyage of discovery and growth.

Using alternative media channels to build the Favoriot brand taught me that visibility is not just about being seen; it’s about connecting, sharing, and building relationships.

It reinforced the belief that creativity, authenticity, and a clear vision can make a monumental impact even without a mammoth budget.

This narrative is not just a recount of past events; it’s a living testament to the power of alternative media and the boundless possibilities it holds for startups.

As I look towards the future, I am excited for the next chapter in Favoriot’s story, ready to explore new horizons, armed with the lessons learned and the community we’ve built. This, indeed, is just the beginning.


Want to know more about my Startup Journey? Check out the book “Startup Survival: The Journey of a Tech Entrepreneur.”

https://mazlanabbas.gumroad.com/l/startupsurvival

What Draws Readers In? Identifying Engaging Content Themes

Top 5 Articles for the last 5 Months — Common Topics or Niche

Image created using Canva by Author

Content is King

Over the past five months, I’ve penned various articles, eventually organizing them into four self-published series.

The first series, “Aspiring Writer’s Journey,” delves into my experiences navigating the world of Medium. Not being a professional writer, I’ve documented my progress, obstacles, practical advice, and reports on earnings. I hope that this documentation not only tracks my development but also aids others facing similar hurdles.

View at Medium.com

The second series, “Startup Survival Journey,” chronicles my adventures as a tech founder and entrepreneur, highlighting successes and failures alongside tips that could assist fellow budding entrepreneurs.

View at Medium.com

The third, “Influencer’s Journey,” explores my efforts to establish myself as a thought leader in IoT and a social media influencer, aiming to offer insights and strategies for growth enhancement.

View at Medium.com

The final series, “IoT World,” is a technical exploration focused on the IoT sector, reflecting the services provided by my startup, Favoriot. This series also examines industry trends and challenges, and uniquely, it is offered free of charge, diverging from the paywalled approach of my other publications.

View at Medium.com


Below are the top 5 topics (Sept. 2023 — Jan. 2024)

Sept. 2023

Sept. 2023 — Top 5 Earnings

Oct 2023

Oct. 2023 — Top 5 Earnings

November 2023

Nov. 2023 — Top 5 Earnings

December 2023

Dec. 2023 — Top 5 Earnings

January 2024

Jan. 2024 — Top 5 Earnings

However, through a meticulous five-month journey of exploration across four distinct publications, one narrative thread has emerged victorious in capturing audience attention and monetization success: the “Aspiring Writer’s Journey.

The Unique Appeal of the “Aspiring Writer’s Journey”

The “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” has eclipsed its counterparts in readership and earnings, a fascinating outcome that warrants a closer examination.

This publication, a candid chronicle of the trials and triumphs encountered in becoming a recognized Medium writer, has struck a chord with a broad audience.

But why?

  1. Relatability and Authenticity: At its core, the journey of an aspiring writer is universally relatable. Many readers harbor their dreams of writing, searching for inspiration and practical advice to navigate the often tumultuous path to publication and recognition. This publication offers an authentic, first-hand account of these experiences, making it immensely appealing.
  2. Utility and Inspiration: Articles within “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” serve a dual purpose. They are instructive, offering tips and inspirational monetization reports, charting the author’s growth and improvement. This blend of utility and motivation is a potent mix that attracts readers seeking guidance and encouragement.
  3. Community and Engagement: Writing, by nature, is a solitary activity, but the journey towards becoming a writer need not be. This publication has fostered community among readers and aspiring writers, encouraging interaction, sharing experiences, and mutual support. This community aspect enhances engagement and loyalty, driving higher readership and earnings.

Comparing Niche Publications

While the other publications — “Startup Survival Journey,” “Influencer’s Journey,” and “IoT World” — each offer valuable insights into their respective fields, they cater to more specific audiences.

The broad appeal of writing and the universal allure of storytelling gives “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” a wider potential audience base.

Furthermore, the free-to-access nature of “IoT World,” though noble in intent, may contribute to its lower monetization relative to the paywalled heart of “Aspiring Writer’s Journey.”

The Power of Personal Narratives

Another critical factor in the success of “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” is the power of personal narrative.

Personal stories of overcoming challenges, achieving milestones, and continuous learning resonate deeply with readers.

This personal connection is less pronounced in the more technical or niche-focused publications, which, while informative, may not engage readers on the same emotional level.

Insights for Content Creators

The success of “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” offers several vital takeaways for content creators:

  • Authenticity Sells: Genuine stories and transparent sharing of successes and failures draw readers.
  • Relatability is Key: Content readers can see themselves in has a broader appeal.
  • Blend Utility with Inspiration: Providing practical advice alongside motivational content can satisfy readers’ diverse needs.
  • Foster Community: Engaging readers in a shared journey can enhance loyalty and increase readership.

Conclusion

The standout success of “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” underscores the importance of authenticity, relatability, and community in content creation.

It highlights that, even in a world saturated with information, personal stories of struggle and triumph have the power to captivate and connect.

For aspiring content creators and writers, this revelation serves as both inspiration and guide: to find one’s voice, share it authentically, and, in doing so, resonate with readers around the globe.


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My Three Product Failures: Unveiling Lessons for Startup Survival

Photo by the blowup on Unsplash

Creating something new is thrilling.

As startup founders, we’ve faced this excitement three times.

Each time, we stumbled upon failure.

This is our tale of three failed products and the lessons we learned.

Our products weren’t the only ones in the market. Yet, there was no clear benchmark to measure success.

Raqib was our first product that caters to the market for senior citizens.

Favorsense is the second product that should solve the problems of citizen engagement for local councils.

Our third product was an alternative to Raqib, a mobile app called Dscover that can track users’ locations. But it is also meant for family members or friends who track each other’s activities.

View at Medium.com

We invested time, effort, money, and belief. Acknowledging their failure was tough.

Identifying a failing product is challenging. For us, the first red flag was steady low revenue.

Despite marketing efforts, the income was just a trickle, far from our expectations.

Letting go of our creations was hard. We had to stop supporting the failed products.

This harsh reality taught us to accept, learn, and move forward.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Here are the crucial lessons we learned from our missteps:

  1. Minimal Viable Product (MVP) Importance: Having an MVP helps test market waters before a deep dive. It allows for initial response assessment and iteration, saving hefty upfront investment in a possibly unviable full-fledged product.
  2. Value of Early Users: Early adopters are like a compass, their feedback is instrumental in refining the product to meet market demands.
  3. Securing Paying Customers Early: Early paying customers validate your product’s value and kickstart revenue generation.
  4. Having Reference Sites: Success stories or reference sites boost prospective customers’ confidence and enhance product credibility.
  5. Flexible Pricing Model: A rigid pricing can deter potential customers. Experimenting with various pricing models helps find a balance that attracts and retains the target audience.

Looking back, our failed products were stepping stones towards success.

Photo by Ev on Unsplash

Each failure illuminated new startup aspects.

Though the journey was challenging, it molded us into resilient, well-informed founders ready for future entrepreneurial hurdles.


Our fourth product seems to be our savior, and it has been gaining market traction. Now, it’s about time for us to scale up.

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