Secret of Success-Ability to Take Risk

Here i am posting a story that appeared in the Hindu. It features about two youngsters who have been able to take risk and pursue their dream and are successful in their career. Definitely an inspiring story for others.

Now here goes the story of Rajesh and Dayalan

Theirs is a story that dreams are made of. Two young men from lower middle class families in Otteri now run their own swanky beauty salon in Nungambakkam.
V. Dayalan and H. Rajesh, both 32 years old, started working in the beauty business right after school, as they could not afford higher education. They began as apprentices in Lakme salons and went on to become skilled beauticians. Dayalan took up a correspondence degree course in business administration and Rajesh completed a diploma programme.
But their entrepreneurial spirit combined with an aptitude for hard work would not let them rest. They formed a youth self-help group with the guidance of voluntary organisation Asha Nivas. This was to become a turning point in their lives.
"A little over a year ago, six of us formed a group called `Essential.' We took big loans to start a salon," says Rajesh. Asha Nivas offered a cash loan of Rs. 2 lakh and Andhra Bank offered a loan of Rs. 1.75 lakh to buy equipment. They borrowed from friends and relatives and cleaned out their savings to raise another Rs. 8 lakh.
The group hired prime space in the El Dorado complex on Nungambakkam High Road and called their salon `Studio Essential.' They pay Rs. 20,000 as rent and Rs. 2,500 for maintenance. They have six persons working along with them.
Says Dayalan, "We knew we were taking a big risk. But as my dad would say, `If you are starting a new business do it before you cross 35. There would be too many commitments after that.' The popularity of the parlour exceeded expectations. Not only are we paying off our loans, we also manage a decent profit."
Rajesh specialises in hair cuts, colouring, streaking, rebonding and straightening. Manicure and pedicure treatment is Dayalan's forte. As theirs is a unisex salon, they have female staff if women customers request for it. A loyal customer, V. Sharada, says the salon has a "friendly, family atomosphere".
Rajesh is very grateful to Asha Nivas. "I started my career there as a courier boy," he reminisces. The group plans to visit Asha Nivas' projects in tsunami-affected parts of Kanyakumari district to offer employment training next month.
Dayalan and Rajesh have risen in their lives but they still keep in touch with their friends in Otteri. Their long-term plan is to start a beauticians' training academy to help youth from disadvantaged sections.

Source: The Hindu, dated:Aug10, 2006

Secret of Success-Quotes from Chanakya

These are the "Secret of Success" quotes from Chanakya who was an Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC. These are still applicable in today's modern world context. So i thought to share it here with you all.

1. "A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are hooked first. "
2. " Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venemous".
3. "The biggest Guru-mantra is" Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you."
4. "Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead."
5. "As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it."
6. "The world's biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman."
7. "Once you start a working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest."
8. "The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction."
9. "God is not present in idols. Your feelings are your god. The soul is your temple."
10. "A man is great by deeds, not by birth."
11. "Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness."
12. "Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends."
13. "Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person."
14. "Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth."

I am not sure whether i agree with all the points mentioned above, but yet these are words of a great person...and surely the secret of success tips...Hence mentioned here....