Rehan Shahid 
Nov 27, 2024
In today’s rapidly evolving world, entrepreneurship is not just a career choice—it’s a cornerstone of innovation, economic progress, and social transformation. Entrepreneurs drive change, solve complex problems, and shape industries through their creativity and resilience. However, in a competitive business landscape, success demands more than just ambition. It requires adaptability, a relentless focus on quality, and the courage to disrupt the status quo.
Building a brand that resonates with the masses is a challenge, but for those who dare to dream big and work with determination, the rewards can be transformative. INSPIRECON '24, held at Usman Institute of Technology (UIT) University, exemplified this spirit of innovation and determination, bringing together students, business leaders, and industry experts to explore the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
Coffee Wagera’s founder shares his entrepreneurial journey
While speaking to attendees, Coffee Wagera founder and Chief Happiness Officer Mush Panjwani shared his journey of building Coffee Wagera. He emphasised the importance of completing a university degree, noting that it helps clarify life’s direction and serves as a valuable asset in various aspects.
Panjwani stated: "I fulfilled multiple dreams, one of which was to be an author. I wrote a book named Dinchak Life about living life fully and well. Each piece in the book is independent and complete on its own. Moreover, there are different sections, such as health and fitness, inspiring lives, and much more.”
He suggested creating a dream list, as he believes having a clear list makes achieving dreams more manageable. Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Panjwani said: “I launched a training company as I became an entrepreneur at the age of 48.”
His company, Woohoo Inc., aims to train people to work happily and in an engaging way on both corporate and personal levels. “Currently, people are trained to learn happiness as a skill, and if anyone learns this skill, it becomes easy to attain various achievements in life,” he said.
Panjwani also stressed that many people hesitate to start businesses due to fear of failure or concerns about societal perceptions. He noted that overcoming these fears is crucial to realising one’s goals.
Pakistan's need for economic growth through exports
Panjwani highlighted the urgent need for Pakistan to increase its exports in order to boost the economy and grow on a global scale.
E-commerce and entrepreneurship: A key to Pakistan's economic growth
Alibaba Business Growth Manager Muhammad Sadiq emphasised that entrepreneurship is not as daunting as it might seem, as many people already possess diverse skill sets. He provided tips for starting an e-commerce business, suggesting that people can begin by selling items they already own.
Sadiq also discussed Alibaba's role in Pakistan’s e-commerce industry. The platform connects businesses with suppliers, helping them source products and expand their reach both domestically and internationally. “Alibaba serves as a bridge between suppliers and buyers worldwide, enabling businesses to grow and access a wider range of customers,” he said.
Speaking to Gadinsider on the sidelines of the event, Sadiq recommended learning through authorised training institutions such as Webexcels, Trademore, Computer Xperts, and Nextbridge Ltd. “This helps prevent any kind of scam,” he said.
He further suggested: “If our 60% youth starts working on e-commerce while earning dollars, that might help to boost the economy of Pakistan globally.”
Sadiq pointed out that entrepreneurs must understand how to effectively sell their products or brands to stand out in a competitive market. He said that while skills like graphic design, photography, or digital marketing are valuable, lacking sales knowledge can hinder success.
The role of innovation in entrepreneurial success
As Pakistan continues to navigate the challenges of economic growth and development, entrepreneurship and innovation will play increasingly important roles.
The success of any entrepreneurial venture depends on factors such as the quality of the idea, the strength of the team, and the availability of resources. However, one of the most critical elements is the entrepreneur’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances.
By staying ahead of the curve and remaining open to new ideas and perspectives, entrepreneurs can create businesses that are resilient, sustainable, and successful.
Speaking to Gadinsider, EnGenius Digital Solutions Marketing Head Khizar Ganatra stated: "As a digital solutions provider, we believe in empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their full potential. InspireCon '24 was a perfect opportunity for us to connect with like-minded individuals and share our expertise in driving digital transformation."
Ahmed Rauf Essa highlights the power of private labels
Telemart CEO Ahmed Rauf Essa shared valuable advice on building a private label when starting a business. He explained that creating a private label, whether for small or large products, can open many doors once entrepreneurs are established in the business world.
Essa used the example of eyewear, noting that approximately 50% of people in Pakistan wear glasses. He suggested: “Entrepreneurs could easily build a brand around private label eyewear, targeting this large audience with well-designed packaging and marketing.”
He added that as Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem evolves, a growing number of successful startups and small businesses are likely to emerge in the coming years. However, entrepreneurs will require access to resources such as funding, mentorship, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge technologies to succeed.
Speaking to Gadinsider, EnGenius Digital Solutions CEO Hamza Ramzan stressed the importance of events like InspireCon '24 in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. “Frequent sessions like these can help enhance people's mindsets, inspiring and motivating them to start their own businesses without the fear of failure,” he said.
He added: “Every business faces challenges, but it’s how we deal with those challenges that defines our success.”
