Did you know that some of us ‘One Percentors’ (new phrase, get used to it) aren’t as rich or well connected as the others? I’ve never really openly admitted it, but my position in this exclusive club is borderline defunct. Why, you ask? Well, I have a fancy family name (something I will be eternally grateful for), but my daddy wasn’t business savvy or casino cunning, which meant that the two greatest occupations in his life didn’t turn out to be lucrative at all *facepalm*. But I’m a fighter, guys. And I am very possessive about my membership status. So, I’ve decided to venture out and start a (proper) business of my own. Now, I remember that I told you guys I was a Fashion Designer (at a time when everyone was a Fashion Designer), but I recently decided that my profession just wasn’t making me happy. I mean, I think I’m pretty good at it and I get a ton of orders, but I always get embarrassed when I tell people what I do for a living. It’s just too easy slash common slash overdone. Like, there are literally no barriers to entry if you happen to be a One Percentor. I straight up made a Facebook Page and asked a friend to place an order with me. That was it.
The author offers a handful of vital tips for young businesswomen seeking to make their fortune in Lahore's environment
Men will tell you that you shouldn't contact people directly, but rather through them, in case 'lowly contractors' try to do the very thing they are doing (i.e. flirt and not take you seriously)
This upsets me. Please note that I don’t mean to undermine the hard work of all the fashion designers out there (or the bakers or the make-up artists, for that matter). I think it’s super that women are working, and some of us have made empires out of our hard work and labor (like Elan and Rina’s Kitchenette). Plus, there is a legit market for all these things and it is humungous. But it’s not for me. I think I’m ready to pay my taxes (did you guys get that NAB message too everyday this week?). More importantly, I think I’m ready to make the millions my father lost to ‘Black Sheepism’ (I make up a lot of words…) and ‘Lazy Money Syndrome’ (you know what this means, and sadly, it’s mostly affecting our young adult male population). Anyway, for all these reasons (plus many more), I’ve decided to start calling myself a businesswoman. What does this mean, especially in Lahore? Well, it means that I come up with a killer concept (which I have) and a fool-proof business plan (which I am working on) before I ask everyone in my family to spot me the money I need to make all my dreams come true (thank you, One Percent, thank you). Oh, and I get my company registered so that we can pay our taxes (let’s not forgot about this one…).
Text message conversation between Zara C. Churri and Mohsin Malik.
Zara: Hey Mohsin! I got your number from Rashid. I need to hire a Graphic Designer ASAP and Rashid suggested I ask you for a few numbers. Thank You!
Mohsin: Hey Zara, spoke to Rashid. Why don’t you drop by my office today?
Zara: Hey Mohsin, I’m busy at work. Could you please text me a few numbers instead? Thank you so much!
Mohsin: Hey Zara, I know this girl who is currently studying at NCA. I can email you her portfolio. Might be better to go with a girl so that you can sit with her and work on the design together.
Zara: Thanks Mohsin! Could you send me her number instead so that I can contact her directly? Also, I don’t mind working with men, and I have a good budget, so please send me the numbers of a few other designers as well. It’s going to be a bit competitive!
Mohsin: Hey Zara! Sure, I can call a few people to my office and we can sit and interview them together. How does that sound?
***
Being a businesswoman in Lahore is tough, guys. I’ve learned a lot along the way, so I’m going to let you in on all that I now know.
It’s always better to refer to yourself as a Mrs. because men will flirt.
Men will tell you that you shouldn’t contact people directly, but rather through them, in case ‘lowly contractors’ try to do the very thing they are doing (i.e. flirt and not take you seriously). Do not share your business plan with such men, and do not let them take on the role of a middleman.
Polish your Punjabi. It will make a huge different when garnering respect from those you employ.
Learn to dress appropriately. I don’t mean to be sexist, but this is Lahore, and your co-workers will respect you more if they aren’t focusing on your ruby red lips.
Get a business phone or use text message as a form of communication. Your business contacts do not need to see your sexy WhatsApp display picture.
When people do you a favor, send them a token of appreciation (such as a cake). Make sure it is delivered to their office address and that it seems impersonal (use a delivery service and make sure you use your company name, and not your own).
Despite all this, ask for help. You may be learning a lot of new things everyday, and it’s always better to ask many different people to help you find the contacts and resources you need to make your dreams come true.
***
Text message conversation between Zara C. Churri and Mohsin Malik (continued).
Zara: Hey Mohsin, sorry I couldn’t get back sooner. Might be better if you can send me some numbers so that I can talk to a few people before I meet them in person.
Mohsin: Sure! Will send in a bit. You owe me treat after :P
Zara: Sure, thank you!
Mohsin: By the way, are you coming to the SOS carnival today? All roads are blocked. I hate Lahori traffic…but I hate almost everything since my mother has spoiled me so much :).
