Successful Dhandha: Insights from Anupam Mittal

Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com and a judge on Shark Tank India, recently highlighted in a LinkedIn post that for a successful Dhandha, a combination of practical experience and a solid understanding of numbers is essential.

Early Ventures Shaping Experience

Reflecting on his youthful entrepreneurial efforts, Mittal mentioned that he began renting books at the age of 13, initiated a sports club at 16, and undertook various hustles during his college years. He noted that while most of these ventures were unsuccessful, each one imparted valuable insights into the art of selling.

The Importance of Selling

According to Mittal, the act of selling, whether it be books or one’s capabilities for employment, fosters skills in persuasion, negotiation, and influence—abilities that are vital for any business. However, he stressed that selling alone does not suffice.

Financial Knowledge is Key

Mittal advised individuals to seek understanding in finance, particularly in areas like equity analysis or investment banking. He stated that this knowledge clarifies how industries generate revenue. He remarked that finance strips away the allure of ‘disruption’ and reveals essential truths—where profit margins exist, and where capital flows occur.

Learning the Trade

For young professionals, he suggested a focused approach: spend a year or two selling something to truly grasp how industries create wealth. He emphasised that Dhandha is not something that can be learned in classrooms; rather, it is crafted through real-world selling experiences and honed with numerical discipline.

Community Reactions

The post garnered significant attention, with many netizens resonating with Mittal’s insights and sharing their personal stories. One user expressed appreciation, stating that successful businesses are constructed through failure, learning from past mistakes, and setting aside ego, emphasising that business operates on trial and error.

Insights from Professionals

Another commentator shared their perspective from a finance background, indicating that while selling nurtures the pursuit of opportunities, finance cultivates a respect for realities, marking the transition from theory to practical judgement in business.

Several participants in the discussion underscored the importance of mindset and strategic thinking. One remarked that the most effective founders start from humble beginnings but eventually ascend to broader perspectives.

Another comment captured the essence of Dhandha succinctly: it involves more than just business; it embodies a mentality. Those skilled in selling are equipped to navigate challenges, while those who comprehend numbers are positioned to prevail. Immense respect was conveyed for this understanding!