5 things I learnt from being an Entrepreneur in Dubai

Hello life - lovers

So this post is gonna be hella different! I think it's safe to say that I feel mad inspired by the book #GIRBOSS by Sophia Amoruso! FYI I highly recommend this book to any female entrepreneur from any part of the world. Now back to my point. I usually get a lot texts and comments from my readers and friends alike asking about my job. Blogging plays a huge role in my life and though it's kinda  like a job I wouldn't call it one. But don't get me wrong! It's not a hobby either. Lifestyle Glossary is a passion project I started to voice out my opinions and share my experiences with the world. When I first landed in Dubai my aim was to land a 9 to 5 job and earn enough to take a masters degree from U.K. Or the US but Dubai had other plans for me. When I continued my blogging in Dubai it changed me as a person entirely. I started getting obsessed with social media ventures and before you know I have applied for a job to be a social media manager in a company. It's didn't work out anyways and details about that will be shared in another post. I finally decided to use the newly found knowledge and my blog's growth to my own advantage and ended up being an entrepreneur in Media Business and Managing. But let me tell you one thing - being an expat with big dreams in a glamorous city like Dubai can be very exhausting physically and mentally. So this is something I thought I should share to help all such small town girls with big dreams in this glam city!

#1 Get Ready To Travel A Lot

If you are one of those girls or guys who own a driving license and a fabulous car in Dubai , Good for you ! Half of your problems are already solved. Unfortunately I neither own a car nor driving license for that matter and I always find myself grabbing a donut and boarding a metro to all my client offices. Quick breakie from Zoom , a little touch up of makeup in the girl's restroom and I am all set to impress my client. Always charge your nol card with atleast 50 AED cause you would never know when you might not get taxi and would have to wait for another bus in the scorching sun. The least thing you could do is get you nol card charged. Are there days when I get tired of traveling a lot ? Yes it usually ends up with me calling my best friend and crying about how hard it is to travel non stop and jump between one meeting to another. But every bit of sweat is totally worth it at the end of the day.
Useful tip - Avoid Taxis to save on a lot of money. Something I am still working on.

#2 Dress Appropriately

Just because you live in a glam city doesn't mean all your clients are gonna be fine with you popping in to their office in a cocktail dress. You might have an event to attend after the meeting but it doesn't give you the excuse to dress however and whatever you like. Mom always advises me to layer my clothing to make it easier to change when I hop between events and parties. To some extent it works but not all the time. My solution - semi casuals. As for makeup keep it neutral and make sure your lips and eyes pop but not too much. I usually shop my semi casuals from Max and Splash. As for the shoes - Aldo.
Useful tip - Always carry a good handbag!

#3 Always Carry Your Credentials

Something I figured out very late. It's always advisable to carry your laptop to avoid carrying too many things. As much as I love going old school with a bunch of pens and books in my bag , it usually sends a wrong signal to my clients. Clients love to see the efficient and organized part of you and trust me when I say most of them are judging you as you search your bag for that lucky pen. Always prefer putting a data pack on your mobile when you go to meetings to close deals . This in turn helps you out when you want to immediately show a previous project you worked on in order to reassure them of the benefits of working with you in future.
Useful Tip - Business plans for mobile

#4 Social Media Breaks

As much I love setting my own rules and timing, I get exhausted easily because of constantly being online and talking to everyone. It is important to take time to detox. My suggestion is usually a good book and a cup of coffee. Keep that phone aside and refrain yourself from using anything digital. Another important thing you should always understand - Not every Tom Dick and Harry you talk to online means goodwill for you all the time. Acquaintances are acquaintances. Never mix personal with professional and always be that woman who knows to handle life just like the woman who knows how to handle her drink. A mean comment or criticism must be treated with a grain of salt ...unless of course if its constructive.
Useful Tip - Spend time alone at beach or indulge in a good book

#5 Closed Doors Are Meant To Open Another

Dont let my picturesque Instagram fool you. I have tonnes of bad days. Usually because a client term might have not gone through or delay in the things planned or so on. At this point I have got used to the fact that good things take time but it is definitely bound to happen. I have had my fair share of loosing and gaining clients, having constructive and destructive criticism, almost cried at metro - stations and buses hoping things take a toll towards the better and usually it does. Always prepare yourself for tonnes of competition and haters. But always remember that haters hate you because you are doing something they cant.
Useful Tip - Never let anyone steal your mojo and you are good to go

Being an entrepreneur in Dubai is not easy! " But you are just 22? And you are already running a business?" is something I hear on a daily basis! Not to mention my family constantly wondering what my next move is! To be honest I dont intend to share all my moves. I love surprising people and I am at this place in my life right now where I am totally happy with every small conquest I make. Hope this post is insightful! Do hit me up in my social media channels if you have got something to share too... I would like to hear.

Much love!!