<center>*“The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.”*
     - **Stephen McCranie**</center>

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In my life, I've never had a mentor or a "master" in any significant group or line of work; not officially at least. There was no one to teach me about the ins and outs of life, the very essential basics. 

However, most of the teachings that I've received came from my father. Whether it be him and I in a man-to-man conversation; me observing his decisions for certain matters, or his reaction to his past and present circumstances.

He's always been the optimist in the family, that's where I get my dose of liveliness from. But when it came to making critical decisions and a test of patience, he was never too great at it. Yet, I learned from that as well; I've observed both his failures and his successes. But I never had the guts to question any of it, whether the result was sweet and fruitful or bitter and misfiring. Now, call it respect, fear, or just me knowing my role and place, I could never question his decisions.

I'm known to be the most conservative and patient one in the family. 

I stick to my gut feeling; yet, I always take my time when making crucial decisions. I prefer to take things slow and steady, one at a time. Whereas my father would take on multiple challenges at once. 

My goal is long-term, from 2 to 5 years I have it all planned out and visualized; whether it be for an investment or a business that I'm a part of. 

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<center>ᴵᵐᵃᵍᵉˢ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵒᵛᵉʳᵃˡˡ ᶜᵒⁿᵗᵉⁿᵗ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐʸ ᵒʷⁿ ᵘⁿˡᵉˢˢ ᶦᵗ'ˢ ᵐᵉⁿᵗᶦᵒⁿᵉᵈ</center>

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In most of the startups that I've been a part of, my role always was to supervise, to guide the ship towards its destination. In all these years some people have listened, some have not. My plans and approaches just don't go with the quick cash mindset, which tends to counter and go against some people and their methods.

For me, if the plan seems favorable at present but doesn't look to be sustainable in the long run, then there's a 70% chance that I'll go against it.

*Because quick gains fade just as quickly*...

Recently when discussing sales in our 3D business I proposed to cut down our prices by 15%, so that we can push more products for now. 

Considering the size of the market we cater to, the sales are good actually. But, we need more exposure and more growth. With the help of social media it's quite possible too, these days word spreads fast; especially if the algorithm is in your favor and if your product is "shiny" enough. 

And believe me, when I say this, our products are shiny AS F*CK.

Soon, as we gain more traction and secure some more returning clients, we can start bumping up the price to what's "fair". Once we have a track record, a high enough reputation, and several reviews, people will question less and nod more. 

Yes, some people will never be able to afford these products, this niche isn't for everyone, and you simply can't please everyone. But, there's still room for massive growth and sales at the moment too. So, we may have to take fewer profits now, but in the long run, we will have a stronger following and customer base, which will also boost our profit margins.

However, one of my partners thinks that it's not a good idea. Even though the decision is mostly mine to make, I still consider other people's suggestions and look at things from their perspective. 

He's young, and he's got talent, and I don't want him to feel as if his work is being undervalued. He respects my decisions and opinions too, but what he lacks is experience and broader sight; for which he can't visualize future circumstances. There's no guarantee that this business model will work out, and there's no guarantee that the business will even exist for 2 to 3 years later. So, for as long as it's going well, we have to make the most of it. 

Our mad scientist is content with the sales and response we have, but I say there's a gap, one that can easily be filled; we can do a whole lot better I believe. Because right now out of every 10 customers and inquiries that come to us, we manage to secure about 2 sales, and that number can easily be bumped up to a 4. 

Why do these people back out? It's because of their budget. 

Our young designer compares our work and prices to foreign countries, and shops like Etsy, and Shopify, but we don't serve an international market, nor do we have that track record. 

We are operating in a third-world country where people right now can barely afford their daily necessities. Our work is just as good when compared to the internationally available products, and our price tags are around 5% to 60% lower too. But people in this region lack the knowledge of such products; nor do they have the budget. 

So, in my opinion, that comparison doesn't make much sense.

We need to get these people educated first, on what 3D printing is, how it all works, and what we as a brand can offer so unique. First, you at least let them get some access to what we offer "for cheap". And when they've tasted the goods, soon enough they'll spread the word in their circle and will probably come back next time with a proper budget.

Yet, my partner finds this approach to be a bit too undermining. And I understand why, but people don't care about us, nor the business. If we go out of business, some other group or entity will pop up out of nowhere and happily take our spot.

As always, sometimes we are just too cocksure about our plans and proposals, all to the point where we are blinded and deafened; to not even consider trying to look at things from someone else's perspective. 

*We'd rather be proven right, than think about doing what's right*...

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