In a recent talk, Hamid Mahmood, a seasoned entrepreneur and community builder, shared invaluable insights about self-awareness, career choices, and entrepreneurship. His journey is a testament to the power of understanding oneself and aligning one’s skills and passions with the right opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of the key lessons he shared:
1.Start with Self-Awareness
Hamid emphasized the importance of knowing yourself before diving into any career or business venture. He pointed out a common mistake many people make: jumping into fields like software or digital marketing just because others are succeeding in them, without assessing their own aptitude or interests. He shared his own story of testing himself 10 years ago. Despite having no technical background initially, he explored programming and discovered his passion for it. He learned HTML, programming, and other technical skills, realizing that he enjoyed the process and was good at it. This self-awareness became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey.
Key Takeaways
Before choosing a career or starting a business, ask yourself, “Who am I? What am I good at? What do I enjoy?” Self-awareness is the first step toward sustainable success.
Embrace Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Hamid highlighted the importance of aligning your career choices with your natural aptitude. For instance, he explained that if you’re an extrovert with strong communication skills, digital marketing or sales-based roles might suit you. However, if you’re introverted, such roles could lead to frustration and burnout. He shared his own experience of excelling in sales and community building because it came naturally to him. On the other hand, he acknowledged that not everyone is cut out for every role, and that’s okay. The key is to identify your strengths and build your career around them.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
Don’t force yourself into a career just because it’s popular or lucrative. Play to your strengths and embrace your unique abilities.
Learn Continuously and Adapt
Hamid’s journey is a great example of continuous learning. He didn’t start with a technical background but took the initiative to learn programming and other skills. He even earned certifications to build his credibility before starting his agency. He also shared how he adapted to new technologies and frameworks. For example, when he discovered Laravel, a PHP framework, he recognized its potential and decided to master it. This adaptability helped him stay relevant and grow his business.
key Takeaway:
Never stop learning. The willingness to adapt and acquire new skills is crucial in today’s fast-changing world.
Build a Strong Community
Hamid’s success is deeply rooted in his ability to connect with people and build a community. He described himself as a “community guy” and a hustler who thrives on collaboration and networking. He shared how a friend introduced him to a framework that aligned with his work, which ultimately helped his business take off. This highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and leveraging community support.
Key Takeaway:
Success is rarely a solo journey. Build a strong network, collaborate with others, and learn from your community.
Start with What You’re Skilled At
One of the most practical pieces of advice Hamid shared was to start a business or career in a field where you already have skills and experience. He cautioned against venturing into areas where you lack expertise, as it can lead to unnecessary challenges and failures. For example, he chose to start his agency in programming and tech because he had already mastered those skills. He didn’t jump into digital marketing just because it seemed lucrative, as he knew it wasn’t aligned with his strengths.
Key Takeaway:
Focus on what you’re good at and build from there. Don’t chase trends blindly; instead, leverage your existing skills to create opportunities.
The Importance of Testing Yourself
Hamid stressed the value of self-assessment and experimentation. He shared how he tested himself in ethical programming and other areas before committing to a career path. This process helped him understand his capabilities and interests better. He also encouraged others to test themselves in different fields before making long-term commitments. This approach minimizes the risk of choosing a career or business that doesn’t align with your passions or skills.
Key Takeaway:
Don’t be afraid to experiment and test yourself in different areas. It’s the best way to discover what truly resonates with you.
Focus on Value Creation
Throughout his talk, Hamid emphasized the importance of adding value to others. Whether it’s through his agency, community work, or mentorship, he believes that success comes from creating value for others. He shared how he used his skills to help his community and build a business that not only generated income but also made a positive impact.
Key Takeaway:
Success is not just about making money; it’s about creating value for others. Focus on how you can contribute to your community and industry.
Final Thoughts
Hamid Mahmood’s journey is a powerful reminder that success begins with self-awareness and a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. His story teaches us to embrace our unique abilities, continuously learn, and build meaningful connections with others. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking to make a career change, Hamid’s insights offer a roadmap for achieving sustainable success. Start by knowing yourself, align your choices with your strengths, and never stop learning.
