Overcoming the Fear of Business: Turning Challenges into Opportunities is Essential

Under the Indian Industries Association (IIA), the fifth session of the Expert Talks series was held on Thursday at the IIA Bhawan, Vibhuti Khand, Lucknow. The theme of the session was “Overcoming the Fear of Business: Turning Challenges into Opportunities”, where industry experts guided young entrepreneurs and business owners. More than 30 entrepreneurs participated in the event and engaged in a Q&A session regarding their business-related challenges.

The session was organized by the IIA Youth Wing, led by Vice Chairman Adnan Danish.

The keynote speakers were Mr. Yawar Ali Shah, Advisor for Exports Promotion at IIA and Co-founder & CEO of AMA Herbal, along with Mr. Shikhar Gupta.
Mr. Yawar Ali Shah emphasized that every problem we encounter in daily life should be seen as a potential opportunity. If you find a solution to a challenge, you not only become a creator and innovator but also significantly accelerate your business growth. He stressed that thorough research is essential for the success and survival of any business.

He clarified that anyone starting a business faces multiple challenges—be it funding, lack of machinery, or technology. Today, the government is actively supporting entrepreneurs by offering funding and technical assistance. In such an environment, identifying gaps is crucial for starting a business. One effective way is to stay alert and observe unresolved problems in society. If you can solve such a problem, it becomes a business opportunity.

He shared an example: “A pregnant woman couldn’t find the specific diet recommended by her doctor. So, she started preparing it at home. Later, she began selling it as a product in the market.”

“In a similar way,” he added, “many people use hair dye, but 5-20% of them suffer from allergies. Creating a hair dye that colors hair without causing allergies is a clear business opportunity. Most business ideas come from problems around us.”

Mr. Shah also advised young entrepreneurs to conduct a survey before moving forward with a new idea. Even a small sample size of 50 people can give valuable insights into whether the idea is viable. Once you’ve done your homework and fully understood your business, the fear of starting it will naturally disappear.

Adnan Danish concluded by thanking the entire team for making the event a success.