No money, did not know local language, thought of shutting down business. But a Marwari belief saved his business. Harvard grad shares his story

Time of India

15 hours ago

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Some business lessons come wrapped in suits and MBAs, and others are hidden in the back of a small shop with a rickety shutter. A Marwadi chemist's journey from sleeping on the floor of his store to owning three shops and two houses is proof that grit, patience, and a little tradition can sometimes outshine fancy degrees. His story, shared by a Harvard graduate and financial advisor, is less about instant success and more about surviving the first 1000 days.When the shopkeeper first set up his medical store in 2010, nothing went his way. Customers didn't trust a newcomer; he didn't know Marathi, his shelves were nearly empty, and money wasn't flowing in. With no staff and little food, he spent nights inside the shop itself, often wondering if he should quit. But then he'd remember a saying he had grown up with: dhanda 1000 din chale — in Marwadi tradition, you give a business 1000 days before deciding its fate.That patience paid off. Over time, people began to recognise him as the local medical shop owner, trust started to build, and he slowly understood what worked and what didn't. By the fourth year, the business turned profitable. By the eighth, he opened his second shop. And by the fifteenth, he was cutting the ribbon on his third. Along the way, he also bought two houses and a car — not bad for someone who once survived on two meals a day and a whole lot of stubbornness.The story isn't just about making money. It's about how sticking around long enough helps you become part of the community, learn the language, and understand the rhythm of your customers' lives. Turns out, sometimes the best business school is just 1000 days of showing up.One user pointed out that the idea goes far beyond business. According to them, if someone can give three years of focused effort to anything — whether career, fitness, or overall well-being — the results can be extraordinary.A user shared the story of a Marwari man who migrated from Rajasthan, starting out at an ice cream shop before launching his own cart. His perseverance grew the venture into a shop, then a three-storied house, and eventually three city shops managed by him and his sons — all thriving despite little formal education, like self-trained MBAs. They also highlighted a panipuri seller from Uttar Pradesh, who, through consistent work, cultural adaptation, and focus, built a comfortable life for his family.Another observer highlighted the brilliance of the 1000-day rule itself. They said it works like psychology — pushing people to stay steady through the rough patches when most are tempted to give up. While three years may feel like forever in the middle of a struggle, calling it 1000 days makes it sound both concrete and achievable. They added that this kind of practical wisdom shows the strength of the Marwari community's approach to business.