We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sauraj Patil a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sauraj , appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
“Harmonizing Passion and Profit: My Journey as a Musician and Entrepreneur”
In the heart of Mumbai, where life’s rhythms resonate as diverse melodies, my journey unfolded—a symphony of passion for music and the pursuit of entrepreneurial success. I, Sauraj Patil, found harmony in dedicating myself to the art of music while navigating the challenging path of entrepreneurship.
Act 1: The Prelude – From Music Enthusiast to Business Apprentice
My journey began during my undergraduate years, where my love for playing the guitar intersected with my pursuit of an Engineering degree. Seizing an opportunity, I joined a music company as a Sales and Operations Manager, fine-tuning my understanding of the complex dynamics within the musical instrument retail and eCommerce industry.
Act 2: The Crescendo – Founding a Musical Empire
Armed with my dual expertise in music and technology, I founded a music retail business in Mumbai, concurrently launching an eCommerce platform importing high-quality musical instruments globally. What started as a solo venture evolved into a thriving enterprise with three physical stores and a successful online presence. Collaborations with renowned vendors propelled the business to success—a symphony of business acumen and artistic passion.
Act 3: The Symphony – Balancing Artistic Pursuits and Entrepreneurial Responsibilities
As a touring musician and lead guitar player for India’s biggest commercial singer, Neha Kakkar, I faced the challenge of balancing creative pursuits with entrepreneurial responsibilities. Navigating the highly competitive and volatile music industry, I discovered that success demanded more than just musical talent; it required loyalty, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results, even in challenging circumstances.
Finale: Achieving Full Harmony – A Life Well Composed
My journey is a testament to the fact that one can carve a niche in the dynamic realms of music and business without a familial background in either. Graduating with an MBA and standing in the top 10% of my class, I not only achieved success as a musician but also demonstrated that the doors of possibility are open for anyone willing to embrace the journey with dedication and resilience.
My story is an inspiration for those aspiring to earn a full-time living from their creative work, showcasing that the fusion of passion and profit can create a harmonious and fulfilling life composition.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Sauraj Patil, and my journey is a unique blend of musical artistry and entrepreneurial spirit. Coming from a middle-class Indian family, both my parents dedicated their lives to the Government Sector. Despite lacking a family background in business or music, I developed a fervent desire to create something sustainable and inspirational. This desire emerged during my undergraduate years, where my love for playing the guitar intertwined with my pursuit of an Engineering degree.
Venturing into entrepreneurial pursuits, I gained valuable experience as a Sales and Operations Manager in a music company during my undergraduate years. This experience fueled my ambition to establish my own business. Leveraging my dual expertise as a musician and a Computer Engineer, I founded a music retail business in Mumbai, India. Simultaneously, I launched an eCommerce platform importing high-quality musical instruments globally and distributing them across Asia. What began as a solo venture evolved into a thriving enterprise with three physical stores and a successful online presence.
My musical journey has been an exhilarating odyssey, marked by collaborations with numerous artists from the Indian Music Industry. As the Lead Guitar player for India’s biggest commercial singer, Neha Kakkar, I’ve had the privilege of gracing stages across the globe—from North America and Africa to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Graduating from Boston University with an MBA degree with high honors and an invitation to the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor society, I showcase a commitment to both knowledge and practical application. A unique aspect of my journey is the delicate balance between creative pursuits and entrepreneurial responsibilities. As a touring musician and business owner, I’ve mastered the art of managing the business remotely while delivering exceptional musical performances on the global stage.
My mission is to inspire individuals to pursue their passions, regardless of their background. I believe in the power of dedication, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Through my story, I aim to showcase that success in both the artistic and business realms is achievable with the right mindset and commitment.
Taking pride in the diversity of my skill set, seamlessly navigating between the worlds of music, technology, and business, allows me to bring a unique perspective to both my creative and entrepreneurial endeavors.
I invite potential clients, followers, and fans to connect with me on various platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. These platforms provide a glimpse into my musical performances, business insights, and the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship.
Expressing deep gratitude to my incredible wife, my mentor Mr. Viresh Loni, and my parents for being unwavering pillars of support throughout my journey.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Pivoting from Music Entrepreneurship to MBA Integration
Recognizing the need for personal and professional growth, I made a bold decision to transition from a successful music retail business in Mumbai to pursue an MBA at Boston University. The shift from entrepreneurship to academia presented challenges, but it offered a chance to deepen my skills in business analysis and leadership.
The pivotal moment came when I realized the synergy between my entrepreneurial background in music and the strategic insights gained from the MBA program. This integration not only broadened my skill set but also opened new career opportunities. Graduating with high honors, I now apply my unique blend of creative and analytical skills as an Operations Manager at CVS Health in Boston.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace change and step outside your comfort zone.
Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for personal and professional growth.
The integration of diverse skills can lead to innovative career paths.
Resilience in the face of challenges pays off in unexpected ways.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building My Social Media Presence:
Consistent Content: Regularly share diverse content, including live performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates on projects.
Engagement is Key: Actively engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and participating in conversations. Create a sense of community.
Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize high-quality, engaging content over sheer quantity. Invest time in creating content that reflects your passion and expertise.
Define Your Brand: Clearly define your brand identity. Showcase what makes you unique to build a recognizable online presence.
Explore Platforms: Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Explore different social media platforms based on your content and target audience.
Analytics and Adaptability: Use analytics tools to understand what content works best. Stay updated on trends, algorithm changes, and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Remember, it’s an ongoing journey. Stay true to your passion, engage authentically, and enjoy connecting with your audience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurajpatil/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurajvpatil
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurajp/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-0FqXVEC9wgfVInSh9VLw