micromobs is a group messaging service and is the easiest way to manage and communicate with multiple groups. micromobs presents your group messages as a stream of posts, similar to your Facebook or Twitter streams.
On micromobs though, your stream is focused exclusively on your groups which means you can chose which messages to respond to and which messages to skim over or ignore. Now your group messages will no longer clutter your inbox, and you wont need to go to different websites to interact with your various social groups.Himani Amoli of micromobs speaks to YourStory on her entrepreneurial journey so far.
What makes micromobs different?
micromobs is simple. Most real time streams are based on the individual shouting out to the masses. micromobs is different in that it focuses exclusively on connecting you to the groups you discuss and communicate with most.
Why did you choose to be an entrepreneur rather than stick to a regular 9-to-5 job?
In my 9-5 job, I felt like I wasn't accomplishing or learning enough. Since I quit my job and started working on micromobs, I've been exposed to so many different things. I've worn multiple hats and taught myself things that range from corporate taxes to product management.
Everyday is different from the previous one. Everyday I learn something new. A lot also has to do with the fact that I'm working on something I conceived and am passionate about which makes it feel more like a hobby than a job.Excerpts of the Interview with YourStory.inWhat has been the biggest challenge for you so far, and how did you overcome it?
Hiring the first employee was the toughest challenge we’ve faced so far. Persistence paid off and we managed to find a top tier partner.
What is the biggest mistake you made as an amateur entrepreneur?
Not following the lean startup methodology from the get-go. We should have built our minimum viable product faster!
Where did you find the seed capital for your company?
The company is self-funded so far. Both my co-founder and I worked after college to save up money before starting micromobs.
What has been the biggest achievement in the growth of your organization?
Our official beta launch was extremely successful. We got mentioned in techcrunch and New York Times: http://techcrunch.com/2010/05/18/micromobs-launches-a-yammer-for-friends-and-families/
At any point, did you feel like giving up and finding a regular job?
Being an entrepreneur has its ups and downs. I heard a saying once stating that entrepreneurship is a skill of delayed gratification. Entrepreneurship is hard. You hear a ton of no's before you get a yes. Regardless of the emotional rollercoaster, I haven’t thought of giving up and finding a regular
job. I’m still 110% committed.
What drives you to stay buckled on the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship?
The feeling of satisfaction when you see something you built being used by people.
Do you have any tips to share with budding entrepreneurs?
Bootstrap! Compared to several years ago, it is much cheaper to start a web business. You can now conceive, develop, iterate, and execute on a great idea on a bootstrapped budget. I wrote a short blog post about bootstrapping a couple of months ago which you can find here: http://bit.ly/aNrQum
What do you think is the key challenge for an Indian entrepreneur?
Fortunately Silicon Valley is full of successful Indian entrepreneurs. The opportunities are endless here. Even in India, entrepreneurship is becoming more prominent. Sarah Lacy of TechCrucnh writes about entrepreneurship and starting companies in India. I think entrepreneurs in general face similar challenges- building a product that people want, funding, hiring great employees, etc. I personally haven't faced any challenges as an Indian entrepreneur. As a female entrepreneur...well that's another story for another day.
