Neel Parekh

I just gave an 8-minute TEDx-style talk in front of a 250 person audience. I successfully "exited the matrix" and traveled for 7 years....but eventually came to one epiphany about life by the end of the journey. Here's my story:

The pressure to build the next $100M company is everywhere. But a simple business that generates $10-20K monthly while you control your schedule and get to enjoy time with your family and friends doing what you want. That's not small thinking - that's smart thinking.

Anyone else constantly getting added to these stupid spam DMs?

Companies forcing "return to office" aren't doing it for productivity - remote workers are often more productive. It's about justifying long-term leases they can't escape. Don't let them gaslight you.

I probably would have made more money staying in finance long-term. But making the most money isn't life's main purpose. Watch out for those golden handcuffs - they're heavier than they look.

Overheard some interesting cleaning industry numbers: - 5-7% monthly customer churn is normal for residential services - 8-12 months employee retention is average for cleaners - $40-60 cost per lead seems standard

SMB 101: I give salespeople a specific script for their first month - no deviations allowed. After that, I encourage them to add personality and tweak it. People buy from people they like, not robots reading scripts.

Corporate meeting inefficiency is insane. I read about a company that started posting the dollar cost of each Zoom meeting. Result? They eliminated tons of meetings once people saw the real waste.

You can deduct franchise fees as expenses over several years. If you're W-2, you'll probably get a bigger refund. One of our franchisees got a $10K refund in year one just from this.

In a 9-5, you don't get to choose who you work with. In business, you choose your clients, vendors, and team. Don't like someone? Don't work with them. Simple as that.

I started a YouTube channel recently to document the journey. Just created a final video of my thoughts after living in Rwanda and what I’ve noticed about life. Check it out here: youtu.be/IXsr_vvGmoI?si…

“…that same culture also created a generation of people who are successful on paper and miserable in reality.” Worth a read👇

I got an email intro made from Connor @bluecollarivy, and he introduced me this way. I hope everyone introduces me like this.

Corporate meeting inefficiency is insane. I read about a company that started posting the dollar cost of each Zoom meeting. Result? They eliminated tons of meetings once people saw the real waste.

We're constantly told to build $100M companies. But there's nothing wrong with a small business that gives you $10-20K/month profit while you still get to enjoy family and friends. That's actually winning.

Before you quit and go full-time entrepreneur, ask yourself: What will this business give you that your job doesn't? Not everyone hates their job. Be clear on what you're actually gaining by leaving.

SMB 101: Build a referral partner network. We get move-out cleaning calls, so we ask "Need a mover too?" If yes, we send the lead to our partner. They send us people who need move-out cleaning. Everyone wins.

Real mentors don’t give answers fast. They ask questions first. That’s why blanket guru advice usually sucks. Your context matters more than their credentials.

Want to leave your 9-5 with minimal risk? Start local, work it part-time, build it to match your salary, then quit when you see real traction. Easier said than done, but it's the smartest path out.