Disruptive Doctor’s conversation with Dr. Madhan Kaliappan continues…
Business is not for everyone, so find your niche area. Many people with strong capabilities do not make it in business. Simply put, starting a business is not for everyone. Therefore, it’s important to know yourself and what’s in your heart and work towards that career goal. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again!
Despite recognizing that a role as a marketing manager in engineering wasn’t suitable for him, Dr. Madhan found that his niche was serving as a middleman providing goods and services to the engineering businesses around him. This was a service that was needed and he was good at it. “If your heart is in business, teach yourself all that you need to know about the business you’re interested in,” adds Dr. Madhan.
Always think about how to expand your business. With a vision for having a more steady income, Dr. Madhan went on to start a trading company, Carrington Atlantic. This company supplies raw material for biodiesel companies and his hope for a steady income was realized.
Take every opportunity to engage in networking. Doctors starting your own businesses are urged to meet as many people who show an interest in your business. Out of 10 meetings, only one may result in a positive outcome but nevertheless, you would have cumulatively gained knowledge from the other nine meetings. “It’s an opportunity to learn. I’m not shy of meeting people. There’s always a takeaway in meeting people” states Dr. Madhan.
Keep yourself available from 8 am to 5 p.m. for business opportunities. 90% of the world’s population is working from 8 am to 5 pm. Those are the times when crucial business decisions are made. Doctors wanting to get into business are urged to keep themselves available during those times for networking and to take up projects should a business call come in. “It’s a good time to grab on to opportunities that others might not be available for,” adds Dr. Madhan.
Use your APC’s to obtain an income while setting up your own business. Dr. Madhan encourages doctors with APCs to take up a permanent locum position from 5pm to 10pm on weekdays for three weeks in a month to supplement your income while starting your business. The rest of the time can be spent investing in your new career and taking care of family needs.
Huge financial commitments will tie you down. Dr. Madhan cautions doctors against making the mistake of buying expensive cars and homes due to peer pressure while your career in public healthcare seems uncertain. Such investments ought not to be considered especially when contemplating a career pivot as it will tie you down to a career that’s unfulfilling.
Have a backup plan. While planning a career move, it’s advisable to have a backup plan should your new career not work out. While working on his new business, Dr. Madhan embarked on an MBA degree part-time. In his mind, should his foray into engineering not work out, his MBA degree will help him get a good salaried position that would continue to provide for his family. But because of his hard work, foresight, and determination his businesses are doing well.
Disruptive Doctors (DD) sincerely hopes that doctors have gained much insight and encouragement through the experiences of Dr. Madhan Kaliappan who pivoted to the field of engineering.
Thinking about a career shift? Why not join us at Disruptive Doctors. Visit our new website and join our programs to enable you to make a successful career transition.
Join us at our annual Healthcare Revolution Conference & Exhibition (HealthRev) where we have a plethora of topics for addressing all your clinical/non-clinical questions and opportunities! Can’t wait? Check out our upcoming workshops and courses at Disruptive Doctors Academy also!
Be part of the Disruptive Doctors Community by getting your premium membership to get full access to all our articles and services like our career coaching, opportunities to connect with like-minded doctors, and discounts on all our workshops and events! Be part of the movement and let’s disrupt health together!
Wanting to explore the options you have out there? Do download Dr Selina’s Switching Careers for Doctors eBook here to get you started on your journey and don’t forget to catch our podcast and videos on our Spotify and YouTube channel
