In a world obsessed with qualifications and LinkedIn certifications, entrepreneur and Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal has a refreshing take: you only need two core skills to succeed — selling and building.
Responding to a student’s query on LinkedIn about the skills necessary to become a successful entrepreneur, Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com and CEO of People Group, explained why these two traits are more powerful than any formal education.
Skill #1: The Art of Selling — Not Just Products, But Vision
Mittal emphasizes that “selling” isn’t just about pushing products. It’s about articulating your vision so clearly and passionately that others — customers, investors, partners — are compelled to believe in it. According to him, selling is survival for any entrepreneur.
“If you can’t sell, you’re likely to feel isolated. If you can, the world opens up,” Mittal stated.
Whether it’s pitching to investors or rallying your team around a shared goal, being able to persuade effectively is a non-negotiable skill.
Skill #2: Building — The Obsession to Solve Problems
“Building” isn’t just about creating apps or products. For Mittal, it’s the relentless pursuit of solving problems, especially when no one else sees the opportunity. It’s the quiet grind, the misunderstood hustle, and the clarity to endure confusion and failure that separates real builders from dreamers.
He highlights that those who solve real problems and persist through chaos ultimately change the world — or at least their corner of it.
Life Skills, Not Job Skills
What makes Mittal’s philosophy so impactful is that these are not just startup skills — they are life skills. Whether you’re a founder, a professional in a corporate setting, or a freelancer building a side hustle, these two traits can unlock unprecedented growth and resilience.
Degrees, he argues, may get your foot in the door — but it’s your ability to sell ideas and build solutions that determines how far you’ll go.
Who is Anupam Mittal?
Anupam Mittal is one of India’s most recognized tech entrepreneurs and angel investors. Best known for founding Shaadi.com, he has invested in over 250 startups and served as a judge on Shark Tank India across all three seasons. A Karmaveer Chakra awardee, Mittal also serves on the Governing Council of IAMAI, influencing India’s digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
