Jonathan Tian, Co-Founder of Mobitrix, a US-based smartphone solution provider for data transfer and iOS system errors, etc.
Where did the idea for Mobitrix come from?
My fundamental idea when establishing this company was to help ordinary people, like me and my friends, to deal with the technology difficulties related to smartphone issues during the pandemic as well as post-pandemic era.
I got this idea from an incident in 2020. In the middle of June, my iPhone had a black screen issue when I was driving and using Google Maps. That was a problem that could not be fixed by iTunes. What’s more, all Apple stores within 50 miles were temporarily closed due to the virus. The only solution at that time was to mail my phone to Apple and wait another 7-10 days to get it back. But the crucial part was, they couldn’t guarantee if my phone could be fixed or not and I was most likely to lose all my data. All of these gave me an idea: what if I could create a software tool that could help iPhone users fix their system errors wherever they go. This way, there’s no need to rely on a local repair shop or an Apple store miles away. I aimed to provide a one-click at home solution for all people regardless of their tech backgrounds, increasing their phone safety in the pandemic and protecting their treasured memories.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day includes calls from brand bosses, lunch with my new tie-up, taking my daughter from the school (Yeah, it is typical I have already too much to process in my mind & she increases the amount of information in my brain to the next level). And yeah, it also includes a visit to my employees to talk to them regarding any difficult situation that can affect us or a plan that is completely going to change us.
I make my typical day productive by using the 80-20 formula. In this, you focus on the 20% of work that affects the whole plan more than 80% remaining work. I start by doing that 20%, then pursue the other remaining work.
How do you bring ideas to life?
The most common technique that I use to bring my ideas to life is by thinking about them. If you think you can bring an idea into real life without thinking about it, you are completely wrong. There is no chance it is possible. You need to take some time out to make sure your idea is perfect from all angles. Even if there is a single aspect that is missing in your thinking or blueprint that you created about that idea in your mind. It won’t be possible. But there are some other ways too that help me a lot in the process. The ways are: –
By jotting everything about the idea in the notebook
By reviewing it again & again with the help of every imaginary scenario that can affect it.
By creating the next step regarding how I am going to do it.
By taking a night off with proper quality sleep, so I can continue with my idea again
What’s one trend that excites you?
The one trend that excites me a lot is technology development. I am really in love with the manner of some people or developers who aren’t getting satisfied & wanted to show more to the world. It really gives people like me an opportunity to fill up the holes that they leave in their technology. For that, I am glad.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I have a fixed schedule for my everyday routine & I make sure to follow it. There are days when I literally wanna leave, when I am all f****** up, I think I should leave everything & go to Everest but in the next moment I realize, I am not born for it. People like me are cursed to never stop. If we ever stop, we will soon lose this life. There is no rest for me & I accepted that fact. So I keep the discipline given by my father in my mind & get up every time I fall down. That’s the habit of me to make sure I stay productive all the time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
The only advice I will give to my younger self is, hold on buddy, just have patience you are going to make everything possible you are thinking about.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
When I was young people criticized me because I always think out of the box. They think I am mad & irritate everyone who talks to me but that wasn’t the case. I always try to stay true to them.
Even when I first came up with the idea of mobitrix, even my family & friends started thinking I am a failure. They never believed in me. But see not where I am.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Often, when people reach the heights, they estimate for themselves they start ignoring learning. But I make sure I never stop it, there is no limit to the knowledge, you can learn from anything. Even if you have a past like me, you can learn from the past. And I say the best lesson you can take from anywhere is from your past self. Just take the lesson & move on. It will change you but soon you will find you are becoming better than your younger self.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I know individually I was nothing but at the same time I know if I get partnered with my today’s client like whats app & apple. I can grow a lot faster & can reach the top. So, I focused my company’s development through making partnerships with the big organizations. And they helped me a lot, partnership with them made sure that my business grew.
When you get to tie up with the big brands like them, everyone starts recognizing you. When everyone starts recognizing you, they start creating an example of you. And there is nothing greater promotion than being an example to someone. And see I am not only an example; I am a solution too.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
My first failure was as a developer in the business. Whenever I was trying to deal with people. They think I was just another scammer, who is going to take their details & going to use them for self profit but that wasn’t the case from the start. I overcame this failure of mine by never giving up on my dream. First, I helped a single person, he told someone, have you ever heard about mobitrix, it is really cool, it solves all the problems related to your smartphone in no amount of time. You see, mouth to mouth communication solved my biggest failure of mine. By generating a single trustworthy customer, I started in the business & reached here.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
How can I give someone my business idea. Well, right now I don’t have any idea otherwise I will probably give it to them. But there is one thing I want to say to the readers. Create your own business idea and never give up on it. Never, ever because if you will not work for yourself then there is no one for you, who will do it on behalf of you.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Well the money makes money, I am a big fan of Elon Musk. I purchased a share of Tesla worth $1000 recently. That’s the best I have ever spent on anything. I know he will put them to great use & development.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Have you ever heard about the reminder? It is software that is developed to create a reminder notification for you. I keep that software on my smartphone to make sure I never miss anything important. It really helps me remain productive & make sure I never miss anything important in terms of my personal life as well as professional life.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. This is the business book I recommend to everyone whenever someone asks me to recommend anything to read. I will not disclose anything just read it & you will find new motivation to live up to your dreams.
What is your favorite quote?
“Knowing what it feels to be in pain & difficult times, is exactly why you should try to be kind to others” Only a single appreciation can take someone out of the miserable life, so be kind to others.
Key Learnings:
- Thinking is a key to bringing ideas into life. Without thinking an idea is a body without a soul.
- Your hard work & discipline makes you great.
- Failure is just a step towards success.
- Learning goes till the coffin with you.
- Be humble & never give up on your dreams.
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.