Bake Them Up

Got a zeal for writing? Want to get a novel or two published? It isn’t so tough now!

Born to provide with the best of books and at the same time serve as a perfect platform for all the budding writers, Half Baked Beans is a newly formed publishing firm. The company’s motto, ‘Bake Them Up’, as it aptly implies, is to provide new upcoming writers a similar platform as that of established writers; and provide the readers with good books and wholesome satisfaction at affordable prices.

It is the perfect stop for aspiring authors. HBB publishes everything! From 60 minute metro books to full-fledged novels, everything to help the young writers.

Half Baked Beans is the brainchild of Chetan Soni.

He has a wide experience working with umpteen number of start-ups. He is inundated by a literary torrent of creativity and manages the overall operations at HBB.

A widespread traveller, his interests include writing, teaching, quizzing, watching and playing sports. He is an experimental foodie and, a cricket and movie enthusiast.

2014 with it brought for me a brilliant piece of news. One of my stories is getting published! My first book, I couldn’t be happier. And the credit goes to Half Baked Beans. So while I was racking my brains regarding what I could possibly write on start-ups, I saw the answer staring at me right in the face!

That was when I messaged Chetan and asked him if he could do an interview for me. He talks about what inspires him and how he came up with the whole idea.

What ignited the spark in you to start Half Baked Beans? How did the idea for your business come about?

The idea came from the fact that it was very difficult for amateur writers to get published in India and there was a lot of communication gap between the authors and publishers. I always wanted to be in an industry which was connected to media.

How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?

Since it is a very niche industry so we cannot take people like normal hiring is done. We like to give everybody one chance who is interested to work with us and the output automatically shows their passion.

What three pieces of advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?

Idea, patience and risk taking ability.

How long do you stick with an idea before giving up? What motivates you?

I usually stay with an idea till it is completely of no use. Motivation comes from my belief in it.

Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from? How did you obtain investors for your venture?

The initial funding has come from my parents and we plan to mark ourselves as a brand before approaching investors.

Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

Of course there is and that is called as “Never say never”. Also ,you need to keep your eyes open.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Sachin Tendulkar.

What book(if any) has inspired you the most? 

All Jeffrey Archer books.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

Able to get up late in the morning, not missing out on weekdays as compared to the desk job community.

What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?

Attitude towards approaching problems.

In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.

Enterprising.

What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?

Watch movies, travel, cook up stories, surf.

What sacrifices(if any) have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

I would not call myself as a successful entrepreneur so I should be in a better position to answer this after 5 years.

To all the people out there thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, I would just like to say, there could never be a better time to get started. All you need to do is hang in there, and you will definitely make it BIG!

You can also visit the Half Baked Beans blog to know more:
http://halfbakedvoices.blogspot.in/