Focus on a few things and don’t spread yourself too thin – this is the belief shared by NoDegree Founder, Jonaed Iqbal
Jonaed Iqbal, having done graduation from Queens College in Applied Mathematics and a Masters in Actuarial Science from Columbia University, New York, was literally frustrated with his daily work that comprised producing Excel reports for executives. In order to make a real impact on the world blended with his passion to help people, he started NoDegree in the year 2014.
NoDegree basically helps job seekers who are looking for an opportunity to switch. It provides customized career strategy assistance even for businesses that need assistance with the interview process and job postings. The role of NoDegree is to allow a business to gain a competitive advantage by acquiring the “right” employee. Depending upon the specific culture and focus of an organization, the most suitable candidate is filtered and found out. Iqbal does not forget the kindness bestowed upon him once and he strives to make the world a better place through empathy.
Jonaed joins Business Upside in this interview on his business mission, social responsibility, and entrepreneurial tips.
Edited excerpts from the interview:
Business Upside [BU]: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: I came across a Reddit thread that asked, “For those of you without a college degree, what do you and how did you get your job?”. Most of the jobs were jobs that people don’t normally think of off the top of their heads. Think of claims adjuster, surveyor, and other jobs that required some sort of certification.
Business Upside [BU]: How did you raise funding for your business?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: I bootstrapped. I don’t want funding. Thankfully costs were pretty low and the rest of the money was financed through revenue. I got very creative.
Business Upside [BU]: What made you choose this type of business?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: I fell in love with the mission, saw that I could really grow the company, and also make some decent money.
Business Upside [BU]: What is unique about your business?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: It’s not the most unique business but I do focus on a demographic that has largely been forgotten about. More strides have happened in recent years which make me happy.
Business Upside [BU]: What is your management style?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: I am very flexible and love building others. I feel weird being called someone’s boss. I prefer to partner with people on their strengths and help them grow in whatever way possible. I am there to help my employees be the best version of themselves.
Watch the belief system promoted by the NoDegree Founder to expand and amplify his business to a different level
Business Upside [BU]: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: Focus on a few things and don’t spread yourself too thin. You can always pick up other things later but specializing allows you to be more effective and make money quicker.
Business Upside [BU]: What are your company goals?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: To remove the stigma attached to people without college degrees. I want more people to know about all of the opportunities that are out there that don’t require a college degree.
Business Upside [BU]: What has been the most satisfying moment in your Business?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: It’s making revenue on a regular basis. It allows me to reinvest in the company and makes me that much closer to my future goals.
Business Upside [BU]: How do you market your business, and which method has been most successful?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: A mix of everything. I network with a lot of people and spend a lot of time on LinkedIn. I have made amazing connections and it has changed my life.
Business Upside [BU]: What motivates you to become an Entrepreneur?
Jonaed Iqbal [JI]: Making an impact and being able to make a difference is really motivating. I don’t like being limited by bureaucracy.
