“In 100 years, we will not be known for our technological advances; rather we will be known for how we used technology to tackle some of humanity’s biggest challenges.” ~ Adnan Mahmud, Co-Founder Jolkona.org

I had the privilege to attend @AdnanMahmud  session at @atamerica  when he was visiting Indonesia last week. In a way, I felt that I always wanted to use technology to create a high impact solution for problems in society. And I think Adnan and I are sharing the same vision.

I co-found NulisBuku.com 2 years ago to help young writers in Indonesia express themselves thru Self-Publishing. Right now we had more than 20,000 aspiring writers on our website NulisBuku.com and 2000 books has been self-published.

Indonesia need to double our annual books published to catch up with other countries. That means, 4,000 books need to come out monthly, 4,000 ideas need to released, 100 millions young people in Indonesia need to be inspired!!!

Anyway… *sorry I got carried away*

Adnan explained on how to start a startup. He said, in order to start you have to:

• Learn about yourself
• Find your passion
• Form a supportive group
• Connect with a role model
• Dedicate to learning

Then after that you have to answer these 5 questions:

• Do you have customers?
• Would you use the product?
• Why should it be you to build this now?
• What is the path of least resistance?
• Who is your team?

Adnan share us his life story as a guy who came from Bangladesh to pursue his dreams in USA. When he’s being successful and working in Microsoft, at one point he felt like he’s losing the point of all his success when he can’t help more people.

4 months ago he resigned from Microsoft and dedicate his time fully on his Jolkona.org and Geocko.com. Jolkona is a platform that connects you with global philanthropic opportunities and shows the impact of your donations. Hey, Jolkona is also on Pinterest!

The way Adnan told his story was really moving and inspiring, even for someone who’s already done everything he said like me, I am still super inspired (I swear I almost cry on the spot) and so did everyone else in the room.

The feeling of knowing that you’ve made a difference is rewarding. I know you’re inspired to start your own startup, especially social enterprise right now. So, what are you waiting for?