Here are three key lessons I’ve learned while growing an engineering consultancy and working on global projects:
 

1. Technical Expertise is Not Enough—You Need Business Acumen

        As an engineer, I used to believe that a great design speaks for itself. But in business, the best ideas don’t always win—the best-executed ideas do.

• Understanding cost structures, profitability, and project management is crucial.

•  Clients don’t just buy engineering solutions; they buy trust, reliability, and long-term value.

• Learning the business side of engineering—contracts, negotiations, and market positioning—has been a game-changer.

 

   2. Expanding Globally Requires a Different Mindset

       Working on projects in Africa & the Middle East has taught me that each market has unique challenges.

• What works in India may not work in other regions.

•  Local regulations, business culture, and supply chain logistics must be factored into any project.

• The key? Adaptability. Understanding the needs of different markets and building relationships is just as important as technical expertise.

 

   3. The Right Network Opens the Right Doors

       In engineering, your skills define your work. But in business, your network defines your opportunities.

• Connecting with industry leaders, decision-makers, and clients has been instrumental in expanding our reach.

• Social media, conferences, and strategic partnerships have helped us take Indus Design Studio to a global level.

• One conversation can lead to a million-dollar opportunity. Never underestimate the power of networking.

One Such Example: From Nashik to Nigeria 🌍

Engineering transcends borders, and our recent project in Nigeria’s LPG bottling sector is a perfect example. A client in Nigeria needed to restructure their LPG Cylinder filling process to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and comply with DPR (Department of Petroleum Resources) regulations.

From our base in Nashik, India, we designed a tailored solution that optimised their filling operations while ensuring full compliance with Nigerian safety standards.

One of the key challenges was aligning the design with DPR’s guidelines while optimizing for cost-effectiveness and operational reliability. Through detailed load calculations, virtual consultations, and engineering simulations, we developed a model layout that reduced downtime, increased throughput, and ensured compliance. Despite the geographical distance, our seamless coordination, technical expertise, and deep understanding of industry regulations helped us deliver a solution that was both compliant and efficient.
 

This project reflects how our engineering is making a global impact. As we continue bridging industries and continents, we are excited to bring innovation, compliance-driven design, and operational excellence to businesses worldwide.
 

To Fellow Engineers Looking to Start Their Own Business:
The transition from engineer to entrepreneur isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Your expertise is your foundation, but your ability to think strategically, build relationships, and adapt to market demands will define your success.