Inspirational Humans
Hisham Sarwar|“Your Network is Your Net-worth”
I opened a little window and let strangers peek into it
While they were transferring him to the hospital he prayed to God for enough time so that he can share what he knows. His mom took a promise from him that he will share his knowledge and experience with others and Hisham Sarwar obeyed her.
While growing up he was passionate about cricket and art. Today, the passion for these two is still intact. A creative soul, who was reluctant to study. He was not happy with the established educational system because it did not provide enough creative space to learners.
On the way to the hospital, his only prayer was to get a chance so that he can share his wealth of knowledge.
He shared his story of struggle and success in his book, “Seekhna Seekho” (Learn the art of Learning). He talked about how he finally learned the lesson of humility when his family experienced a period of financial distress after his father retired from his service as a “Military Doctor”.
He recalled a painful event where he fell off his horse while riding it. His lower back was severely injured. On the way to the hospital, his only prayer was to get a chance so that he can share his wealth of knowledge. His prayer was answered and he is on a mission now.
The book contains more interesting events, incidents, and valuable lessons but that is the story for another time.
In the mid of 2021, I discovered a gem, who is widely known as Freelancing Guru all over Pakistan. Hisham Sarwar has inspired thousands of people, particularly in South Asia.
How I discovered him?
I was not aware, who he was? and what he does? I was content that I found my answer and went on my way.
I am a freelancer, who provides content writing and accounting services. Like most people, I often search for queries on YouTube and watch videos that come up.
One day when I was looking for a solution to a problem, one of his videos helped in resolving the issue. At that time I was not aware of who he was and what he does. I was content that I found my answer and went on my way.
But before leaving, I subscribed to his channel. A couple of months later I got a notification that Hisham Sarwar was live. I joined the live session.
He was demonstrating how to perform Keyword Analysis while making a gig on an online freelancing platform. That session went on for 2 hours. His dedication was commendable. This session was part of a series.
He created a Facebook group “Seekhna Seekho Chorot 4” where the learners submitted the assignments that he gave in his live sessions. I could not match his sheer energy and kept learning at my own pace.
He expanded this group and brought in awesome trainers who are experts in their respective fields. Over time new trainers were added and many more will be added in the future.
He is showing the way to those who are either thinking of starting their freelancing journey or have started but need someone to guide them along the way.
Hisham Sarwar remained in the group for a while and finally handed over the keys to the experts and bid farewell to us. He is still active in his main group “Learn Freelancing with Hisham Sarwar”. He recently conducted a mini cohort there on SEO and gave premium knowledge to us for free of cost.
He is showing the way to those who are either thinking of starting their freelancing journey or have started but need someone to guide them along the way.
What did I learn from Him and What is the impact so far?
The best thing about him is that Hisham Sarwar not only teaches skills but also provides an opportunity to network with fellow freelancers.
He did not preach but created an enabling environment to put into practice an important lesson he taught me “Your Network is Your Net Worth” (Porter Gale)
After encountering my mentor, I opened a little window and let strangers peek into my world
Before I met him I was offering my services on an online marketplace and was struggling. I neither promoted my services on social media platforms nor engaged in meaningful conversation with people. My profile had a strict privacy setting.
After encountering my mentor, I opened a little window and let strangers peek into my world (be mindful and know the risks while doing that).
I set up my Facebook page, updated my LinkedIn, and created my Instagram account.
I have a hard time keeping up with them but it made a difference. I got a project from LinkedIn and people are now enquiring about my services and sending me offers. I now engage in meaningful conversation.
Final thoughts:
This is the best form of gift one can ever receive.
Hisham Sarwar is determined to set his students on the path of becoming self-reliant which means in the coming years they will gain mastery over their own destiny.
This is the best form of gift one can ever receive. I don’t have words to appreciate his valuable contribution in uplifting every learner that has the privilege of being his student.
Note: All the pictures are taken from Hisham Sarwar’s Collection with his permission. Thank you, Hisham Sarwar. I really appreciate your generosity, Sir!
Do check out Maryum Afzal's article about Ashfaq Ahmed's teachings in Inspirational Humans. He is one of my favorite authors. You will love it.
