Author: Shreya Maurya

  • What is Market Equilibrium? Definition, Graph, Price, Demand & Supply

    In this article, you’ll learn about What is Market Equilibrium? Definition, Graph, Price, Demand & Supply.

    1. What is Market Equilibrium?

    Market Equilibrium is the point where the quantity demanded by consumers equals the quantity supplied by producers. This balance determines the equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity in the market.

    In simple terms:
    It’s the “perfect price point” where buyers and sellers agree, and the market is stable — no shortage, no surplus.

    2. Determination of Market Price

    The equilibrium price is set where the demand and supply curves intersect.

    At this point:

    • Buyers are willing to buy exactly the quantity sellers are willing to sell.
    • There is no pressure to change the price.

    Graph – Market Equilibrium

    3. Shifts in Market Equilibrium

    When either demand or supply changes (shifts), the equilibrium point also changes. Let’s look at how that happens.

    3.1 Shift in Demand Curve

    If demand increases (rightward shift):

    • Equilibrium price rises
    • Equilibrium quantity rises

    If demand decreases (leftward shift):

    • Equilibrium price falls
    • Equilibrium quantity falls

    Graph – Rightward shift in demand curve causing a new equilibrium at a higher price

    3.2 Shift in Supply Curve

    If supply increases (rightward shift):

    • Equilibrium price falls
    • Equilibrium quantity rises

    If supply decreases (leftward shift):

    • Equilibrium price rises
    • Equilibrium quantity falls

    Graph – Leftward shift in supply curve causing a new equilibrium at a higher price and lower quantity

    4. Complex Cases of Shift in Equilibrium

    Sometimes, both demand and supply shift at the same time. The final effect depends on:

    • The direction of the shifts
    • The magnitude of the shifts

    Example Cases:

    • Both increase → Quantity definitely increases, price may rise/fall/stay same
    • Both decrease → Quantity definitely decreases, price uncertain
    • Demand ↑ and Supply ↓ → Price definitely increases, quantity depends
    • Demand ↓ and Supply ↑ → Price definitely decreases, quantity depends

    Graphical representation is used to understand these complex shifts

    Output image

    Here is the graph for the Complex Case of Shift in Equilibrium, where:

    • Demand increases (rightward shift)
    • Supply decreases (leftward shift)

    This leads to a definite increase in price, while the effect on quantity is uncertain (it could increase, decrease, or remain stable depending on the magnitude of shifts).

  • Supply Curve Shifts

    In this article you’ll learn about Supply Curve Shifts.

    1. Movement and Shift In Supply Curve

    Understanding supply curve behavior is crucial to analyzing how producers respond to different market conditions. Let’s explore the two major concepts: movement along the curve and shifts of the curve.

    1.1 Movement in Supply Curve

    A movement along the supply curve occurs when the price of the good changes, and this causes a change in the quantity supplied — but the supply curve itself does not move.

    • Price increase → movement upward (expansion)
    • Price decrease → movement downward (contraction)

    Here is the graph showing Movement Along the Supply Curve – representing expansion and contraction of supply due to price changes.

    1.2 Shift in Supply Curve

    A shift in the supply curve occurs when the quantity supplied changes at the same price due to factors other than price, such as:

    • Changes in technology
    • Government policy
    • Input prices
    • Number of sellers

    A rightward shift indicates more supply at the same price (increase in supply).
    A leftward shift indicates less supply at the same price (decrease in supply).

    2. Shifts and Movement along Supply Curve

    Let’s now break it down further into two categories:

    2.1 Expansion and Contraction of Supply

    These are movements along the same supply curve, caused by price changes only.

    2.1.1 Expansion or Extension of Supply

    Occurs when price increases and the seller is willing to supply more.

    Example:
    Price increases from ₹10 to ₹15
    → Quantity supplied increases from 20 to 40 units

    2.1.2 Contraction of Supply

    Occurs when price decreases and the seller is willing to supply less.

    Example:
    Price drops from ₹30 to ₹20
    → Quantity supplied drops from 100 to 60 units

    2.2 Increase and Decrease In Supply

    These are shifts of the supply curve, not movements along it.

    2.2.1 Increase In Supply

    Occurs when more quantity is supplied at the same price, usually due to better technology, subsidies, or lower input costs.

    →Supply curve shifts right.

    2.2.2 Decrease In Supply

    Occurs when less quantity is supplied at the same price, often due to supply chain issues, high taxes, or natural calamities.

    →Supply curve shifts left.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the difference between movement and shift in a supply curve helps interpret supply-side behavior more accurately in economics. Whether you’re analyzing a small shop or an entire market, this concept is key to making informed economic decisions.

  • Canva’s Rise: From a College Project to Adobe’s Biggest Competitor

    Canva’s Rise: From a College Project to Adobe’s Biggest Competitor

    Imagine taking on a tech giant like Adobe-without any technical background, funding, or Silicon Valley connections. Sounds impossible, right? Yet, that’s exactly what Melanie Perkins did at just 19 years old, building Canva into a $40 billion company and becoming one of the world’s youngest self-made female billionaires. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of how Canva was born, the challenges it overcame, and the strategies that made it Adobe’s biggest nightmare.

    The Problem with Design: Complexity and Exclusivity

    Melanie Perkins grew up in Perth, Australia. While studying communications and psychology at university, she taught students how to use design tools like Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. But she noticed something strange: most students dropped out of her classes quickly. When she asked why, the answer was clear-these tools were confusing, complex, expensive, and required powerful computers that most people didn’t have.

    Melanie realized the problem wasn’t her teaching, but the software itself. Design tools were built for professionals, not everyday users. She saw four major issues:

    1. Complexity: Steep learning curve.
    2. No Predefined Asset Libraries: Designers had to build everything from scratch.
    3. Hardware Requirements: Needed expensive, powerful computers.
    4. High Cost: Only professionals could afford them.

    Her vision? Democratize design-make it accessible for everyone, not just experts.

    The First Step: Fusion Books

    Melanie shared her insights with her boyfriend, Cliff Obrecht. Together, they decided to solve a specific pain point first: yearbooks for schools. In 2007, they launched Fusion Books, a simple online tool with templates for creating yearbooks. The user-friendly interface was a hit, and Fusion Books soon became Australia’s largest yearbook publisher.

    This success proved their concept: people wanted simple, accessible design tools.

    The Birth of Canva: Turning an “Impossible” Idea Into Reality

    With proof of concept in hand, Melanie and Cliff set their sights higher: revolutionizing the entire design industry. In 2012, they founded Canva. Their approach was radically different from Adobe and Microsoft:

    Browser-First Approach

    Instead of building another complex desktop app, they created a web-based platform. This gave Canva four huge advantages:

    • No need for powerful computers-all processing happened in the cloud.
    • No cracked versions-users accessed Canva online.
    • Instant updates and bug fixes-no downloads required.
    • Mobile support-easy to launch on phones and tablets.

    At the time, this was a bold, almost laughable move. Most design software was desktop-based, and web browsers weren’t known for handling complex graphics. But timing was on their side: HTML5 was becoming mainstream, cloud services like AWS and Azure were taking off, and social media marketing was exploding-creating massive demand for simple design tools.

    Overcoming the Odds: Investor Rejections and Copycats

    Canva’s journey wasn’t easy. Over 100 investors rejected their idea, doubting that a web-based design tool could ever compete with Adobe. It took three years just to find the right tech team. Even after launch, Adobe and others tried to copy Canva’s features and even attempted to buy them out.

    But Canva’s relentless focus on simplicity, accessibility, and user experience kept them ahead. They scaled rapidly, launching a mobile app in 2016-years before Adobe could do the same.

    Canva’s Unbeatable Strategies

    1. Design for Everyone: Canva’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface made design accessible to non-designers.
    2. Cloud-Based Scalability: Leveraged cloud infrastructure to scale to 190+ countries without managing their own servers.
    3. Community and Templates: Built a massive library of templates and assets, empowering users to create professional designs in minutes.
    4. Freemium Model: Offered powerful free tools with optional paid upgrades, driving viral growth.

    The AI Revolution: Canva’s Next Chapter

    Today, Canva is at the forefront of integrating AI into design, making it even easier for users to create stunning visuals with minimal effort. As AI transforms creative industries, Canva continues to innovate, staying one step ahead of giants like Adobe.

    Business Lessons from Canva’s Journey

    • Start with a real problem: Melanie’s insight came from teaching and listening to users.
    • Don’t be afraid to challenge giants: Innovation often comes from outsiders.
    • Timing is everything: Canva’s success was accelerated by the rise of HTML5, cloud computing, and social media.
    • Persistence pays off: Over 100 investor rejections didn’t stop them.
    • User experience wins: Simplicity and accessibility can disrupt even the most entrenched industries.

    Conclusion

    Melanie Perkins’ journey from a university student in Perth to the CEO of a $40 billion company is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and user-centric innovation. Canva’s story isn’t just about beating Adobe-it’s about making creativity accessible to everyone, everywhere.

    Inspired by this story? Remember: You don’t need to be a tech genius or have Silicon Valley connections to change the world. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing a problem differently-and having the courage to solve it.

  • Elon Musk : Twitter, Tesla, and the Trouble with Genius

    Elon Musk : Twitter, Tesla, and the Trouble with Genius

    Elon Musk has never been a conventional entrepreneur. From electric vehicles to reusable rockets, social media to artificial intelligence, Musk continues to challenge the boundaries of what’s possible—and profitable.

    The Empire He Built

    As of 2025, Musk has co-founded seven companies that have redefined sectors. Among them are Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) giant; SpaceX, the leader in private aerospace innovation; and most recently, xAI, an artificial intelligence company poised to challenge OpenAI and others.

    His portfolio isn’t just diverse—it’s dominant.

    • Tesla, the most recognizable Musk brand, has led the global transition to electric mobility. Musk holds about 12% equity in Tesla (excluding stock options). However, a substantial portion of those shares—over half—are pledged as collateral for personal loans that could reach $3.5 billion.
    • In early 2024, a Delaware court voided Musk’s 2018 compensation package, which would have granted him an additional 9% in Tesla stock options. Forbes has currently discounted the value of those options by 50%, pending an appeal.
    • Meanwhile, SpaceX, which Musk founded in 2002, is now valued at $350 billion following a private share sale in December 2024. Musk still owns a 42% stake, making it one of his most valuable holdings.

    Bet Big, Win Bigger (and Sometimes Lose)

    Musk’s appetite for high-stakes bets is well known—and not always successful in the short term.

    In 2022, Musk shocked the world by acquiring Twitter for $44 billion. He quickly rebranded it to X and attempted to turn the platform into a super app encompassing payments, video, and more. However, by August 2024, the company’s value had plummeted nearly 70%, according to Forbes estimates. Despite its decline, Musk remains undeterred in his push to reinvent the platform.

    Then there’s xAI, launched in 2023 to compete with leading generative AI companies. The startup gained momentum fast, reaching a valuation of $50 billion by November 2024. Musk owns a 54% stake, positioning xAI as a powerful tool in both the tech and philosophical arenas, with the mission to “understand the true nature of the universe.”

    A Balancing Act of Risk, Vision, and Controversy

    Musk’s journey is one of extreme highs, financial tightropes, and controversial decisions. His boldness has made him one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet—but also one of the most scrutinized.

    Whether it’s colonizing Mars, powering the world with sustainable energy, or building the next wave of AI systems, Musk isn’t content with incremental progress. He plays at a scale few dare to imagine—and even fewer can afford to.

    Yet for all his volatility, one thing is certain: Musk doesn’t follow trends. He creates them.

  • The Art of Following Up Without Being Pushy

    The Art of Following Up Without Being Pushy

    Tactful templates and timing tips for sales, job hunts, and networking.

    Following up is one of the most essential skills in professional communication—and also one of the most misunderstood. Whether you’re pursuing a new lead, waiting on a job application response, or reconnecting after a networking event, the way you follow up can influence the outcome more than your initial message.

    The challenge? Doing it without sounding pushy or desperate.

    Here’s how to follow up with confidence, tact, and perfect timing across sales, job hunts, and networking scenarios—plus ready-to-use templates to make it easier.

    The Art of Following Up Without Being Pushy

    🎯 Why Following Up Matters

    We live in a fast-paced, distraction-heavy world. Emails are missed. DMs are forgotten. People intend to reply—but they don’t always get around to it.

    Following up doesn’t make you annoying—it shows you’re serious, respectful, and proactive. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, I’m still here, and I care enough to reach out again.”

    Many professionals fear they’ll seem overbearing. But in reality, most replies come after the second or third message. The key is to follow up the right way.

    ⏱️ Follow-Up Timing: How Soon Is Too Soon?

    Timing can make or break your message. Wait too long, and they forget you. Too soon, and you risk seeming impatient.

    Here’s a general rule of thumb for different scenarios:

    ContextFirst Follow-UpSecond Follow-Up
    Job Application5–7 business days7–10 days after first
    Interview2–3 business days5–7 days after first
    Sales Prospect2–3 business days3–5 days after first
    Networking3–5 business days1 week after first

    Avoid following up on weekends or late nights. The best time? Mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays.

    ✍️ How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy

    A successful follow-up has three core ingredients:

    1. Context – Remind them who you are and your previous interaction.
    2. Value – Offer something useful, clarify next steps, or express continued interest.
    3. Call to Action (CTA) – Politely suggest a next move (meeting, call, reply, etc.).

    Sample Mail For Follow Up

    Let’s look at some examples:

    💼 1. Following Up After a Job Interview

    Subject: Thank You – [Job Title] Interview

Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
Thank you once again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I really enjoyed our discussion and learning more about the team and company culture.
Just checking in to see if there’s any update on the next steps. Please let me know if you need anything else from my side.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]

    💰 2. Following Up With a Sales Prospect

    Subject: Checking In – [Project Name or Service]

Hi [Client's Name],
I wanted to follow up on the proposal I sent over earlier this week. Let me know if you had any questions or if you'd like to schedule a call to walk through the details.
If there’s a better time to reconnect or someone else I should reach out to, I’d be happy to coordinate.
Best,
[Your Name]

    🤝 3. Following Up After Networking

    Subject: Great Meeting You at [Event]

Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you at [event] and chatting about [topic]. I really appreciated your perspective on [something you discussed].
If you’re open to it, I’d love to keep in touch and perhaps schedule a quick coffee chat sometime soon.
Best,
[Your Name]

    🚫 Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid

    1. No context – Never assume they remember you. Always remind them of the interaction.
    2. Too frequent – Avoid back-to-back messages. Give time between follow-ups.
    3. Guilt trips – Never say, “I guess you’re not interested” or “You haven’t replied yet.” Stay positive.
    4. Being vague – Have a clear purpose and a specific ask.

    ✅ Final Nudge: When You Still Don’t Get a Response

    If you’ve followed up twice and still haven’t heard back, here’s a gentle final message:

    Subject: Final Follow-Up – [Topic]

Hi [Name],
Just wanted to check in one last time in case my earlier messages slipped through.
Totally understand if now isn’t the right time—feel free to reach out when things align better.
Thanks for your time either way!
Best,
[Your Name]

    This keeps the door open without burning bridges.

    💬 The Bottom Line

    The secret to following up without being pushy is simple: respect their time, offer value, and stay clear and kind. Whether you’re job hunting, pitching, or networking, your ability to follow up with grace could be the difference between being forgotten and getting a “yes.”

    Remember—people don’t always respond to the best message. They respond to the most thoughtfully persistent one.

  • How to Write Emails That Actually Get Responses

    How to Write Emails That Actually Get Responses

    Actionable tips to make your business emails clear, polite, and effective.

    In the professional world, email is still king. Whether you’re reaching out to a potential client, following up after a meeting, or sending a proposal, your email sets the tone. But let’s face it—most emails get ignored or end up in the dreaded “I’ll reply later” folder. So, how do you write emails that actually get responses?

    How to Write Emails That Actually Get Responses

    Here are practical, proven tips to help your emails stand out and prompt action.

    1. Start with a Clear Subject Line

    The subject line is your first impression. Make it clear, relevant, and specific. Instead of saying “Quick Question”, go with “Request for Meeting – 15-min Call This Week?” or “Proposal Follow-up: XYZ Campaign Plan”. The more direct your subject, the easier it is for the recipient to prioritize.

    2. Keep It Short and Structured

    Respect people’s time. Aim for 3–5 short paragraphs max, each with 1–2 sentences. Structure helps. A good email has:

    • Greeting
    • Purpose of the email
    • Relevant details or context
    • Clear next steps or ask
    • Polite closing

    Avoid big chunks of text. Use bullet points where possible to improve readability.

    3. Get to the Point Fast

    Don’t bury your ask in the third paragraph. State your intention early—ideally in the first two lines. Example:

    “Hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out to see if you’d be open to a quick call to discuss a potential collaboration between our teams.”

    No fluff, no backstory. Clarity is kindness.

    4. Personalize It

    Generic emails are easy to ignore. Personalization shows effort and increases response rates. Use the recipient’s name, refer to a shared connection, or mention a recent update about them or their company. Even a simple “I enjoyed your recent LinkedIn post on remote leadership” makes a difference.

    5. Make the Ask Clear and Simple

    End your email with a specific action. Do you want a reply, a meeting, a file? Ask for it clearly. Instead of:

    “Let me know what you think.”

    Try:

    “Would you be available for a 15-minute call this Thursday at 11 AM or Friday at 2 PM?”

    Giving options makes it easier to respond.

    6. Use a Friendly and Professional Tone

    You want to sound human, not robotic. Be polite, warm, and slightly conversational. Avoid overly formal language like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “I remain at your disposal.” Also, don’t go too casual unless you already have rapport. Strike the middle ground—clear, respectful, and approachable.

    7. Add a Clean Signature

    Make it easy to reach you. Include a professional email signature with your name, title, company, phone number, and LinkedIn profile link if relevant. This builds credibility and encourages trust.

    8. Follow Up—Tactfully

    If you don’t get a reply within 3–5 business days, it’s okay to follow up. Keep it polite and refer to your earlier message. Example:

    “Just following up on my previous email in case it got buried. Would love to hear your thoughts.”

    Often, a gentle nudge is all it takes.

    Final Thoughts

    Writing effective emails is part art, part structure. The secret? Be clear, be kind, and be intentional. With the right tone and a focused message, your emails will stop being ignored—and start driving results.

    ✅ Follow-up Version: Email Templates + Visual Checklist

    📩 3 Simple Email Templates That Get Replies

    1. Cold Email – Introduction / Collaboration Inquiry

    Subject: Exploring Collaboration Opportunity – [Your Company Name] x [Their Company Name]

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], [Your Role] at [Your Company]. I came across your work on [relevant reference], and I believe there’s a strong opportunity for us to collaborate.

We help [brief value proposition—1 line], and I think this could be relevant for [their pain point or goal].

Would you be open to a 15-minute call this week to explore it further? I’m available [give two time slots].

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,
[Full Name]
[Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [Company Website]

    2. Follow-Up Email – After No Response

    Subject: Just Following Up – [Your Topic or Subject from Last Email]

Hi [Name],

Just wanted to check if you had a chance to look over my previous message. Totally understand things get busy!

Let me know if a quick call this week works for you—I’d love to discuss this further.

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

    3. Meeting Recap + Next Steps

    Subject: Recap & Next Steps – [Meeting Topic]

Hi [Name],

Thanks for the great conversation earlier. Here’s a quick summary of what we discussed:

[Key Point 1]

[Key Point 2]

[Next Step or Action Item]

Let me know if I missed anything. I’ll [mention your action] by [deadline], and looking forward to your update on [their action].

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

    📝 Visual Checklist: Writing Emails That Get Responses

    ✅ Clear, specific subject line
    ✅ Personalized greeting using recipient’s name
    ✅ 1st line: State the purpose directly
    ✅ Short paragraphs or bullet points
    ✅ Friendly, professional tone
    ✅ Clear CTA (call to action)
    ✅ Add contact info / signature
    ✅ Proofread before sending
    ✅ Follow-up in 3–5 days if no reply