ARTICLE
Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs
Topics: business mentorship, entrepreneurship, franchise consulting, Philippine entrepreneurs, youth motivation
Inculcating and instilling values to the youth is vital in today’s world
In my almost 35 years in this business, I was able to talk to so many people and it has never tired me to share my experiences and impart my knowledge most especially to those who are aspiring to become entrepreneurs. Others may think that my job is easy because I just say the same things over and over. Well, it is both a yes and a no. Yes, because sometimes I do get sick, and I could just not show up when I am expected to be at a meeting or a talk. However, talking to people is my greatest motivation in life. Why? Because I know that I can make a difference. Because I know that somehow, there are those who would be able to pick up a thing or two with what I have shared with them and they will do something that would make themselves proud.
Talking to people have become a lot easier over the years. But, I just don’t go up the stage unprepared. Even if most of my talks may seem to be the same, I always make sure that what I will share is truly relevant and something that they can think about when they leave.
Last January, I had the pleasure to speak before 400 graduating College students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines at the Southern Quezon Convention Center Gumaca, Quezon Province. The focal point of my talk is about how being a leader should become God-centered. You see, there are those who have been born to have the feeling of being capable of leading people. Unfortunately, not all of them can be described as a really great leader because they lack a few attributes. With this, it is likely that they can mislead people that eventually can lead to some unfortunate events.
To become a God-centered leader, one must strive to do for the sake of others and not for his own gain. More than wanting to earn money, he should also focus on sharing his blessings with the less fortunate. Leaders should always step up most particularly when there are people who need help like during the eruption of Taal Volcano, victims of floods and earthquakes. A leader’s main role is to impart positivity to its people and to teach how to do things for the welfare of others.
The world needs fresh entrepreneurs all the time. This is because entrepreneurs create jobs, elevates the standard of living, creates new technology for the society, and keep the competition alive in the marketplace. But, this needs the proper foundation to make all these things possible. It is not easy to start a business. Therefore, it is essential that the new breed of entrepreneurs has enough resources as possible to be able to carry out various innovations and to build a strong entrepreneurial mindset to become successful.
providing hope and guidance to the youth
Tips to share with young entrepreneurs:
1. Realize your dream and aspiration. A dream remains a dream unless you start doing something. What I mean is, if you dream of owning your own house and a good future for your family, you need to start with something. No one can do that unless you have conditioned your mind to start acting on it.
2. Accept that challenges are part of the process. No successful entrepreneur reached his goal without having a few bumps along the way. The first time you stumble, don’t ever think of giving up. This would help you realize how you can improve yourself and be able to come up with better decisions.
3. We never know the outcome of our efforts unless we have actually done it. In business, there is always a risk. But make calculated risks instead of just diving into something without fully thinking of what are the repercussions.
4. Some people may not agree with your decisions. Some would literally discourage you to go on. But, if you know that what you plan is something that will turn our positive, believe in yourself that you can do it. Sometimes, you just need a little shove and push to get all started.
5. When planning on the kind of business to put up, always start with something that you are passionate about, something that would seem like a second skin to you. Being passionate at something makes you push yourself harder, despite working long hours on it, you still manage to give a smile.
6. Be bold. You need to overcome fear. It may not be easy, but it should be like a fuel that will make you want to go on.
7. Be with like-minded people. When looking for people that will help you with your business, they too should be able to see your vision and must also share your passion. To bolster success, find for the right people to build an excellent team.
8. Learn from your mistakes. You are not perfect, just like anyone else. There are times that mistakes happen and what has happened can never be undone. However, you can straighten things out by being more careful next time.
9. Never cease the idea of gaining new knowledge. Technology is ever-changing, therefore, one must be always in the know.
10. Be a people-person. No business will survive if the owner himself does not know how to be charismatic. Customers want to feel that they are always being valued. Therefore, just like a man pursuing a woman, an entrepreneur should always make his customers happy and satisfied by providing what is expected from the products and/or services being offered to them.
11. Learn from your customers. Always have time to listen to what your customers say. That is why the use of social media has become an essential tool for any business. Through this, you get to be closer to your customers because they are able to provide suggestions on how to improve your products and/or services and at the same time, to inform you if they are not receiving proper customer care.
12. Deliver more than expected. It is a great way of building your brand followers. The more you show to them that you can provide them with better service, just by word of mouth, your brand will become popular in a bigger market.
13. Never fail to seek the Lord’s guidance. Other people may have focused more on their problems or success and have completely forgotten to seek help or say thank you for everything. It is equally important to stay connected with him no matter what time of day. You don’t need to be constantly in Church to say a prayer. You can talk to Him anytime, anywhere. It will help you unburden the load. At the end of the day, there is always a reassuring hand that will guide you in the right way.
My dear, young entrepreneurs, you may seem to think that everything is already on the internet where you can learn what you need to know and that it reduces the risk of failing. Maybe. However, the real success comes when one experiences both the ups and downs and remains to keep his business afloat despite all the challenges. I do believe that no matter how successful an entrepreneur has become, he should remain grounded, aspire to learn more and to share his knowledge with the younger generation so that the right attitude and mindset will be instilled in their minds.
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You may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome for questions and more information.
By email: [email protected]
FB Page: Armando Bartolome
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franguru/
