A MushBetter Commitment to Succeed

 

 

In going into business, there is only one goal in mind- to succeed. We all strive to make good things happen to what we have started. Although we may have exerted all our efforts, sometimes, we just realize that they are not really for us. But, should we give up?

It is, however, unfortunate for those who feel that getting into a business will give them a spot  as the World’s Richest Man World. Success does not happen overnight. It takes hard work, patience, and commitment. Most businesses fail. Because they lack the essential entrepreneurial skills or mindset. They may just have not chosen the right kind of business for them.

The Courageous Entrepreneur

Let me share with you how Basser Bright Banlat, owner of MushBetter Foods Inc., dealt with many obstacles before getting a better grasp of the business he started. He never gave up despite the number of failures in business that he went through.  

As young as 11 years old, he started selling bread, soft drinks, “gasul,” etc., from their bakery. More than just wanting to help his parents, he saw it as a good way of earning to use it as his school allowance. At the same time, he can save money to buy things that he wants instead of asking his parents.

He was never ashamed of selling to people, even if he got rejected or would just be ignored. His goals were simple- to trade and earn no matter how much, for as long as he can have something out of his “small business.”

After college, he worked for an airline company. But he didn’t feel that his heart was into it since his mind was set on putting his own business. And so, in 2014, 2 years after working with PAL, he decided to start a restaurant business. He was so involved with his business that he had to take different hats to succeed. And that is precisely how every entrepreneur needs to do. To have an eye on everything about the business. Mr. Banlat made himself busy purchasing everything required for the restaurant, cooking, marketing, selling, and promoting. Although he was very enthusiastic at the start, as time went by, it wore him down. The sales were not as great as expected, the restaurant soon closed after one year of operation.

The Mushroom Business

Not all may have seen it the way how Mr. Banlat may have felt. And to be disheartened by the failure was not in his mind. He was all out in finding the right business. In February 2016, he had an idea about mushroom farming but had no funds to start. He sent out business proposals to people whom he thought could be able to help him financially. Luckily, his friends trusted his vision and supported his business plan. MushBetter Foods, Inc was born in July 2016. Seeing the great opportunity of using social media to sell the product in the broader market, he started selling online. However, the problem stepped in when not all fresh mushrooms were sold each day. And so, another idea came up. He started making mushroom burgers and mushroom meals in Alabang. This, too, did not stay long enough. It closed up after a year.

New Kid on the Block

Having the mushroom farm at hand and not wanting to be discouraged entirely, he found a way to preserve the mushrooms. He created 4 different flavors of mushroom chips- original, sour cream, chili bbq, and cheese. It was difficult to market the product initially since it was something new in the market. And then the idea of making Krispy Mushroom or mushroom chips came, a healthier alternative to the usual chips we all know.

Being a new product in the market needs a lot of work. He sought out famous personalities and social media influences he hoped could help him promote/endorse his products. Luckily, this move made a positive outcome which caused his sales to soar.

The success of his business also paved the way for several awards and recognition. Mush Better Krispy Mushroom Chips are now exported to different parts of the world, like the Middle East, USA, Singapore, and Korea. They are currently in the process of creating other products, which will be launched soon. They have just recently launched their new product, the MushBetter Super Tasty Peanut Spread. He is now open to investors, resellers, or distributors.

Mr. Banlat became one of the board of trustees of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Las Pinas City and one of the proud graduates from the first batch of the DTI Kapatid Mentor Me Program.

I asked Mr. Banlat how he feels after everything that has happened to him for the past 4 years. And he said that he has realized that although his passion was cooking, it was not enough to make him successful. There are other ingredients to make a business become a profitable business. Apart from just starting the company, one also needs to develop his marketing, branding, and networking skills. Without all these, it will surely be just wasting time, money, and effort.

The Formula for Success

The essentials of becoming a successful entrepreneur according to Mr. Banlat, “Creating a network is essential in a business. Building great relationships tightens trust, and that is how a brand is known. Apart from providing outstanding products and services, there should also be a human factor involved. The first people whom you should impress are the people whom you think can be your walking advertisers. Wherein others see you as friendly and accommodating and always offer service with a smile. In return, people are encouraged to try and buy your products.

There will always be obstacles along the way. An entrepreneur should always have an open mind- to be able to accept criticisms. Sometimes, these criticisms can help you improve your business. And above all, an entrepreneur should always be willing to work hard and make a sacrifice.”

Don’t be afraid to change if it is the only way to end something no longer working. Always strive to make your commitment better. To be committed, one needs to focus on the goal and not on the difficulties.  After all, just as Mr. Banlat would say, “It only gets MushBetter.”

————————

For questions and more information, you may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome.

By email: [email protected]

FB Page: Butz Bartolome

Website: https://www.butzbartolome.com