ENTREPRENEURSHIP: SELLING MY SOYA MILK PRODUCT TO THE PUBLIC TONIGHT

In my MBA Entrepreneurship class, our professor stressed the importance of having and managing your own business. "Get a degree. Build your own business. Don't become an employee. Be the employer."

I was pretty sure I understood what he meant. Well, I thought I did. It's not until recently that I fully understood what he really meant

For the last 25 years I've been a teacher, an employee. And it is common knowledge that in the Philippines, or anywhere else in the world, being a teacher does not make you rich.

So, I finally broke the chains, jumped out of the rat race, and started my own business. It's not easy letting go of a secure source of income. Many opposed about my decision. But I just had to take the risk.

And now I'm here.

Most people will say I'm a fool. But I guess we'll never know until we try. And try I will.

Needless to say, if you don't take risk, there is no reward.

I was inspired by the street vendors whom I took photo of as my entries to the contest sponsored by @allmonitors. If they can do it, I can do it too! They're their own boss. They dictate their time. They get all the profits. They get rich, not the company they work for as when they are employed.

So, call me a fool, making unwise decision. But here's what I realize. And it's summed up in an acronym I came up a few weeks ago: STAPLE.

Let me share it with you.

S - Skills. When you have skills, with emphasis on its plural form, you have something to offer, be it products or services.

T - Tools. Your skills are backed by tools that will allow you create, design, and ultimately produce.

A - Attitude. A very important aspect of a business is how you perceive things and issues, like handling failures as well as successes.

P - People. Tapping the right people, suppliers, sales, contacts are keys to sales.

L - Logistics. Knowing where and when your product is positioned is very important.

E - Engagement. The negotiations, compromises, and ultimately closing deals is one you will have to tackle to get that sale.

I am in this roller-coaster ride currently and I am enjoying every bit of the experience.

And if I fail, I will try again. Changing perspective, when necessary.

And I will succeed. Cheers!