Do you have what it takes to start your own business?
Are you struggling to find employment in the Philippines? Do you spend all day searching and applying for jobs without success? Could starting your own business be the answer? Lots of people do – could you?
Entrepreneurs, people who start their own business, are vital to the success of all nations. They are the people who turn ideas into reality. They are the people who can sense an opportunity. They are the people who when they get knocked down get back up and keep trying because they believe in what they are doing.
Problem? What problem?
There are lots of reasons why you shouldn’t set up your own business. You can probably see problems and difficulty from the start. However, have you ever considered that every difficulty could be an opportunity?
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Do you have the entrepreneurial spirit?
What do the following have in common – Facebook, Microsoft, Subway, Samsung, Coca-Cola, a street vendor?
The answer is that they were all started by someone with an idea, some ambition and a willingness to turn an idea into reality. Whether they are now multinational companies such as Microsoft (started by Bill Gates in his parents garage), or Facebook (started by Mark Zuckerberg whilst at university), or a small business, such as a street vendor, the thing to remember is that they did not appear out of nothing. Someone, perhaps someone just like you, had an idea, some ambition and a willingness to make it happen.
A real life entrepenuer
In 2012, Maria lost her job working for an outsourced call centre. Whilst looking for a job she was asked by a friend if she could help him to create a website. Maria had no formal experience but had always had an interest in graphic design and agreed to help. Maria quickly taught herself the basics of web design and produced a very simple website. She was then recommended to another friend who also wanted a website. Maria quickly realised that there was demand in her community for someone who could create simple websites.
“I stated my business by helping my friends and family. This meant that I didn’t get paid much but it was useful as I was able to learn the skills I needed as I went along. The more work I did the more I improved and the more people offered me work. I was even able to get some free office space in return for helping one client. After a while I took on an assistant and now I have 3 people working for me. Now my skills are much better and I can do more complicated work and earn more money. It has been hard work and I have learnt a lot but it has definitely been worth it.”
What do you need in order to start your own business?
- An idea
- Ambition
- Confidence
- Courage
- High energy levels
- Strong work ethic
Ok, there may be other things that you will need but this is what you need to start. The question is – do you have what it takes to start your own business?
Have you started your own business?
Have you started your own business or are you interested in starting your own business? If so, why not share your story with others below?
Search and apply for jobs
Not sure about starting your own business?
You can search for jobs in the Philippines 24 hours a day 7 days a week on www.philcareers.com.