Bis-nes!

        Usapang Bis-nes!

        Twenty years ago, if people had extra cash to dispose of and when asked what to do with it, their most common answers were "to buy a new house", "to buy a car", "to buy an appliance showcase", etc.

        Times have changed.  Today, when asked the same question, most people would answer "to start a business" or "pang-capital ko sa negosyo".

        Why do people want to start their own business?  A survey was conducted asking people the reasons why they want to start their own business.  The answers from 1000 people were varied but the researchers found that they could be grouped into nine categories:

1. To earn extra income (because their present income from work is not enough)


2. To have more time (for the family, for friends, for themselves)


3. To have a beter home (more comfortable living)


4. Retirement (planning for retirement or to retire now)


5. Education (to finish education, to attend graduate studies or to enroll their children in a quality school)


6. Financial security (to pay off those debts and sleep stress free and without worry from collectors)


7. To have opportunities for Travel (both local and international travel)


8. To be able to give to Charity / Church (because the ultimate purpose of wealth is to help others)


9. To leave a legacy (something that will outlive them for the benefit of other people)

 
        But much as they would want to start their own business, they have some common challenges:

1. Lack of time and money


2. Lack of education


3. Lack of expertise


4. Lack of encouragement and support


5. Low self-esteem


6. Fear and doubt

        A little bit of trivia: Did you know that ninety percent (90%) of business startups fail within the first three years?

        Will your business susvive the first three years of its existence?

        So here's my proposal (my shameless plug): I offer FREE business consultancy to people who want to start their own business, or for people who are exploring/thinking of starting up their own business (despite the limitations and challenges I enumerated above). 

        A treat to a cup of coffee will do nicely to keep a spirited conversation.  A hotdog sandwich and iced tea from MiniStop will do nicely as well.  But it's not mandatory :-)

        Let's talk.  (serious ito, ha)