By Armando “BUTZ” Bartolome
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 automatically gives them a spot as the World’s Richest Man in the World. Success does not happen overnight. It takes hard work, patience, and commitment. Most businesses fail because they either lack the basic entrepreneurial skills or mindset, or 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 a lot of obstacles before he was able to get a better grasp of the business that 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 so he can use as his school allowance and at the same time he can save money to buy things that he wants instead of asking from his parents.
He was never ashamed selling to people even if he gets rejected or would just be ignored. His goals were simple- to sell and earn no matter how much, for as long as he can have something out of his “small business”.
In 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 very much involved with his business that he had to take different hats to make the business succeed. And that is exactly how every entrepreneur needs to do. To have an eye on everything about the business. Mr. Banlat made himself busy from purchasing everything that is needed in the restaurant, to cooking, to marketing, to selling and promoting. Although he was very enthusiastic at the start, as time went by, it has worn him down. The sales were not as great as expected, the restaurant soon closed after just 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 with it. He sent out business proposals to people whom he think 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 a wider 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 just be completely discouraged, he found a way how he can preserve the mushrooms. And then the idea of making Krispy Mushroom or mushroom chips came, a healthier alternative to the usual chips we all know. He created 4 different flavors of mushroom chips- original, sour cream, chili bbq, and cheese. It was difficult to market the product in the beginning, since it was something new in the market.
Being new product in the market needs a lot of work. He sought out for famous personalities and social media influences whom he hoped can help him promote/endorse his products. Luckily, this move made a positive outcome which caused for his sales to soar.
Mush Better Krispy Mushroom Chips are now exported to different parts of the world like in the Middle East, USA, Singapore, and Korea. The success of his business also paved a way for a number of awards and recognition. They are now 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 investors, reseller or distributors.
Mr. Banlat became one of the board of trustees of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Las Pinas City and also one of the proud graduates from the first batch of the DTI Kapatid Mentor Me Program.
I asked Mr. Banlat about 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 business, one also needs to develop his skills in marketing, branding, and networking. 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. The first people whom you should impress are the people whom you think can be your walking advertisers. Building great relationships tightens the trust and that is how a brand is known. Apart from providing great products and services, there should also be a human factor involved wherein others see you as friendly and accommodating and be able to 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 make a change if it is the only way to end something that is 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 what Mr Banlat would say, “It only gets MushBetter.”