By Armando “BUTZ” Bartolome
As we step into the “new normal”, so many people are left wondering what life would be? Will we still get to enjoy the things that we used to? Will we ever get back to where we have left off? What will happen to our new graduates? Will they be able to find a job? Will companies be able to hire new employees? Will business still be able to rise up after being locked down for almost three months? A lot of questions indeed. But one thing that we all need to keep in mind is that for as long as we are alive, there is hope. Coping up with the changes may seem to be difficult, but we must not be overshadowed with fear.
As businesses started to reopen, the question of whether the people will still be able to have the same purchasing power is in question. And for a wise entrepreneur, he should be able to find ways on how to provide great products and services even if it would mean having to do some adjustments. Let’s face it, the life we have experienced in the past months has made us realized that with just a flick of a finger, everything can just become different. We need to become resilient, whether you are an entrepreneur or an ordinary Juan. We cannot allow ourselves to just sit in a corner and let the government provide us everything that we need.
I am happy to see that some of the entrepreneurs that I personally know have continued their business. Despite our current situation, I think, somehow, they are slowly coping up. Being in a food business is almost always a win-win situation, regardless if you have a kiosk, shop, restaurant, or you just sell your products online. The key there is having great marketing abilities and of course, excellent quality products.
The pandemic has also made me feel some apprehensions. But having such a strong faith in Him, I have pushed myself to become an instrument to others so that I could somehow alleviate their worries. Most of my readers in this column may have become my followers in Facebook and may have noticed that during the height of the pandemic I remained visible. I chose to reach out to fellow entrepreneurs because of two things:
1. I want to give inspiration to other entrepreneurs who might be losing faith because of the crisis.
2. To encourage others to start building their own business especially those who have lost their jobs.
What is great about my job is that, as I help others feel confident and full hope, it has also filled my heart with such joy that I am able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Shake Things Up
I would like to share with you a little secret that has led me to where I am today. My strong faith in the Lord and love for my family are the reasons why I am still on my feet, inspiring so many people and guiding them with their businesses. If you feel that you need a little push to find the “light”, I hope these will help you:
1. Always think positive. Indeed, there are situations that can test our faith. And being human, sometimes the path we choose just makes things worse because we fail to realize the magnitude of the effect. We focus on what we want and not being realistic. Disappointment happens when we expect too much. Realize that we can’t always win in every situation and that we may only win certain battles. Therefore, always be hopeful that things will turn around when we experience pain or frustrations.
2. Be passionate. What was the reason why you choose the kind of business that you have? It must have something to do with what you truly want for so long. And with that, being passionate about the job that you do or for the business that you have is what would always make you move forward.
3. Give your all to propel towards success. You cannot perform “half-baked” because the outcome will surely be a disaster. You should learn to work hard even if there are people who help you in your business. Remember that whatever you show towards your employees is a reflection of your brand. So, you might as well exert all your efforts into positively influencing your employees.
4. Surround yourself with good company. Just like the saying, “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are”, you wouldn’t want to be caught being with people who has a reputation that people would instantly avoid. We should reduce interactions with people who are full of negativities. Instead, we must fill our lives with people who are supportive, realistic, optimistic, motivated, and hardworking.
5. Be stubborn only when it comes to being persistent and determined in becoming successful. Entrepreneurs must have the grit to overcome all fears and failures because these are the greatest lessons that can help any entrepreneur to direct himself to places that need growth and reinvention.
6. Make it a habit to read. There are so many books available that can help you get motivated/inspired to pursue your chosen path. When you always fill your thoughts with inspirational thoughts, it moves you to do good to others and for others.
7. Strengthen your relationship with people who show you support 100%. It truly helps when you feel that your family is behind your every move. The encouragement they provide surely strengthens your faith in yourself to go on and move us into a deeper commitment to our chosen careers.
When we gear our thoughts and actions toward success, it makes it easier to acquire. It is not like bad things are non-existent. It is just believing that these uncertainties come to help teach us and make us better not just as an entrepreneur, but as a person. We can be shaken sometimes but, it should not stay long. We need to achieve constant positive belief in ourselves because it helps to exponentially increase our potential.
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For questions or feedback, email: business.mentor@butzbartolome.com