Start Business While Still Employed

Most books and gurus on entrepreneurship demand total commitment to a chosen business, including physical presence. But for Khriz Gueco, an architect in Saudi Arabia and owner of Gueco Farms in Capaz Tarlac which has more than 30,000 chic heads, he chose to do it a little bit smarter.

“I started this (poultry business) while I was in Al Khobar in 1997. Since then the growth has been steady.” he said.

Contract growing is ideal agri-business for people who have idle land. The size depends on the number of heads (chics) to be contracted.

In terms of risk, it is relatively low. “Basically, the supplier pays for the use of the facility, and payment is on volume or mass produced basis (by kilogram),” Khriz explains.

He claims, however, that the secret of his success lies primarily on his willingness to take the risks, and trust on the people he tasks to take care of the business. In his case, he engaged his family (including the extended ones) in the management.

“One of the smart ways of handling business while away is by having them (the people) feel a sense of ownership. Let them understand the consequences of its failure. That way, they will give due importance and proper care,” he said.

While Khriz continues his profession abroad in order to maximize further his earning potential, he tasked it upon himself to promote the value of entrepreneurship among his colleagues. Every now and then, whenever he is invited to share his insights to small groups or seminars, he reiterates the importance of having a business.

Accordingly, it saves a great deal of remittances, since the business is supposed to be giving livelihood and source of income to the family; and, it acts as a fallback in case something goes wrong with the employment

His advice however is to start a business while employed. “It is actually less risky,” he said. “Should the business turn unfavorable, then employment will provide a leverage to stand up and the capacity to start all over again,” he added.

For tours, and additional information on contract growing business, contact:

GUECO FARMS, Capaz,Tarlac
KSA:(+966)567492081
Manila: +63(02) 7421330 (S)

Lessons from China

Randy Garcia (RG), an illustrator, a sculptor, and a world-class designer, could not afford to confine his works in the local market. When the Philippine export manufacturing sectors suffered so much set back in the early nineties due to Asian crisis, he felt the need to join the bandwagon of Pinoy designers migrating to China.

Now, looking back, Randy had all smiles knowing he had learned so much from his experience. And this is what he has to say:

“More than anytime in my life, now I have realized that it is passion that drive the way to success. You need to have that burning sensation about what you do, and that rampaging determination to accomplish whatever it is that you desire,” he enthused.

Randy realized that though having a stable income for his family was the determining factor why he chose to cross borders, it is his passion for self expression that brought him to his journey.

“Here in China, I have a choice to be a mere sculptor, or an illustrator just like any worker with specific task. But I could not help it. There is so much in my mind, that if I try to suppress them, I’d go crazy,” he emphasized.

And so Randy’s story of little greatness in his company started. Now, one of his tasks is to train Chinese workers to do exactly as he does best - sculpturing.

“Chinese (workers) are very receptive. They are fast learners. It’s probably because of their orientation,” he explains.Randy said that he will not be surprised if he sees a Chinese doing religious relics like the ones in Paete (Laguna).

One of the common criticisms thrown to Pinoy designers like him is the so-called “giving away” of Filipino skills secret in favor of the Chinese.

But Randy is not worried. He believes so much in Filipino talent and artistry. “Our edge is innovation and in the mix & match. That I have to see here yet,” he explained.

“Philippines is still the destination for new exciting designs and innovations. I am not saying this because I am Pinoy, but because that is what I am told by my Western counterparts,” he added.
Randy imparts some valuable lessons to our manufacturing sectors in the country: “We should do away with mass production, there is no way to compete with China products in terms of price. Instead we should aim for total quality custom-made products”.

“Pinoy design is really world-class. Our mixed orientations, and education sets us apart. We should capitalize on that.

“And we have to deliver as this is one of our loopholes. The Chinese are persistent, and very committed. It is high time to re-asses our values if we want to enrich our own system of production. (S)

Designing One's Destination

It is said that the future is not the result of choices among alternatives offered by the present, but the result of conscious activity of mind and will.

Godwin Enerio, an Executive Secretary at ALJ Company in Saudi Arabia, is doing exactly just that. By taking design course at Sessions.edu, a New York based On-line School of Design duly accredited by New York State Department of Education and Distance Education Training Council (DETC), he is consciously taking his path to his future.

Aware of the ever changing economic condition of our country, Godwin is taking no chances to ensure continuity in his capacity to earn.

But unlike others who choose career path on the basis of practicality based on market demands like nursing and caregiving, Godwin chose the one which he is passionate about.

“I chose Design because my current situation (referring to his better earning capacity) permits me to do so, and it is something I can truly express myself and derive inner satisfaction,” he said.

A graduate of Marketing at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Godwin claims that studying actually balances his life, though at times, he experiences the challenge of time management.
So how does Godwin cope?

“Studying while working really eats a lot of time and energy. You need to allot time for both very carefully, so that not one will suffer at the expense of the other,” he said. “I guess what pushes me to go for the limit is the satisfaction I get each time I accomplish a task, or the encouragement I get from my instructors each time I finish an assignment saying I am beginning to develop a recognizable style,” he added. His works are added in the school’s website.

Even then Godwin claims he does not rely on recognitions, but treats them as mere affirmation to pursue his chosen field of study considering its global context - his fellow students come all across the globe .

Asked what is his gameplan? Godwin says, “My current undertaking is to prepare myself for any eventualities. I am hoping that I can use my study as a tool to improve my career, as I try to inject a little bit of creativity with my work whenever I have a chance,” he answered.

“At any rate, I am certain that once I finish this course, many doors will open for possibilities. Besides, it is never a waste of time to invest in oneself,” Godwin added.

John Schaar said the future is not a place we are going, but one we are creating. And as Godwin is seriously picking up valuable lessons in Design, he is slowly creating paths to his own designed destination.

To know more about Godwin and his works, visit www.gshack.com.

(This article appeared in SAWALI E-newsletter. For your free subscription, e-mail us at sawalinews@yahoo.com.ph)

A Big Bird Venture

Lifestyle farmers are enjoying the fastest growing agri-business today - ostrich farming. With the ever increasing demands for its products - jewelry, leathers, accessories, and of course diet-friendly meat, ostrich is little by little making its mark in the market.

Although not really new in the Philippines, our ostrich farmers also recognize the big potential of the local and global market. Mr. Sulayman Mendoza, an Assistant Education Manager in Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hopes to finally return to La Union where he hosts 87 full grown ostriches, aside from his Australian goats.

Sulayman is very optimistic of the great opportunity of ostrich farming that in 2004 he established a cooperative in the hope of sharing his enthusiasm with people of vision, experience and expertise in the field of livestock farming.

The reasons for this high growth rate in ostrich farming are:

First, the ostrich is a fairly easy animal to farm, requiring little land and small amounts of feed.

Second, the ostrich reproduces and grows quickly. In fact, compared to a cattle which produces two calves in a year, a female ostrich lays an average of 60 eggs in a year.

Third, the current price of the ostrich meat is extremely high, and can be quite profitable.

This is why in the US, Australia and New Zeland, lifestyle farmers have the command of the market.

We asked Sulayman on tips on how should OFWs spend their hard-earned money on a good business, he told us that it is always good to look for something new, and never be afraid of going ahead of the market.

Like any other business, one must be brave enough to face the risks, and certainly ostrich farming has its own peculiar challenges to deal with. But it is never wrong to invest your money in something you truly believe.

To know more about ostrich far-ming & Mr. Sulayman Mendoza’s farm, you may contact the following details:

Eng’r. Sulayman “Deo” O. Mendoza
(SJAHI): +966-2–2807777 ext 104
Mobile Number: 966 – 5 – 08686329
Farm Address: Pinoy Foods and Livestock’s Multi Purpose Cooperative Ostrich and Goat Farms
Butubut Este,
Balaoan, La Union (S)

(This article appeared in SAWALI E-newsletter. For your free subscription, e-mail us at sawalinews@yahoo.com.ph)

Posted by sawalinewsletter at 12:27

Productivity

(This article appeared in the Editorial Section of SAWALI E-newsletter, an advocacy newsletter challenging OFWs to become more productive & enterprising. For your free subscription, e-mail us at sawalinews@yahoo.com.ph)

Productivity can be seen in different lights. While most of us look at it as taking some time off from inactivities by doing odd jobs to augment income, productivity may come in the form of taking further studies, acquiring new skill, learning new craft or even picking up new sport. Still, to some, reading a good book over a cup of coffee or while taking their sweet guilty pleasures can be productive as they want it to be.

The measure then to conclude for a time to be productive is if the activity enriches, or affords us insights useful in our present (and future) undertakings. Whatever they are and however meager they may be, they all deserve a good landing in foregoing pages.

Goods of this world, whether money, food, water, even talents and time, are meant for all. Do not deny your stories for they may even become a barometer of success. Otherwise stated, let your tales shine to inspire fellow Pinoys to light their own fire to otherwise dimming nationhood.

Manny Garcia