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IS IT TIME TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?

Economy is falling worldwide. The world is clearly in recession and transition. It is expected to

last for few more years. A country called Iceland collapsed few months ago because the prime

minister and the entire cabinet ministers resigned. Every day in the news we hear companies

slashing projections, jobs and budgets. To date, there are almost nearly 20 million jobs shaved

worldwide and nearly 80 million people will get affected (assuming one job to feed 4

household) and we know these figures aren’t slowing down. But, is there any opportunity

besides doom and gloom?

Stimulus packages launched everywhere (including McDonald’s) to boost the economy. Other

than stimulus packages, the government also adopted tax cut, groceries price cut, buy own-

produced campaign and many more. Yes, these measures can impact the economy as a whole,

but it will probably take 1-2 years to get these packages and effect into the system. What about

yourself? What can you do so you can save your own job and family? Heard of entrepreneur?

But is it time to be an entrepreneur?

Who is an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneur shifts low economic activity and convert it into higher yield activity. They view

change as healthy and is a norm. True entrepreneur is always on the hunt for change, and he

respond to it and later exploits it to his objective. But what about capital and other resources?

And… what others will say about me behind my back should I decide to be an entrepreneur?

One of the common challenges for being an entrepreneur is well said by Claude Hopkins, “Every

great move I have made in life has been ridiculed and opposed by my friends. The greatest

winnings I have made, in happiness, money or content, have been accomplished amid almost

universal scorn. But I have reason in this way: The average man is not successful. We meet few

who attain their goal, few who really happy or content. Then why should we let the majority

rule in matters affecting our lives?”.

There are many ways how you can be an entrepreneur. You don’t have to quit your current job

just to be called “entrepreneur”. Neither should you set up a competing company to siphon

jobs from your existing organization. The good news is you can practice “entrepreneur’s mental

model” for a start. So, how to “think like an entrepreneur”? Here’s how.

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1. Entrepreneur shifts low economic activity and turn it into higher yield

activity

� Look in your current job and evaluate which activity that can be converted from low

yield to higher yield. It can be about speedier delivery, better quality, lower complaint

and many more.

2. Entrepreneur creates value

� Value creation is very important. Focus on what the customer wants and needs. The

customer can be internal and external people. When your customer is happier, you will

be happier too!

3. Entrepreneur sees change as healthy and a norm

� Let say your company is embarking on some new initiatives, you should find out what is

it all about and find ways to support them. Be less difficult and make more contribution

on how to make things better.

4. Entrepreneur is greedy for new things

� Hunt for new skills and knowledge within the company. Make friends with people from

other department and try to understand their work contribution. Subsequently you will

understand how the entire company is organized. Good for you!

5. Entrepreneur comes out with solutions

� There are plenty of ideas and problems around us, but not many get executed and

successful. Simply because we always wait someone else will do it for us. From now on,

take charge and do something about it.

There are still many more, but you should try these five first. Practice it long enough and we

assure you great results!! And we conclude “it is time to be an entrepreneur”.

Start TODAY!

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QUICKIES

Say you are already an entrepreneur / businessman and you are finding ways how to sustain

your business during this tough time. Some of the following tips just might save your day and

business.

1. Focus on your core strengths � too many things to do require too many resources. So,

let’s build depth and increase your chances by hammering your core strengths.

2. Cut back investment on new ideas � new ideas are good, but spend extra time before

executing and before it blow up your investment. Start small and practice consistency.

3. Negotiate rent with your land lord � You need extra support from your landlord, go

and talk to them. You might save few dollars, better than nothing! Especially if you are

about to rent a new place! Try your luck!

4. Get rid of underperform staffs � You have been holding back to “sack” your

underperformers, now its time to shave them off. Underperformer costs more to

maintain because they also can make your customer turning away from you.

5. Motivate your good staffs � People is asset to your company, especially good people.

Make sure you make them feel safe and happy to work. Give pep on the back for good

job and recognize their contribution.

“Sell-able Quote”

A company does not need to be small and new to be an entrepreneur.” -

Anonymous

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Please circulate this “Entreprenovator Newsletter” to your friends, contacts and team. Paste it

on your bulletin board if you please. We hope this article serves as a reminder for all of us.

Someone once said, “To be good is to change, to be perfect is to change often.”

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