Words, pictures, websites, and businesses

Welcome to March! After this month, the first quarter of the year is over. Don't you think it is the best time to assess how you are performing with your goals for the year? It is a great time to revisit and realign your priorities. With day time appearing longer in the coming months (summer's here!), you will feel like being given more chances to accomplish more tasks and develop habits that will enable you to reach your goals.

 "Life is a series of choices" from Stress is a Choice. 

Talking about realigning priorities, I am doing just that this year, starting with this business blog. I initially started this blog to chronicle my progress with my very own business venture (a semi-NGO actually) called Dream Job Superhero. And now that I am putting up an official website for DJS, I would also like to share that experience with you too. 

Creating a website is much like establishing a business in itself. It takes a lot of planning using both creative and analytical thinking. Perhaps you have already heard that having a website (online presence) is a very crucial component that could help a lot in giving life to any business, young or old, micro or giant. If you haven't, then here are two articles for your guidance: Why your business needs a website and Why you need a website. 

Meanwhile, http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/, http://www.abs-cbn.com/, http://www.metrodeal.com/, and http://www.wowphilippinestravelagency.com/ which are among the most visited Philippine websites, are proof that any kind or size of business will benefit from a website.

Research is a vital part of online shopping. 

Image from http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/32985/20-Revealing-Stats-Charts-and-Graphs-Every-Marketer-Should-Know.aspx

Well I may not be able to discuss here how to design a website per se. Although I have some knowledge about html and css, I still rely on my website designer friends to help me create a professional-looking website. I am actually more enamored with creating and improving content for websites. In fact, I am doing just that for two years already as an independent copywriter and copy editor. And I love it because I love words, pictures, websites, and businesses (Yes! It feels nice to be able to include the title of this post inside the post article itself :-)) So you see, it is fun weaving words together and making them work to make a business work!

For the next posts, we will be talking about the plans and studies I make as I create a website. Right now, I am thinking about topics like why a business should have a website, what should a website contain, what to do next now that your business has a website, and many other things about the creative side of business.

So if these things interest you, please feel free to visit this blog again!

Thanks and good day! :-)

DJS: Two Years Online and The Knowledge Hero T-shirt Series

Five days from now, Dream Job Superhero (DJS), which began as Super Occupation Superhero (SOS), will celebrate its two years of online presence (although it started promoting on November 15, 2012). 

DJS started as a manufacturer of quality educational, motivational, and inspirational materials, school supplies, novelty items, accessories, and services for kids and adults. For its initial offering, DJS/SOS created the Dream Job Charts. 
 

These charts are still available! Read How to Order instructions here :-)

 We also created career-themed accessories. 
 

These bracelets are still available! Read How to Order instructions here :-)

Then, we joined a pre-Christmas bazaar where we had a great time validating our products and promoting our cause! :-)

The following year, more products have been produced and sold. A contest was launched to say thank you to its 100 followers!

But creating an educational, motivational, and inspirational website for the Filipino youth has always been in the pipeline. We wanted to reach out to more Filipino youth and help them find a place in this world and live meaningful lives. And so, this year, Dream Job Superhero is bent on trying several means and ways to launch this dream website! :-)

So, last June of this year, I went to the Dream Expo MNL of the The Dream Project PH to represent Dream Job Superhero, hoping to find inspiration and perhaps contacts and promote the dream job superhero website. Auspiciously, I met there the founders of ProTEES Project, the first T-shirt crowd funding company in the Philippines. Four months later, we now have this!

The Knowledge Hero T-Shirt Series is created to raise funds for the creation of the Knowledge Hero website, which is the aforesaid educational, motivational, and inspirational website for the Filipino youth. In particular, Knowledge Hero aims to be the most reliable and engaging online dream jobs databank and career path resource/e-magazine to guide the future heroes of our country and the world. 


If you like to order and help us launch this website, please happily click this way (yes, click happily because you are doing something really good and noble ;-)) Knowledge Hero T-Shirt Series

In 2015, we look forward to the launching of the Knowledge Hero website and with your usual support, nothing is impossible. :-) Thank you so much for being with us in our two-year journey! :-) 

Day 3 in The Dream Expo Manila 2014

I can summarize Day 3 using Scud Dy's statement for Gugu, "relevant awesomeness." I can say Day 3 was indeed relevantly awesome!

After some more speeches from young social entrepreneurs and innovators, the participants were grouped into clusters and were subjected to mini-seminars/workshops where the speakers of the previous days discussed more about the business aspects of putting up a social enterprise. The mini-seminars included business modeling courtesy of Kawil Tours, prototyping presented by people from Bahay-Kubo Organics, branding visibility by Works of Heart, Partnerships by Muni PH, and Making the Pitch by IdeaSpace Foundation.

The awesome part was that the participants were given the chance to ask questions and even seek advice regarding their own ideas and social business ventures. On my part, I was able to ask Kawil Tours if they created an exit plan and if so, what is it. Guido said that the best exit plan is to ensure that the social innovators enable the community to be able to stand up on their own. In fact, that has been the case for Kawil Tours because Guido and his team can't be in Culion-Coron all the time. Also enabling the community and empowering them give the people a sense of pride, leadership, and ownership, all of which will only redound to the benefit of the community and the social enterprise and even of the generations to come.

Even more awesome was, like other dreamers, I was able to create a  pitch for Dream Job Superhero and present it to fellow dreamers and to Ian Corpuz of The Spark Project. Then, I was even able to talk to Ian and ask about how he got involved with The Spark Project, a remarkable social innovation that awards funds to people with great business ideas.

But definitely, the most awesome and brilliant part of Day 3 was when the participants were given the chance to approach each other and ask about each other's dreams and ideas. Now, I know that it is not only business cards alone that I was able to gather in the event, but rather, I have gained quite a number of new friends/acquaintances/contacts who I know I share with the same interest in aspiring good for the country.

We did not expect to be given certificates of participation, but here we were very happy to receive them.

Photo courtesy of Portal for Youth (P4Y)

Realizations at The Dream Expo MNL

Now that it has been two weeks since the Dream Expo Manila 2014, the inspiration that I have gained is still very much alive in my heart and I am sure that my fellow participants share the same sentiment too. I imagined it would be great if I could exchange some thoughts with my Expo batch mates regarding the event. So thru Facebook, I asked some of them about what are the most important things they have learned/realized in The Dream Expo Manila 2014. And now, with great honor, I present to you their answers:


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Dream Expo made me realize that our youth has so much potential and I am very positive about the future of this country. I think that the expo was successful in making all participants aware that the Filipino dream is always possible. – Charles Ladia

For me, dapat tayong mangarap ng hindi makasarili dapat tayong mangarap na sakop ang buong lipunan. Napagmunihan ko na hindi sa atin umiikot ang lipunan kundi tayo ang bumubuo sa lipunan, kaya't isa man sa atin ang makapagdulot ng maganda sa lipunan madadamay at makakasama ang iba na bumubuo sa lipunan sa isang magandang pag-iral. Hindi sa atin umiikot ang milkyway galaxy kundi tayo ang bumubuo sa ganitong konsepto. Kung ang kanser ay dulot ng hindi magandang pagiral ng cell, cell din (stem cell) ang makakapagdulot ng kagalingan dito sa konsepto ng medisina. Sa ating lipunan kung ang kanser ay nagmumula sa hindi maayos at produktibong pag-iral ng mamamayan, magagamot ang kanser sa pamamagitan ng mga taong magiging produktibo, at nangangarap ng mga imposibleng bagay. – Xander Villaluz

#TheDreamExpoMNL has taught me the importance of dreaming; that every dream counts and that we should not be afraid to dream big not only for ourselves but most importantly for our country, for the Philippines. I've realized that dreams can change the world; dreams with execution. In order to contribute to today’s society, to its progress and development, we must put our dreams into reality. We should always have the courage to try and strive for what we want to achieve. And as we move forward in our journey, we will be surely encountering challenges and failures along the way but as Mr. Steve Benitez said “Don’t let success get into your head, but don’t let failure get into your heart.” Our speakers/ mentors and all the participants of the #TheDreamExpoMNL are the best examples of dreaming with execution, individuals who exemplified courage and bravery. We may have different advocacies and beliefs but we are continuously fighting for a single dream, a better Philippines. – Kristel Capio

The best takeaway from the #DreamExpoMNL is to learn how to be a professional beggar! Haha! And that be always proud of whatever your advocacy is so that you can find people who share the same passion and goals! – KB Meniado

It's a great privilege to have joined the Dream expo MLA and be in a room filled with dreamers, and passionate people who want to do something to give back to or country and especially them who have done it and continue to inspire us. This realization from the 3 day expo continues to linger up to this day in my mind, and I most eagerly share with friends. That we are never too old or too busy to dream. No matter how crazy or simple, many or one, as long as we do and we do something to make it happen. Let's fuel our passion and make it burn the brightest. And even if the wave crashes on us or the wind blows the light out, we should rise above our failures and flow to the beat of our heart. – Zel Enriquez

One of the things that made an impression upon me was how crucial it was to ground your plans with the WHY. You have to start with the purpose or cause that propels you in wanting to do something for your community. Having that will keep you anchored when trials arise from pursuing your passion. Knowing exactly what you want in life, your specific goals, what matters most to you and why, keeps you moving forward. I loved that part where Roxy Navarro reminded us that the area where our deepest passions intersect with the world's hunger is where one should serve (Venn diagram). Another lesson I got was on the importance of networking and surrounding yourself with the best people. I really enjoyed being a part of Dream Expo Manila! – Ros Raymundo

 

What struck me the most during The Dream Expo MNL is the Hope and Love for the Philippines that filled each and everyone in the room, and is what united all of us there. Amidst all the problems in our country, these innovators were able to see the diamond in the rough, the opportunities amidst the crisis, and they dreamed to make things better for our country and they did, and they still continue to do so. And I realize how important it is to be in the know of what's happening in our society, and I mean not just the problems, but people out there who are doing what they can for the Philippines—they are to be admired, and emulated. It's great to be in the company of all these people because it made me see how I'm not alone in this fight, that there is indeed hope for the country and it's a dream we can make a reality. : ) – Jenny Ngo Gui, Muni

 

1.) Changemakers are troublemakers. I'm so happy and inspired to know that the crazy people are the best people. Go lang nang go. Fight authority, fight the system, fight everything just for what you believe in. 2.) Hashtag Tiwala. Pushing for an advocacy is a big leap of faith. You'll never know if it will pay off. Learn to love, learn to learn. At least you tried (but I'll never know how to move on haha). 3.) Always live for the other, BUT, make sure you leave something for yourself. Kenosis? I think that's what they call it? Haha. One thing that I would always remember is to acknowledge sacrifice with sustainability. Haha. – Marc Wendolf Duque

Dream Expo pushes me to innovate. This experience gives me learning and understanding on how to create good business opportunities. I will never get tired of joining this kind of events because the experiences and ideas of the speakers keep me motivated to move forward on what I want to do and where i need to go. - Alastair Narcisa

"I learned that there's always hope. You can help in any way you can." - Nap Garcia, ProTees Project

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Day well spent in The Dream Expo Manila 2014

This write-up is not meant to be a blow-by-blow account of #TheDreamExpoMNL, but a point of view of a dreamer (me) who went to the event to get a glimpse of what other dreamers look like and what they are doing with their dreams.

The name of my social innovation is Dream Job Superhero (DJS). One day, while conducting some research for DJS, I decided to type in the word “dream” in the Facebook search tab to see and study other fanpages that start with the word “dream.”

https://facebook.com/DreamJobSuperhero

Soon, flashing before my eyes were these amazing keywords: Filipino innovators, social innovation, youth initative, Asian Development Bank, Bam Aquino.

The Dream Expo MNL Event Poster

And a few minutes later, I found myself typing what Dream Job Superhero is all about and pitching why I should be included among the lucky social innovators to be invited to the event.

Dream Job Superhero and the Dream Project PH

A week later came the announcement. Two hundred innovators were chosen and, by the conspiracy of all the wonderful angels and saints walking on earth (referring to the panel of judges who screened the applicants—by the way, thanks a bunch, sirs and ma’ams!) Dream Job Superhero was IN.

Fast forward to June 11, I set foot inside the Asian Development Bank, a dream workplace of many Filipinos. And barely a minute in the venue, I met a very nice, friendly, and passionate youth advocate, Kristel Capio. She is Vice President for Advocacy of UST-Unicef. A few minutes more, Kristel and I approached solo goers like us, Charles of Batasan/Polaris, and Kamille of Century Tuna.

While waiting for the event to commence, I decided to do an ID selfie. Nevermind the round face. I was just elated to share my joy that day (and I wished I started my #100happydays so I could have included that day!)

I also took a photo of the name of the event that was projected on the screen. And then, when the invocation and singing of the national anthem took place, I was taken to a trip to memory lane. I felt like a high school student once again, imagining things that I could offer my beloved country. It was a remarkable feeling which I sure will always remember with fondness.

Inspiring Words for Dreamers from Dreamers/Doers

There were so many inspiring words and stories that were said in Day 1. I could imagine if those words were in the form of evaporated water and flew straight to the clouds, it could have rained a lot of blessings in the entire country!

Here are some amazing words that I found inspiring. Each of them will be followed by a short reflection on my part. I hope you get to make your own reflections too.

Sen. Bam Aquino discussing about the rise of social enterprises in the country since 2006.

1. "Nanay, it is nice that you have dreams for your children, pero pwede rin po kayo mangarap para sa sarili ninyo mismo. Dream a little bit bigger, Nanay. Para matuto rin mangarap ang mga anak ninyo… Age-old problems can't be solved by age-old solutions. There is a need for creative and innovative solutions." - Sen. Bam Aquino

I was reminded of the Filipino saying: "Ang ginagawa ng matanda ay nagiging tama sa mata ng bata." Example will always be the best teacher, thus when the parents are doing their best to provide a good life for their family, albeit circumstances make it extremely hard to get out of poverty, the sincere and genuine effort to fight for a better life alone (couple it with love of course) will inspire the children to do the same.

Guido Sarreal, Kawil Tours

2. “Any economic activity should benefit the locals first & foremost. why is it so hard to establish a social enterprise? Because it is community-based, but that is what is important, necessary.” - Guido Sarreal, Kawil Tours 

Guido was a good storyteller like Ivan Henares. In fact, I felt like I have already visited Culion and met the people there just by listening to him speak. Guido's story further made me realize that a community is willing to support someone who believes that their contribution as a community matters. It must be remembered that a community is comprised of people who are a thinking people. They have knowledge. They are individuals with rights, thoughts, abilities, and aspirations. They are not just a bunch of charity case waiting to be helped and fed.

Earl Martin Valencia, IdeaSpace Foundation

3. “As a 16-year-old, I wrote the things I wanted to achieve when I reach 30. And though my friends then laughed at me because of some things in my list (get a girlfriend, graduate with honors in college, become an astronaut), having a list is powerful. The list lead to where I am now. And yes my prom date that time is now my wife. And I get to have the last laugh!”

(paraphrased words excerpted from the talk of Earl Martin Valencia, president and co-founder of IdeaSpace Foundation, and former Systems Engineering Lead - Architecture at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems and Manager, Business Development, Strategy and Incubation - Emerging Technologies Group at Cisco, at #TheDreamExpoMNL)

Roxy Navarro, Works of Heart, www.worksofheartph.com

4. “There are three things to remember in pursuing a social enterprise. Have the following:

a. Courage. Wherever you are remember the poor.
b. Passion
c. Hope”
                                     - Roxy Navarro, Works of Heart

Roxy seemed very zealous with the cause that she supports. She proved that one can hold on to one’s day job and still successfully pursue one’s passion and help people. She also stressed that artists (or anyone, for that matter), who works for social enterprises should also receive payments for their work, albeit charging only a fair or reduced price. This setting ensures that people could always give their best to their works. Roxy did not exactly say this but I guess she harped on the idea that there is a difference in doing volunteer works intermittently and working for social enterprises full-time.   

5. Relevant awesomeness - Scud Dy, Gugu 

I like the phrase “relevant awesomeness!” I think all products and services should have this quality. Good idea, Scud!

Anya Lim, Ant Hill

6. “Have a dialog with them. Don't tell them hey let's do this business because my idea will work.” - Anya Lim, Ant Hill

Because I am a textbook editor, I was elated when Anya said she owes her passion for her craft and her love for the country to her Sibika at Kultura Grade One book—that as a child, the poem in the book about the different ethnic groups in the Philippines intrigued her a lot and the characters there, all in their glorious ethnic dresses, served as her Cinderella and Snow White and other fairytale princesses. I realized further how one’s childhood could really inspire a child to someday become a good member of the country,  and how one’s family can develop certain aspirations in a child. Her family believed it important to travel first within the country before exploring other nations. And thus, Anya’s loved for the country blossomed.

7. "Hindi ko na tinigilan." - Cristine Mansinares, Tourism Officer at City Government of Sipalay

The phrase refers to how as a child, she already dreamed of serving her hometown by promoting it as a tourism destination. This dream she nurtured after being able to explore Sipalay with her mother who was a biology teacher, if I remember it correctly. Again, this is another testimony on how parents can nurture dreams in a child.

8.  “Sorry for the inconvenience. We are changing the world.” – Anna Oposa, Save Philippine Seas

I love how Anna reiterated that we should not remain passive, that Filipinos should be restless and take an active stance in protecting the Philippine Seas.

9. H-harnessing
O-opening your wallet
P-perspiration
E-empowering others – Jay Jaboneta, Yellow Boat of Hope

I haven’t really immersed myself fully with my dream social innovation Dream Job Superhero as I still do many other income-generating activities which eat most of my daytime. And yet, I can completely relate to Jay’s definition of Hope, especially the “O” part. Because a social enterprise “is” an enterprise, a person engaging in it should learn how to work around money and use whatever available resources to ensure that the social enterprise survive and thrive.

Prim Paypon, The Dream Project PH

10. We have to teach children how to dream not only for themselves, but also for the country. – Prim Paypon

I dream the same thing with Dream Job Superhero. I pray that Dream Job Superhero can help the youth of today become motivated to do their best in their studies so they can attain their dream jobs. Yet, their dreams should not end there. Dream Job Superhero also aims to inspire the youth to use their future profession/career/vocation and the skills and talents they have developed for themselves to help make the nation and the world a better place to live in.

Yours truly with fellow participant Kristel Capio of UST-Unicef and Dream Expo Innovator, Prim Paypon

With Marc Wendolf Duque of Promdi, Ateneo De Manila and Charles Ladia of the House of Representatives

Day 1 ended with me wishing that I did not make other plans for June 12 (Day 2 of the Expo). I would have loved to be there again and learn some more. But at least I was sure I will return on Day 3 (And I did! Please read my blog about it too, here!) And the best thing that I realized in Day 1 is that whether I push on with Dream Job Superhero or pursue a different project altogether, there are many social innovations in the country that I can support as much as there are many social innovators out there who are also ready to help me. After all a social innovation is a social movement. And the collaboration of many is the essence of making a social innovation work.

#dreambigPhilippines

You might also want to read this: Day 3 in The Dream Expo Manila 2014

KEY TO STICKING TO BUSINESS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: NOTE TO SELF

When I decided to quit my job and go into business, I really was not sure if I was ready. But I knew I had to do it because I was no longer happy at work and I did not want my attitude to affect the quality of my outputs. Of course, I was worried over how long will I be able to endure months without a sure source of income. After all, just like majority of minimum income earning Filipino families, I too share in paying for our monthly bills. Yet, I still decided to take a leap of faith, very much like as if I'm opening myself to the possibility of a romantic relationship. I knew that starting a business comes with many challenges, but I did not expect that it will take this long for me to get used to how business really works. Nor was I prepared to see my stash of money quickly evaporating and the calendar shedding pages in a rush before I could even sell an item from my online store. Honestly, sometimes, I thought of giving up, but then, I would look at this little note I wrote just a few months ago and I am reminded why I decided to venture into this unknown world.

Yes, the business that I have put up is a sort of a social enterprise and perhaps, this is also one of the major reasons why I am having difficulties with this quest. I hope to combine earning plus being able to inspire people, in this case, by putting up a business that creates products that inspire children, most especially those in small private schools and public schools, to dream and strive for their dream jobs. I design, create and market the products. And then, I also search for articles on the web to post on my business fan page to inspire readers. I do everything on my own, and that is also another reason why business is still slow. Add to this is the fact that I accept editing and writing jobs because I still need to earn for my family and to have funds to keep my business afloat. I think I really am spreading myself thin.

In times of despair and wanting to give up, I look back at my little note to self. And then the passion flares again!* (Yep! This line is from the song "Sometimes when we touch!") I realize that a little note could contain my business mission statement, and seeing it every day would be my key to sticking to my business goals and objectives.

Now, with my business mission statement written down clearly, I am also becoming more open to other possibilities. Like perhaps, I am just an instrument of this business idea which is really intended for someone else or for a bigger group. Perhaps, I can convince an NGO or other social entrepreneurs to join me or I could endorse my idea to them. And then I could go back finding a job where I could read and write and edit and promote stuff - four things that I also truly love aside from forming business ideas. And through that job, I could still inspire children because I was able to fulfill another dream of mine - earn a decent living through writing.

I also read this quote every day, something I found posted in Bo Sanchez's fan page which said:

"Never give up on the dreams that God has placed in your heart. But you can experiment in various ways in fulfilling them - until you find the right one." - Bo Sanchez

It may take me years to realize my dreams (business and personal dreams at that), and similar to planting a tree, it is normal to wait and have faith that soon I will see my labors bear fruit. 



---------------

*This strategy of writing down one's purpose for doing something is something that I have incorporated in the wall charts which I offer in my business. I practice what I preach! See the wall charts here (click the link):

SOS Dream Job Charts

What is a businessperson?

Hi, Everyone!

It has been almost a year since I last posted anything here because, yes, I have been busy with my actual business and other freelancing gigs! Yey!

But I have not forgotten my promise. I will still share with you my travails in this very exciting journey. In fact, as one big revelation, I could say that being a businessperson is but a concept in one's mind. One can be employed and still be a businessperson. By this, I mean, when you are rendering services or producing something for a company as its employee, and you know your worth or the worth of your services and can successfully reach your financial goals, then, by all means, you already are a businessperson. And this is what I hope to imbibe in my consciousness. I could get back to working in an office and be wiser with my money and investments outside the office and still say that I am working for myself and not wasting my time. Good positive thinking, huh? :)

Now, to thank you for sticking around with me and this blog, I am happy to announce that I have just put up a new page in this site which I named:

Seminars for Freelancers

Go click the link and see where to go to learn about freelancing in the coming months :)

Carpe diem!

Business Opening Tomorrow!

Who is this girl? We will know TOMORROW! Stay tuned for the announcement of a new fan page where you will meet her and where you can check out cool products that will inspire you and help you with your career!!! :-)

Business Opening Very Soon!!!

WHO IS SHE? YOU WILL KNOW ON NOVEMBER 15, 2012

New Generation Learners

I wanted to venture in the manufacture and retail of school supplies, so when I heard about the seminar entitled Tech Tutor 4: The Next Generation of Learners, I knew I had to be there. Why? Because I am currently studying some classic business principles and current trends that may be applicable to a school supplies business. (Read my previous article about timeless business principles and current trends here: How I Merge Classic Business Principles and New Trends.)

School supplies may be considered as basic commodities because students use them regularly during school days, however, with the current economy and latest technological developments, a very important question now comes to my mind. If printed textbooks may eventually give way to e-textbooks, what would become of regular notebooks and pad papers? So I went to the seminar to get a glimpse on what could be expected in the future world of education, at least in the eyes of the learners.

In Tech Tutor 4, it was pointed out that PowerPoint presentations and videos are but ordinary productions that students and teachers now do in their classes. Thus, the seminar included some sessions on photography, videography, and PowerPoint. Nonetheless, there were also a few product presentations from representatives from Microsoft Office and other software and hardware companies about their latest products which students and teachers alike can use in their classes. It was the first time I heard about SkyDrive  which is an app that enables the user to save and update files automatically in sync between his/her computers (PC or Mac) and SkyDrive.com.

Of course the main man of the seminar, Mr. Jerry Liao, presented the most interesting topics that include the characteristics of new learners and how their learning is heavily influenced by new technologies. One concrete example he gave was that with the use of smartphones or laptops (considering of course that students and teachers in the future already normally use these gadgets in their classes), students can easily validate real-time if what their hearing from their teacher is correct.  Vice versa, through the help of expert teachers, students can check if what they are reading on their phones is indeed factual. Learning then becomes more interactive wherein both students and teachers can share knowledge. Then Mr. Jerry Liao showed a very exciting clip about augmented reality.

Mr. Liao further presented how students could use future smartphones in their learning. Future smartphones could scan and detect objects, places, and people’s faces then give their names and other information about them. So, when students go on a field trip, they could simply use their phones and focus it on, say, a flower, and their phones would give out the flower’s name and other details like its scientific name and medicinal properties. Or students could be on a trip in a historical site and again, their smartphones could give accounts about the places they visit.

Going back now to how I will use what I have learned in this seminar to my prospective business. I daresay that although it is good to take things one step at a time, I should also be forward-looking so I don’t get left behind. Who knows perhaps in the latter phases of my business, I could develop a school supplies augmented reality? But hey, that’s just future me talking. For now, I would simply remember that my target market is very dynamic, visual,  present in the world wide web, and eager to learn as long as they are having fun. School supplies can be fun. : -)

How I Merge Classic Business Principles and New Trends

Everyone knows that it is important to know the current trends in line with one’s business. Knowledge of the current trends (like what is in, what is out) is as big a factor as having increased financial intelligence first  in entrepreneurship. As Spencer Johnson mentioned in his self-improvement book, Who Moved My Cheese?, “If you do not change, you can become extinct!” Well, if you are someone like me who is still enjoying the conception of your business, you don’t want your business to become extinct even before it is born, right? But you also do not want to be too engrossed with studying the current trends that you lose sight of the basic principles of succeeding in business. We don’t want that risk, don’t we?

So, before jumping into learning about the new trends and adopting each and every new fad you discover, remember that embracing change should not mean foregoing proven truths and classic principles. A dynamic business is one that is structured on both established principles and changing realities. 

One example of a combination of both is like this: A classic principle in business is to know the customers’ needs, like check Maslow's hierarchy of needs as well as study what people seem to need but no one is offering yet. Then, add to that classic principle the observable reality today on people’s buying behavior. For instance, lately, people have a higher chance of buying something that has been liked by a great number of friends and thousands of other people in Facebook rather than a product that has been offered to the buyer by a telemarketer who tries to convince him/her over the phone and saying “Sir/Ma’am, we have something that you need.”

Now this kind of businessperson, the one who conducts a business research based on classic business principles and then combining it with the current marketing trends is on the right track. One evident type of business is a manufacturer of classic products, let's say, a bath soap, which is a basic need of people. Then realizing that many people now in their area of concern want to have fairer skin, they began to add glutathione in their soaps and proceeded to offering the product to the public using the latest advertising strategies and promotions.

So, this marriage of the classic and the new for my business is what I have in mind when I went to Tech Tutor 4 yesterday, September 25. Tech Tutor 4 is a seminar on multimedia in education facilitated by educator / business technology specialist, Mr. Jerry Liao. In that seminar, I got to know my target market (the youth) and learn about some latest technological trends that my target market raves about. You can read about my post about this seminar and how I intend to use the knowledge I gained here in my future posts.

In the meantime, here is a photo I took on one of the slides presented in the seminar--the one that contains ideas I could use to guide me in my prospective business:

Elle goes into business and is having fun! You too, go into business! :)