Unexpected Opportunities Are Welcome

Let me tell you about January 8. I like it. It is so symbolic. And many people pretty much think that way too I suppose! People choose it as wedding date, business launch date, or a date to file important documents and make big decisions. January is the first month of the year, while the number eight is circular and thus "it never ends" as it is written like the infinity symbol, only upright. What day could appear luckier than that?

I myself have reserved that date for the launching of my education project, but the year is an open date. Nonetheless, January 8 of this year has become remarkable for me too because Shoppersguide.com.ph (SG) has been launched! But if I had been rigid, I wouldn’t have seen it launched and skyrocketing now, albeit with some bumps as it is only in its beta stage, but nevertheless! Does the success have to do with being launched on a lucky day? Perhaps, but I think it has to do with preparedness and taking a leap of faith. That’s what happened to me when I joined SG.

Shoppersguide is “the one-stop national online directory and guide for shoppers, diners, and travelers to find stores, restaurants, and resorts offering specific brands, food, or services with just a few clicks.” I work part-time at SG and have been rendering editorial services for them.

I shop often and I love dining out every now and then, but traveling hasn't really been my priority for some reasons. When I was offered the gig, for awhile, I thought I would be a misfit. And besides, what would happen to the project I am working on?

Fortunately, I had the chance to weigh things over and went on to accept the job. They wanted someone who can write and edit have knowledge and interest in shopping, dining, traveling, and web writing. I am all that except for the traveling part, but I am quite an armchair expert on that. I have explored many places in my reading and watching. And now, thanks to this project, I have already been traveling for work assignments and have gone to Bacolod and Cebu City. Closest friends say it's my luck, and they are right, but I would like to consider it more than anything else a blessing waiting to arrive when I have found my courage and the timing is right.

Take a leap of faith and fly!

Two months since it has launched, Shoppersguide has been ranking No. 1 for many of its articles. We couldn't be prouder. I have a learned a lot and have shared so much of my knowledge too. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) have been my greatest passions (with arts and sciences trailing closely behind), which I intend to focus on in my dream project. But now, with SG, I am able to do it already together with intelligent friends and colleagues. SG is a dream project by itself. I believe in its mission of giving chances for small businesses around the country, even those from the remotest of places, a chance to be heard of and reached online.

I guess the learning to be taken here is that I should be more open to opportunities that come my way. I shouldn't limit myself to my comfort zone or to what other people will say. Even money to be earned shouldn’t be my primary motivation, but the experiences to be gained: if the opportunity will be a great vehicle for learning and improving myself, even if the income isn’t very appealing, I should take it! That’s Robert Kiyosaki speaking too.

In welcoming unexpected opportunities, no matter the date or time of year, we should choose those that will make us grow. Ultimately, we’d be surprised where the experience will take us, and often it could even be beneficial in attaining our "fixed goals."

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. 



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*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