What have I done today that's related to Business or Investing?

A Business Journal Entry

I met with Layla (not her real name, for security reasons) today and discussed about the prospect and the possibility of doing business or "partnering" with her on her Solar business. We met at 3pm earlier.. I originally asked to meet her at 2:30, but I came in late - how shameful of me - because I went to BPI Bank to withdraw some cash, but surprisingly I met Mac (who was my office-mate and best friend) there. Plus, an amazing thing happened - the BPI guard whom I regularly chat with whenever I go to their bank, asked about my conversation with Mac (which was totally unintentional). He overheard us talking about our cellphone loading business, and so I had to chat with them (good business!) even if I am already running late on my appointment with Layla.

The great thing is that I finally discussed with her the SOLAR aspect of the business "empire" that I dreamed of building. (Apart from the Real Estate corp that I co-partnered and built with some friends, I could adopt or feature a GREEN advocacy towards my business or businesses - which I've always thought of as the righteous thing to do or what people should be doing to care for the environment. And yes, I'm a big dreamer - I'm afraid my mom would knock at my head and bring me back to "reality" when she hears me -- well, I love my mom!). But would it really matter if you tried and failed - but deep inside you only had good intentions and good dreams (the "save-our-mankind" type of thing) for yourself and others?

Anyway, back to my story. Layla and I talked for about an hour and a half. Layla was a bit sad when talking about her sister who just got recently diagnosed with a severe illness. I really feel guilty for somewhat pushing her to talk to about our business, despite her condition. I just thought that this is also for her, and that I really wanted to help, in a way. It's just sad - for anyone to go through a situation like hers. She had to take care of her sister because, as she has said - she's the only one in her family who isn't into office work but into business. I felt relieved though when our talk shifted onto business. Pretty soon, our talk was lively, exciting, and filled with hope. Our minds met immediately and "in sync" with the thought of the great ideas relating to business. I made sure I listened with full attention, and being intent on getting all ideas to sink in with the small time that we both had. Our meeting was a very fruitful one.

Finally, after my walk at the mall (I had errands to do), I had a short (or was it actually lengthy?) talk with my cousin Tonton, who's currently living with us for the time being. I really enjoy listening, chatting, and learning from this promising young man! He's very passionate in learning a lot about his work. He shares and tells stories with great zest and appeal, and talks convincingly - and with such integrity - that I feel like I want to buy anything that he offers to me, even if he is just relating to me his experiences at work. One very good thing about him is that he is a MAN of ACTION. He's very much driven to succeed. He's filled with sincerity, humility, and willingness to share and learn everything about his job. He is purpose-driven. He's hard-working and very much contented with his work at a local sales / advertising company.

If I am to be successful at the company we built, I should emulate him. Even at his young age, I could learn a lot about his efforts and his perseverance.

I even felt a bit ashamed of myself, or maybe envious, or mesmerized - at how he learns so fast, how he embraces the very hard challenges and pressures that comes with his work - even if it's hard for him. (I should know! I worked as a insurance & book salesman before and found it really hard - I decided then that Sales was not for me. I learned the hard way that it was actually the way I should go if I really want to be successful in life and reach my dreams.) He relates to me all the he has experienced, all the hard work that he does. He shares to me in vivid details how he approaches his prospects or clients, how he goes to a building armed only with sheer determination and faith. The astonishing part here is that he does COLD-SELLING! Can you believe how hard would that be? It's not even telemarketing where you are hidden behind a headset, where your clients can't see you. Although I have to admit, their products are great. If you have such a great product to sell, with great benefits, you should always forge ahead and be not afraid. Sometimes, I even feel like joining him at his work - just to LEARN firsthand more about sales, get on through with their rigid training, learn about their brand of strategy in marketing. The experience, the hardships, the learning -- all these would be INVALUABLE!! As the saying goes... "Pressure creates diamond out of stone." My only problem is that it's gonna be a full time job. Although I will really get to learn a lot, learn first-hand how to sell to strangers, how to market in odd circumstances, be forced to do things outside my comfort zone, be driven to succeed. To get REAL TRAINING on how to sell, to advertise, to market. I'd love to try that if I have the time. (But who says I can't try it with my businesses? I have my mentors and books. I have to admit though, there's can be no substitute for experience - direct TRAINING is still very much different.)

It's a good thing that Ton is still young, his mind is still very much focused on learning and growing at his professional career, and that he has a great attitude towards work and his humbling conditions and beginnings (he is the breadwinner for his family - his father died a few years ago).

At a very young age, after all that he's gone through - Tonton remains humble, kind & generous, child-like, and very much determined. I could absolutely say he has the RIGHT MINDSET. And that is why I'm proud of my cousin.

I should learn from him. And so it is, too, with Layla - who works very hard establishing her business. I should surround myself with people like them who has pure heart. Who has uncorrupted minds. Who has unbelievable character.

These people are simply LOVABLE. Who wouldn't want to like them? I should emulate them. Just like how the nurses at St. Luke's Hospital treats visitors and patients - in a great great manner, with such an amazing politeness and tact - and a extremely friendly and comforting smile! You wouldn't even feel like you are in a hospital. Or, rather, you would be amazed to think - "there's a hospital her in the Philippines like this?" It feels like home. It feels horribly like heaven in there that you'd want to stay sick. Everyone wants to be treated genuinely with respect and love.

This is exactly what our country needs.

Well, I would love to talk more. But I have to rest and sleep now. God bless all the people I've met and talked to today. God really has his ways of answering prayers. He answers you directly and straightforward. He talks through the pure hearts of the people who cared to have a genuine chat with you. If only you would listen - but listen carefully, both with your mind and with your heart.

So it's a good thing - even in business, not just in your social life, to have an open mind and to share the abundance and the blessings.

God bless!

May you have a prosperous New Year ahead - as well as a business or an investment (invest in your financial literacy first!) that would be a blessing not only to YOU, but to all whom that your heart may touch through all the SUCCESS that I wish you would have!

Jeng
1/4/2012