Patricia Aleckzandra | YoManila
Aside from graduating, getting a job, then traveling; putting up a business should be one of your squad’s goals. Whether it is big or small, building a business together can not only strengthen your ties but also makes you grow individually while working with your bros/gals. Being in a group may look like it is easy when you start a business, but it isn’t. It will be twice, or thrice, harder than operating it alone.
Fortunately, we have come across a group of girl friends who juggles school and corporate life, and owning a cafe. Kapihan: Food and Board Games is Batangas’ first ever board games cafe. This cafe which offers the community a place to unwind is owned by five beautiful and charming ladies – Eleanor, 28; Arianne, 28; Anne Clarisse, 25; Jonna, 25; and Rose Anne, 20. These girls had the cafe last October 29, and they are enjoying it. Here are some of the start-up tips from them that you can jot down.
Do something you love. Having a business can be tiring, but it does not mean it should be stressful. A lot of effort and time will be exerted before succeeding. Putting up a business that you love to do will make the work easier because you are happy doing it. “Para maramdaman mo ‘yung success, gawin mo ‘yung bagay na gusto mo dahil kung hindi, burden lang siya sa iyo everyday. Hindi ka sasaya,” says Jonna.
Find your purpose. There will be times when problems will arise while you are in operation. You will test both your patience and abilities until you are on the edge of giving up, but giving up is never an option. You put up your business because of a reason. When things are getting a bit out of hand, going back to why you started the business is a good reminder why you should continue it.
Build a good team. Look for people who can help you with business. Regardless of which aspect it is (management, interior design, financial, marketing, etc.) make sure to work with people you are very close to. Roan, the youngest among the five, emphasized that your partners should be “the people you trust”. She said that, “It doesn’t matter if you’re only two, or three, or four, or five. What’s important is you work with people you trust.
Let your marketing strategy be your passion. In the cafe’s case, it is sharing the love for coffee, board games, fun, and the community that makes up their marketing and advertising plan. These ladies just wanted to tell people to enjoy. Make people see your passion. Again, think of the main reason why you put up the business. Then, play along with it.
Communicate. In every relationship, communication is one key to make it successful. Planning a business with other people is not easy but through communication, every problems will be solved. Have good communication with the people in your business.
Have a strong support system. Whether it is your family, friends, or loved ones, having a strong support system can really help when starting a business. Their biggest to smallest compliments can boost your confidence, give you a winning energy, push you to be better, and add to the reasons why you should not quit.
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