Tag Archives: emprendimiento

Razones de peso

¿Sabes cuál es la principal razón por la cual empleados deciden montar un negocio?

a. En su red social, hace unos meses se toparon con un socio estratégico que les ofreció una oportunidad, que luego de hacer un análisis metódico, aparenta ser un negocio viable y sostenible.  Además sacaron las cuentas, y con sus ahorros pueden cubrir la inversión inicial y su costo de vida hasta que el nuevo emprendimiento de un retorno que reemplaza su sueldo

b. Con los cambios que se aproximan como resultado del reciente TLC con Estados Unidos, ha surgido una oportunidad.  Luego de desarrollar un plan de negocio a 5 años, han logrado obtener un préstamo con bajo intereses y términos flexibles

c. Han calculado su costo de vida, y se han dado cuenta que el actual negocio complementario que han manejado por los pasados años, ha crecido lo suficiente para cubrir sus costos a largo plazo

d. Odian a su jefe.

Si haz elegido la respuesta d. es porque, al igual que yo, haz puesto atención al run run que se escucha, de lunes a viernes, en cubículos, pasillos y cafeterías alrededor del mundo.

Aunque apoyo a las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYME), y admiro a quienes han tomado un riesgo para montarlas y la visión para liderarlas, por medio de este post busco dar herramientas a aquellos empleados que están considerando, por razones negativas, dejar sus empleos para montar un negocio – o independizarse como dice el termino arcano*.  Es decir, ven un negocio como un medio para huirle a algo – sea un jefe, un colega, un horario de trabajo.  Aunque no querer sentir rabia, desespero, aburrición en tu vida laboral es aceptado, lo que no es aceptado (ni aconsejado), es arriesgar tu ingreso actual y tus ahorros para montar un negocio – sin antes hacer un análisis riguroso de la oportunidad en mano.

Recalco que el mayor logro no es saltarse la paredilla de tu actual empleo.  El mayor logro es, al otro lado, sobrepasar lo que has alcanzado como empleada.  Y eso requiere, entre lo principal, entender el mercado (la competencia y la demografía target), tener un plan a mínimo 5 años, capital y si es el caso, contar con socios igual de comprometidos y apasionados como tu.

Entonces antes de volarte la paredilla considera:

  1. Independencia no es un plan de negocio – Aunque montar un negocio te traerá un cambio en tu vida laboral, buscar eso no es una razón sostenible para montar un negocio.  Una visión clara, apoyada por  productos o servicios diferentes a los demás, ofrecidos a un precio competitivo, distribuidos por canales efectivos – entre lo principal, lo es.
  1. Un negocio no es una panacea – Si crees que tener tu propio negocio será la cura de todos tus dolores y molestias como empleado – te invito a caminar en los zapatos de un empresario – aunque sea por una mañana.  Te darás cuenta que aunque ser empresario por supuesto trae consigo aspectos positivos, como todo, también tiene elementos que deben ser aguantados – como la constante presión de pagar a proveedores y a empleados. Entre otros. Te digo esto, no para desmotivarte de tener tu propio negocio, más bien para que entres al ruedo bien informada – y con estrategias para manejar las realidades que trae tener un negocio.
  1. Un proyecto no es un negocio – He presenciado como empleados han dejado sus puestos porque en una fiesta o mientras escogían lechuga en el supermercado, una amiga les habla de una oportunidad de negocio. En el afán de parar de aguantarse los caprichos de su jefe, no consideran a fondo la oportunidad – la cual resulta ser un proyecto de corto plazo. Terminado el proyecto a los 3 o 6 meses, deben buscar otro empleo.  Cosa que se ha podido prevenir si un análisis riguroso y disciplinado se hubiera hecho de dicha “oportunidad.”
  1. Una buena idea y un buen producto no son suficiente – Claro que ayuda tener algo bueno que ofrecer al mercado.  Mas sin embargo te recuerdo que todos los días, productos considerados malos o mediocres son comprados – mientras que aquellos considerados buenos o excelentes son ignorados, y dejados a acumular polvo en estanterías.  ¿Por que?  Si una estrella brilla o muere, depende de varios factores, no solo su calidad. Entre ellos; que tipo de competencia tiene lo que ofreces, tu estrategia de mercadeo, el apoyo post venta – y si es esperado o no por consumidores, que tan amplio y profundo es el canal de distribución, que tan altas son las barreras para entrar al mercado, y cuanto peso tiene la regulación gubernamental.  Entonces si crees que tienes suficiente para lanzarte al agua porque tienes un excelente producto en tus manos, te recomiendo resuelvas lo anterior antes de tomar un paso en falso.
  1. El éxito inmediato no existe – Así que no lo persigas.  Si estas contando con que tu producto o servicio será un éxito inmediato, recomiendo estires tu plan a 5 años.  No es por pesimista que digo esto. Ese es aproximadamente el tiempo que toma para que un producto o servicio adquiera tracción en el mercado.  Así que si tienes ahorros para aguantar menos que 5 años hasta que el negocio empiece a producir, considera un préstamo o un socio capitalista.
  1. Evita el parálisis por sobre análisis – Si la piquiña de tener tu propio negocio no se te quita – aun cuando sabes bien en que te estas metiendo, lo mejor es tomar el riesgo – y lanzarte al agua.  Ya que si lo haces y encuentras que no haz logrado mantenerte a flote con tu propio negocio, lo peor que puede pasar es que regresas a buscar empleo.  En ese momento tendrás en tu hoja de vida una experiencia enriquecedora.  Si ese es le caso, procura posicionar tu experiencia de emprendedora como algo positivo, algo que sumo a tus competencias.  Por el amor a tu carrera, jamás presentes la experiencia, a un posible empleador, como un fracaso.  Procura traer contigo a la entrevista la lista de lecciones que adquiriste, los problemas y retos que resolviste – y como llevaste la experiencia a un final feliz.

Buena semana.

 

*Para los que consideran que ser empleado es lo opuesto a independencia, les recuerdo que:

  1. Aunque no lo recuerdes, escogiste emplearte.  Es decir, en el mundo de hoy existen más opciones para ganar un sustento; el empleo es tan solo una de ellas.
  2. Aunque no lo veas, ser empleado trae consigo beneficios, como tener una nomina asegurada, le vaya bien o no a la empresa donde trabajas.
  3. Aunque no lo sientas así, tu jefe vela por tu bienestar.  Puede que no estés de acuerdo con su estilo, ni como se dirige a ti y a tus colegas, aun así, al final de día, al velar por el negocio, indirectamente esta velando por tu bienestar ya que sin negocio no tendrías ese empleo.

Strategic and Serial

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Truth be known, on this blog I’ve been neglecting one of my main career traits – that is that I am a serial entrepreneur.

The fact is that I am an entrepreneur before I am a job hopper. At the age of five, before I could write my name properly, I was selling mangoes from my grandma’s garden.  And it’s because I am entrepreneur, with risk running through my veins, that I became a strategic job hopper.  In this post I’d like to introduce myself to you as a serial entrepreneur – and begin our conversation about entrepreneurship.

Why did I choose to do this now – after I’ve been blogging almost entirely about strategic job hopping?  Because I am living one of the most entrepreneurial moments in my career – working as the commercial director of my family’s business.  As such, I’ve come across many lessons I’d like to share – to inspire you and empower you to create, follow and succeed on your own path.  I suggest that you apply them with care – and above all, with lots of passion.

Lessons from an entrepreneurial life: 

  1. Avoid paralysis by (over) analysis.  It’s physically and virtually impossible to have all the answers and all the information before going into a venture.  Just as questions and challenges will arise along the way, so will answers and new possibilities. The same goes for accepting a new role as an employee.
  2. Rely on advisers.  I’m sure you’ve heard this one before.  It’s so vital to your success that you surround yourself with better-than-good advisers (a.k.a. great), that it’s worth adding to this list.  Your relationship with advisers need not be formal – all you need is a mental list (and email addresses) of people willing and able to answer your questions and give you guidance.  The best ones usually are averse to structure and focused on getting you results.  So who’s on your success panel?
  3. Know that you’re entitled to success – act accordingly.  Think about it, it’s in the best interest of the universe that we all succeed.  When we all win, great things happen.  (think about what a world packed with loosers and failures would look like..) Recently I’ve been taking loads of cabs. That means I’ve had a chance to listen to one cab driver’s story too many.  And my heart’s broken from the amount of drivers I’ve met who go on to name the people they’ve met who’ve succeeded.  They ramble off names as if these people where superhuman.  In my search to empower them – and you – I say: succesful people are HUMAN – just like you.  If they could succeed, so can you.  One of the most differentiating traits of succesful people is a sense that they know that they will succeed.  They know this as they know what their names are.  Driven by this knowledge, they are able to push through the hard times, knowing that there’s light at the end.  Think about it, how else can someone endure the long hours, the challenges and whatever else comes with an entrepreneurial life? 
  4. Expect work to not feel like work.  Don’t be fooled – entrepreneurship is much more challenging than employeehood. If you think you can’t stand your boss or your colleagues, think about what it can feel like to have all your savings invested into a business – and not have enough money to pay your bills (out of pure love, I’ve come to call it the ‘rice and beans’ life…).  And next time you feel like quitting your job to open your own business so you can have more ‘me’ time.  Think again.  Most entrepreneurs, especially those associated with start-ups, barely have time to brush their teeth – let alone have ‘me’ time.  Even in light of some of the harsh realities entrepreneurs face, nothing matches the rush of working towards your own vision.  It’s that rush which makes long days and the steep climb, a joy ride. 
  5. Keep learning.  As little time as you think you might have, it’s vital that you make time to stay current on trends in and out of your business.  You never know where answers to your challenges will come from.  And part of what will keep you going is your ability to find solutions.  One of the best sources is the experience of those who have been through what you’re experiencing.  Seek out inspiring reading material – that which complements your path.
  6. Be greedy with your time.  It’s not a cliché that time is money.  Learn to say ‘no’ to those things which do not contribute to your vision – and seek out those experiences which enrich you.  What’s enriching? That will depend on your needs. At times you may need some brain candy.  So those activities that you may label distractions when you’re working on a project, (and avoid at all costs) you will welcome when in need of a break. Like watching one of those brainless Hollywood movies.

I will seek to add to this list. For now, I look forward to continuing the conversation with you. Namaste!

Photo credit

A New Kind of Hero for a New Kind of World, Hero #6

(This post is part of a pact I made. Click here for the full story.)

Meet Joe*, a young serial entrepreneur.

Guided by his appetite for risk-taking and passion for military strategy since the age of 12, Joe found his career Nirvana in the music industry, after going broke and getting back up several times.

In his own words: “I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. My biggest dream has always been to have a lifestyle around my work, to be completely free of bosses or people telling me what to do or how to spend my time.”

Staying true to his childhood dreams, Joe has taken several risks with his own capital.  He’s worked in the telecom industry, recycling, aeronautics and the internet.  As he wrote to me: “I got to know the internet industry quite well when the Y2K stock market bubble blew up in my face, hard. 

In spite of his financial risk-taking, from how Joe defines a career, it’s quite clear that he’s driven by much more than money and success.

A career is not about academics or money it is about finding the lifestyle that makes us truly happy, something that if taken away from us, makes us cease to exist.  What we study or even the jobs we hold are not what define us. It’s deeper than that. It is how we chose to live and what we are 24/7 that defines us.”

“…being in love is wanting to be at the same place every day and not getting enough of it. That’s exactly (what) finding the perfect career or lifestyle is about, loving what you do to keep doing it forever.”

Note to self: Define your career. Control your life.  What does success mean to you?

As strategic as he has been, he feels that he stumbled upon his career Nirvana by pure luck. “In my case (my career Nirvana) came serendipitously…For some reason my (music) business came to me as much as I went to it. I do not believe in destiny, I believe we make our own but this makes me doubt. I love my job and it fits me perfectly but never in a million years did I think I’d be doing it. The moment I bought my first book on ‘Music Business’, the moment I opened the first chapter I knew I wasn’t leaving it.”

He then said: “…For me, finding the right path, the right job, the right place to be and live, what I call “that” has come after searching and falling…I have shoved my nose into so many industries, places, jobs…”

Note to self: Be open to exploration.  Stay open to finding your career Nirvana in unexpected places.

Experience has taught Joe that being indecisive can be costly: “I have gone broke because of (the) when/then game and it is probably (one of) the most important things a business manager or leader (needs) to know. You must know when to stop or when to change direction. If you do it too soon, you’ll miss out, if you stay on the same path thinking things will change doing the same things you are doing you will fail. There is a great deal of importance in this. (Unfortunately)…we will only learn (to be decisive by) practicing. It hurts…Decisions in business are the H in H20.”

Note to self:  Practice making decisions.

Joe has also learned that failing is part of the learning process. In spite of going broke, he wrote to me: “(I have) no regrets…Falling down is almost a pre-requisite to being an entrepreneur. Even more so is getting back up. Companies today are hiring executives who have failure in their CV’s because falling down teaches so much more than success. One must enter any endeavour committed to it. If you fail or win, (something) can be (gained) from (the experience). So by all means jump. Worst that can happen is that you will lose all you have and you have to get back up again. It sounds pretty rash but it is the entrepreneurial game…”

Note to self: Failure is the new success.

When I asked Joe if he’s planner, he almost sounded like a general preparing for war: “I always, always, always have a plan. First I write out what I want to do then I put it in numbers. When I do the numbers I am extremely pessimistic. If they turn out ok I just go for it, no matter what…there are 3 secrets to business: Plan, plan, plan. Having a plan and executing it are completely different things. Military strategy says that any plan goes bust when the first shot is fired, the same is true for business.”

Note to self:  Plan, plan, plan.

Joe’s scars of war have left him with several lessons, which he was happy to share with aspiring entrepreneurs:

“Definitely, I would try to gain more experience. It is very important to learn as many ropes as you can from an industry, then go solo. This does not mean that one cannot be successful by jumping in. It’s good to risk but it is also good to have at least one foot on the “sane” side.”

 

Image for post chosen by Joe. In his words: “It’s a circle called Enso (Japanese origin).  It sombolizes many things in Zen Buddhism. Emptiness, wholeness, perfection, imperfection, many things. I love it.”

 

*Name changed for privacy reasons.