Fear of failure

I must admit that I do have this fear of failure.  But for me this is a healthy aspect of my life.  What would be unhealthy is if and when I dwell on it too much or I don't do anything to conquer my fear.  Here is an article that I found from Entrepreneur Magazine that can help heaps in overcoming fear.  I read and listened to it and I know that I'm not fearless but now I'm not fearful.

From scratch vs. existing business

If you are at the crossroads of your entrepreneurial decision-making whether to start from scratch or buy an existing business, there is one question that you alone can answer.  Your answer will be based on how you visualise your business idea.  It is very difficult to convey this to the other person.  Most of the time you are the only one who can see the end of the tunnel, the vision.  The question that you must answer is this: What do I have in me that can make this business idea a reality?  You get the answer to this and the rest will be a breeze!

Before you know it January is nearly over

Courtesy of freecalendar.biz

More than half of January 2015 is gone!  What have you accomplished so far?  Are your plans moving on according to speed?  What needs to be done to add more fuel to the fire?  I have been a bit remiss in my forecasts and projections for the new year and I'm beginning to pay for it by working extra hard to catch up. No need to fret though, I believe this all part of the process, sometimes the runner does stumble.  The main thing is for me to get up, brush off the dust, cleanse the wound, and carry on.  Don't think of the lost days but focus on the other full days ahead!  There is much to be done and miles to go.

NZEntrepreneurs.org

Courtesy of nzentrepreneurs.org

Since the core principle of this blog is on Kiwi entrepreneurs, I would like to present to you an online resource nzentrepreneurs.org that could be a great takeoff point for all those existing, aspiring and budding entrepreneurs.  From the pages of this online resource you will find stories, sessions, and news on technology, business, and entertainment.  I couldn't get enough of the information from here.  Every time I visit the site there is always something new, waiting for me to discover, and in the process perhaps put into practise.  The year is still young and you can put this magazine into your to-do list on your entrepreneurship journey!

NZPlanet vlog

NZPlanet trailer

I've started the NZPlanet vlog to feature people, events and places in New Zealand with majority of the stories about existing, budding and aspiring Kiwi entrepreneurs.  It's great to know who these people are and how they were able to achieve what they've done in terms of their business and personal lives.  It will be about people, events and places that aren't normally covered by mainstream media or if they are, we will try to go deeper or come up with new information.  The people of New Zealand have this "can-do attitude" that is also referred to as the number 8 wire mentality.

According to Wikipedia this term is "often used inventively and practically for applications other than fencing.  It is also used as a term that epitomises the "Kiwi bloke" as someone who can turn their hand to anything, most commonly found in the phrase [a number 8 wire mentality] meaning the ability to crate or repair machinery using whatever scrap materials are available to hand."  From this definition it has been commonly used to reflect on a Kiwi who can do the impossible or something nearly impossible to do.  And this is what the vlog is all about, showcasing the possibilities of the impossible.  Bring it on then!

Digital footprint

Courtesy of jasonleehamilton.com

Q: What is a digital footprint?

A: On the Internet a digital footprint is the word used to describe the trial, traces or "footprints" that people leave online.  This is information transmitted online, such as forum registration, emails and attachments, uploading videos or digital images and any other form of transmission of information---all of which leaves traces of personal information about yourself available to others online (as defined on Webopedia).  This is a fact of life now.  Some people couldn't have enough of their online presence, they need to keep on checking if they're still connected or relevant to others.  I've heard several times from people that they consider themselves dead when they can't access the Internet or their social media feeds are not up-to-date every minute of the day.  And this phenomenon is not just limited to individuals.  Corporations, non-profit organisations, and government institutions need to have a consistent, fresh, and relevant digital footprint all the time.  Have you got yours secured?

Startup Canada

Startup Canada logo

One of the core principles of this blog is to highlight and showcase initiatives done elsewhere on the planet that can be duplicated, replicated, and done here in New Zealand.  This is what Startup Canada is all about.  There is heaps of commonalities with Canada and NZ from the monarchy to the Commonwealth of Nations, to language and people.  Both countries are also the home of a multicultural society.  Both countries also have their own indigenous cultures.  The Maoris for NZ and the First Nations for Canada.  With all these common factors it would be interesting to know and find out the businesses that can make it in either country.  And this website would be a good starting place!

Zoola Fix: Richard Walker-Smith

Richard Walker-Smith of
Zoola Fix

If you're not yet sure of your business idea, or you just want to test the waters so to speak, and couldn't afford to leave your full-time or gainful employment, starting a business while still employed is an option.  It will be difficult juggling two or more responsibilities at the same time, but it has been done.  That is what Richard Walker-Smith a person who enjoys the nightlife, loves to party, and would like others to experience an authentic nightlife away from home has just done.  Zoola Fix is his latest business venture under the "Zoola" brand.  While I was reading about him and his concept, I was visualising something similar happening here in NZ.  Who knows this might be what you've been looking for.  Go for it then!

Bright Young Things and TutorCruncher

Woody Webster (right) and
Malachy Guinness

With the New Zealand academic year still a couple of weeks away, parents are slowly preparing their children's school supplies and making plans for how the school year will be in terms of studies, books, tutors, etc.  After securing the tutoring business in the UK, Bright Young Things, founders, Webster and Guinness launched their newest product TutorCrucher, a cloud-based lesson planning, financial management and timetabling app designed to take the headaches out of running tutoring businesses.  I know of a couple of retired teachers who are thinking of putting up a tutoring business.  Well this app would be very useful for them.

Tutoring is a good business to put up because it will be capitalising on your skills and expertise.  These qualities have been honed through the years and would be put to great use with new students.  And besides, you don't need much of a capital in this kind of business.  What this two young entrepreneurs have accomplished could easily be replicated here in NZ.

The Collective Boutique

Company logo

Online fashion retailing is a growing business anywhere in the planet.  It has also taken a foothold here in New Zealand.  The Collective Boutique could have a possibility here too, bringing you the latest for high quality, affordable jewellery and fashion accessory brands from the United Kingdom.  Here's the advice of the founder Hanna Nicholson to budding entrepreneurs: "It's a cliche but I really believe that you should pursue your dream and trust your instincts.  Research your competitors and the area of business thoroughly so you have a clear idea of where you fit in the marketplace...and then go for it!"

Juiven8 Drinks

Juiven8 Drinks

This blog will always be on the lookout for goods and services from other parts of the planet that could be done here too.  We may have a smaller market but I'm sure there's a great untapped potential for whatever the world out there has to offer.  We are ready to accept and embrace new technologies, new products, and innovative services, especially if they make our lives much better.  Presenting to you Juiven8, the United Kingdom's first ready-to-drink protein fruit juice made with real fruit, fruit juice, coconut water and a 12 gram boost of whey protein.

Annabel Karmel

Annabel Karmel

She is a popular children's author and food entrepreneur.  Actually she can be regarded as an accidental entrepreneur with her business MBE.  She could also be one of our Fallen Heroes because she has had her own series of challenges and failures before she eventually succeeded.  After the tragic loss of her first-borne daughter she turned to children's food.  It has been told time and time again, that adversity could be the mother of invention.  Turning something negative into a positive force, is one way of coping with the unfortunate vibes around us.  Reading through Annabel's story, I couldn't help but admire her and praise her for being a fighter and a good positive influence for me and many others.  Here are her 8 do's and don'ts for achieving a successful business life and venture.

Fallen Heroes

I'm starting a series of posts on Fallen Heroes.  Why are they here?  How did they become part of this series?  What can we learn from them?  There are heaps of them who can inspire us.  Here are some of them:

Arianna Huffington

Bill Gates

Cindy Gallop

Daniel Ek

Jack Dorsey

Jeff Bezos

Kathryn Minshew

Mark Zuckerberg

Morten Lund

Paul Buchheit

Peter Thiel

Richard Branson

Scott Adams

Steve Jobs

Steven Spielberg

Vera Wang

Walt Disney

Taking good care of your health is good for your business

The struggles and challenges of going into business, of being an entrepreneur, and charting new passages in the business world is a road paved with heaps of stress and pressure.  One has to be, must be, healthy, in mind and body, to cope with all of these things.  Everyday, one will be tested by---the market, clients, employees, competitors, even ones family, and so many other factors.  Remember the adage, "health is wealth?"  It speaks not only of making you healthy but also adding to your prosperity.  It makes good business sense for you to always be on the lookout for your health.

Entrepreneur Magazine

Entrepreneur Magazine

A very good reading material that can really guide and inspire you to become an entrepreneur is the Entrepreneur Magazine.  I've been reading this magazine since the 1990s and been visiting it's website too when it became available online.  I started with the international edition when I was still living in the Philippines.  There was always a story, an article, a feature, or a photo that inspired me to become a budding entrepreneur.  I've started a couple of businesses back home then, some did good and heaps not so good.  My readings enabled me to understand why I made it and why I didn't and also inspired me to carry on with the next business project.  The start-up stage is very stressful and challenging.  And getting to know the entrepreneurs who have had the same struggles and emerged triumphant made my journey bearable.  I would strongly recommend this magazine for those who are aspiring to become entrepreneurs. because from within the pages of this magazine are the stories and the people who will inspire you!

Words to Live by 3

Inspiring

People, events and places inspire us, more so with words and phrases from people we either look up to or admire.  Some of them live very ordinary lives but still could be a source of inspiration for us.  At times we don't know when it's time for us to stand up and be a hero to someone.  We all need heroes.  They're our guideposts.

I like thinking big.  If you're going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big (Donald Trump).

Never give up on what you really want to do.  The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts (H. Jackson Brown Jr.).

Don't start a company unless it's an obsession and something you love.  If you have an exit strategy, it's not an obsession (Mark Cuban).

Ironing business

UK laundry start-up

One household chore that is rarely done or is not a priority at home is the ironing of clothes.  Personally, I only iron out the clothes I'm going to wear during special occasions.  But in the UK there is a start-up called ihateironing.com that just does that and with home pick-ups and deliveries thrown in.  I think this is a business that could be profitably done here in NZ.

There are a couple of firms in Auckland who are already engaged in this type of business activity.  To make this even more personalised, I would do the ironing right in the home.  This will minimise travelling and delivery costs, as well as the use of a van to hang the clothes while in transport.  This easy to start business requires low level of capital.  At the bare minimum you only need a flat iron and an ironing board.  Go and check the link, this might be the road you're looking for.

Honesty

Plums for sale

On my weekly trip in the Waikato countryside, I chanced upon farmers who still believe that there are still honest people in the planet.  I've seen tables by the roadside (like the one shown on photo) of fruits and vegetables being sold---plums, corn, watermelons, etc.  Sometimes there is an honesty box where you can drop your money once you purchase.  Most of the time it's just a small tin can behind the sign.  The produce is fresher, if you're lucky, it was just freshly picked.  And there's no one standing watch or minding the produce.  It all works on a trust principle.  The simplicity and beauty of doing business like this is very inspiring.  I know that this method would not be possible or practical in the big cities or towns.  This works best in the countryside of New Zealand, wherein life is simpler and stress free.  How was your Saturday?

Words to Live by 2

Our companion

I love reading and collecting sayings, messages, words, quotations, and phrases from people.  It forms a huge part of my voyage of discovery.  Some of them come from the books, magazines, articles that I get to read in print and online like Renegade Collective, Entrepreneur, Inc., Forbes, Fortune, Idealog, Unlimited, and many others.  And as I continue to read and collect them, I shall share them with you here too, with the hope that they will help, serve, and guide you as you journey through life as an entrepreneur or otherwise.

Be a trailblazer.  Break the rules.  Disrupt.  Take a different road.  Do it fearlessly (Lisa Messenger, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Renegade Collective)

Fortune favours the brave (Latin proverb)

A lot of very hard work has played a major part in any luck that has come my way.  If you try, try, and try again, eventually you may be successful (Richard Branson)

Quality is more important than quantity.  One home run is much better than two doubles (Steve Jobs)

You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try (Dolly Parton)

First day of 2015

Waikato road trip

It's January 1, 2015 and what a glorious day we had in New Zealand.  Driving around the Waikato countryside, enjoying the warm weather, the breathtaking scenes, the fascinating people, and just communing with nature.  NZ is the best place to be.  Some people call her Middle Earth, we call her home!

I'm looking forward to engaging with you through this blog.  And as I continue my journey as an entrepreneur, I will share with you the joys and the sorrows of being one.  Great times are ahead of us my friends, times that will challenge us and inspire us.  The picture in this post is my road map to where I want to go and where I want to be, this year.  There will be times when the journey will be lonely and empty.  But never fret, for this blog will serve as a guide for all of us.

It has been a truly beautiful and glorious day today.  I thank the Universe for putting me right here, in this time and space today.  If this is a taste of what the new year has in store for me, I say bring it on!

It's official, it's 2015

2015

Happiest New Year everyone!