Reaching Forty Finally

Today, I am finally in my forties using the lunar calendar. I would like take this opportunity to wish all my friends and relatives a prosperous and healthy year of the dragon.

Huat Ah!

Starting Your Own Business (part 1)

I had been approached my some budding entrepreneurs to invest in their business ideas. Most idea lack substance or sustainability and do not appeal to me. All investors have their own key factors that trigger their interest and I would like to share my point of view on starting a business. My view is very simplistic but it work for me:

Identify the business (Part 1)

- Select a business that is not too competitive or common. E.g. starting a hardware shop would have a better chance of success than a handphone shop in the neighbourhood centre. Everyone is familiar with HP but not many know about hardware tools and equipments. In short, if it is too easy or simple, others would have done it.

- Select a trade that you will be better than others. E.g. those in the the hardware trade do not attract top talents. If you above average, you already have an edge. (no insult meant to those in hardware trade) 

- Select a trade that you have specialize knowledge. If you don't have it, learn it by working in a similar business to gain in-depth knowledge. 

- Select a business that produces millionaires. E.g. most hardware bosses own private properties and drives a Bimmer , Mercedes or even Lambo. This eliminate the business sustainability and market size analysis. If the business tow kay can get rich, so can you.

- Select a business that you can sustain with your fund. Do not be greedy and become a wholesaler even before you start off with a small retail outlet. Expansion will be easier when you have gained more experience and have more fund.

The above are my views for those that seek advice from me on starting a business. Most are surprise that I do not encourage them to prepare for text book style detail business plan. All business are different and more so in a different country with different culture. The real business world is very different from the text book environment and we need to be smart enough to see it and make changes accordingly. To succeed, you need to know yourself which is covered in my future installment.  

Know Yourself (Part 2)

Business Profit and Cost (Part 3)