We used to have a home-office set-up for VitalStrats during its first few months of operation.
We set-up our own telephone line, bought a fax machine along with our then powerful single PC workstation. I sleep next to the computer and fax machine and we have no definite working hours. I work till the wee hours of the morning and wake up with the sound of the phone ringing. I answer the clients with a husky bedroom voice.
Whenever we leave for meetings, I tell my mother to answer the phone with our company greeting spiel, and to note down client messages and queries. We don’t pay electrical bills, I just contribute a meager amount to my parents. Meals are served for breakfast till dinner and I am free to watch tv anytime I want. It was so comforting and I felt so free. It’s like being a bum and working when I just feel like it.
So what made us decide to rent our own place when working at home can be oh so comforting?
After a few months, we started to feel that it’s about time to move out. Being a below the line advertising company, we can’t avoid situations where clients have to come over, view our work as we revise impromptu. One time, a client-friend surprised us and I had no choice but to let him in my messy room where our workstation is. He had to tip-toe through my unmade bed and scattered pillows. There was another time when a prospective American-Swedish client called to discuss a website design project. I had to breathe deep before engaging in the call because I have to project a very confident, business-like, articulate English-speaking conversational tone to be able to impress him and close the deal. As I manage to control my nose and ears from bleeding, suddenly my 8–month old visiting baby cousin helplessly cries in the background. Can you imagine that? On other scenarios, our dog Nina barks furiously whenever somebody peaks at our gate. It’s even worse when speeding motorcycles and tricycles pass by.
Last April was our third year in our humble Quezon City office. We plan to stay there in the next couple of years until we feel the need to get a bigger space. The rent, the electricity, the distance from my home, the 9-6 work hours – having a real working space --- has been a big leap for the company and has brought us a lot of opportunities.
Whenever I dream big and have a vision of the very long road we still need to take to realize our vision, sometimes looking back to where we were a few years back makes me realize that we’ve traveled a long way after all. It makes me feel good and inspired that we have managed to survive the three long years. Up to now our client base is still growing and there are plans of expanding. We’re taking it slowly but surely. We’re walking in the right direction and there’s no turning back.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
A Vow to Learn Accounting and Finance
It's been awhile! I've been really busy organizing our office's Admin. I am now surrendering and opening myself into learning DETAILS and PROCEDURES involving finances, taxes (all kinds of taxes imposed on our company!), income statements, etc, etc!
From now on, I will not just sign payments my accountant presents. I will always have the time to ask 'why'. I have to know what each tax means, and how it is computed and where an amount is derived. I have to have time to CLOSELY analyze income statements, determine where the company has been overspending, and find out in which areas we can cut costs.
I am involving myself directly and will have the command in organizing the filing systems. I will have a hands on training with Admin work. I have to know EVERY ASPECT of the business, and not just the creative side of it. That was my mistake during our first business year. I am hanging on because I am doing what I love -- and I thought I could get away with the left brain and logical stuff. :)
To be an entrepreneur also means having knowledge with accounting and finance, not just being skilled and innovative with your interest and line of business.
I am still in the process of improving our business system. I am awaiting for the time when it can run by itself and grow even when I am not physically there!
I truly have learned a lot, and I am still learning! It's a never ending process and I truly enjoy it!
From now on, I will not just sign payments my accountant presents. I will always have the time to ask 'why'. I have to know what each tax means, and how it is computed and where an amount is derived. I have to have time to CLOSELY analyze income statements, determine where the company has been overspending, and find out in which areas we can cut costs.
I am involving myself directly and will have the command in organizing the filing systems. I will have a hands on training with Admin work. I have to know EVERY ASPECT of the business, and not just the creative side of it. That was my mistake during our first business year. I am hanging on because I am doing what I love -- and I thought I could get away with the left brain and logical stuff. :)
To be an entrepreneur also means having knowledge with accounting and finance, not just being skilled and innovative with your interest and line of business.
I am still in the process of improving our business system. I am awaiting for the time when it can run by itself and grow even when I am not physically there!
I truly have learned a lot, and I am still learning! It's a never ending process and I truly enjoy it!
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Career Check: Dreams Do Come True
In the middle of exporting video files and copying vcds, I got a chance to browse my old journal. I am amazed to have read my ranting about my regular job, and how I wanted to be free and to go freelance. That was a few months back.
Looking back makes me appreciate what I have at present. Well, there have been a lot of moments that I feel so down, lost and empty. But when I come to realize my achievements, it makes me feel proud and more challenged to climb a higher ladder.
I have acquired a business at the early age of 23. Vitalstrats, now seven months old, have come as far as having an office unit where we could accommodate our clients. Now we can take on projects that require the clients to stay on while it’s progressing, such as video editing accounts, and projects that require computer viewing. Before, we used to have my small room as our office area. One time we had to rush a project and the client had to give instructions in front of my computer. I had no choice but to let him inside my cramped and messy room! Imagine the mess – scattered clothes, unmade bed, books on the floor, clothes everywhere! I am so thankful we have an office now!
Another turning point for me as entrepreneurs is the experience of hiring our first employee -- our messenger and housekeeper, Arthur. At first, we were faced with the dilemma of losing track of our cash flow since hiring extra manpower would mean more expenses. It also means more pressure to get regular projects. But thank god, we were not mistaken. In fact we even became more productive. Instead of my partner and me having to go out most of the time to deliver big rolls of tarpaulin banners, or pick up a single file in Makati, we were able to use up our executive time in being more productive in our fields of specializations. My partner gets to focus more on accounts, admin and correspondences, while I get to focus my energies on conceptualizing and implementing designs for our projects.
We’ve come as far as having a project aired on national television, and we’re proud to say that those projects came in because of goodwill. From doing 1 pro-bono editing project, referrals came in and projects were non-stop. That’s an indication that they like our work. We haven’t even started marketing. All the projects came from direct referrals and repeat businesses.
We’re on the stage of considering to hire help for our admin and accounts. We’ll be starting to market our services to upgrade our market reach. Hopefully, we’ll get to expand soon in terms of equipment and human resource. I am now dreaming of a power book for myself, so I can bring it to client presentations and I can edit videos anywhere. I’ll pass on the Power Mac G5 to our future in-house Art Director. (Sigh!) It’s always nice to dream… And all I’ve got to do is follow where my heart beats. Before I know it, a wish from the past has come true.
I know that I will only fail if I let myself. And so I live everyday as a challenge. Other aspects of my life may pull me down the drain, but this endeavor, this path, and my goal to achieve my dreams will always be my inspiration.
Looking back makes me appreciate what I have at present. Well, there have been a lot of moments that I feel so down, lost and empty. But when I come to realize my achievements, it makes me feel proud and more challenged to climb a higher ladder.
I have acquired a business at the early age of 23. Vitalstrats, now seven months old, have come as far as having an office unit where we could accommodate our clients. Now we can take on projects that require the clients to stay on while it’s progressing, such as video editing accounts, and projects that require computer viewing. Before, we used to have my small room as our office area. One time we had to rush a project and the client had to give instructions in front of my computer. I had no choice but to let him inside my cramped and messy room! Imagine the mess – scattered clothes, unmade bed, books on the floor, clothes everywhere! I am so thankful we have an office now!
Another turning point for me as entrepreneurs is the experience of hiring our first employee -- our messenger and housekeeper, Arthur. At first, we were faced with the dilemma of losing track of our cash flow since hiring extra manpower would mean more expenses. It also means more pressure to get regular projects. But thank god, we were not mistaken. In fact we even became more productive. Instead of my partner and me having to go out most of the time to deliver big rolls of tarpaulin banners, or pick up a single file in Makati, we were able to use up our executive time in being more productive in our fields of specializations. My partner gets to focus more on accounts, admin and correspondences, while I get to focus my energies on conceptualizing and implementing designs for our projects.
We’ve come as far as having a project aired on national television, and we’re proud to say that those projects came in because of goodwill. From doing 1 pro-bono editing project, referrals came in and projects were non-stop. That’s an indication that they like our work. We haven’t even started marketing. All the projects came from direct referrals and repeat businesses.
We’re on the stage of considering to hire help for our admin and accounts. We’ll be starting to market our services to upgrade our market reach. Hopefully, we’ll get to expand soon in terms of equipment and human resource. I am now dreaming of a power book for myself, so I can bring it to client presentations and I can edit videos anywhere. I’ll pass on the Power Mac G5 to our future in-house Art Director. (Sigh!) It’s always nice to dream… And all I’ve got to do is follow where my heart beats. Before I know it, a wish from the past has come true.
I know that I will only fail if I let myself. And so I live everyday as a challenge. Other aspects of my life may pull me down the drain, but this endeavor, this path, and my goal to achieve my dreams will always be my inspiration.
Wednesday, April 7, 2004
Some Notes About the Biz
Starting up a business is more challenging than I expected. It’s a big test of one’s capabilities. And I am not just pertaining to what one’s ‘talent’ and ‘skill’ can contribute in his field of expertise. Attitude and leadership qualities are what usually matter most.
In the span of three months, it’s just occurred to me that handling a business is pretty much the same as my job description in heading a theater organization way back in college. Back then, I got so engrossed because I was doing what I loved most. I didn’t care if I had to work overtime. The organization became my top priority. I loved managing the people – and I loved the people I worked with. I held on to the company’s vision and goals – be it long term or short term. Everyday was a challenge. And each performance gave me a very high satisfaction rate because I believe in what we did and we were all passionate with what we were fighting for.
Being a leader entails having to take the initiative. Being a leader requires a huge amount of self-discipline.
Starting now, I would have a different and better outlook on how I’d go about our business. I have realized that this is it – this is what I love to do and this is what I am doing for the rest of my life. My dream to succeed is really up to me. There is no such thing as luck. Successful people made it because of their hard work. And I should bear that in mind. From now on, I’d put double value on time and money. No more lying around, no more snoozing of alarm and asking for 10 more minutes when it’s really time to wake up. (Except when I work straight til 6 or 7AM and I am really doing injustice to myself by waking up at 9am).
So, there! Right now I’m in the mood to bring it on and give out my best in this endeavor!
In the span of three months, it’s just occurred to me that handling a business is pretty much the same as my job description in heading a theater organization way back in college. Back then, I got so engrossed because I was doing what I loved most. I didn’t care if I had to work overtime. The organization became my top priority. I loved managing the people – and I loved the people I worked with. I held on to the company’s vision and goals – be it long term or short term. Everyday was a challenge. And each performance gave me a very high satisfaction rate because I believe in what we did and we were all passionate with what we were fighting for.
Being a leader entails having to take the initiative. Being a leader requires a huge amount of self-discipline.
Starting now, I would have a different and better outlook on how I’d go about our business. I have realized that this is it – this is what I love to do and this is what I am doing for the rest of my life. My dream to succeed is really up to me. There is no such thing as luck. Successful people made it because of their hard work. And I should bear that in mind. From now on, I’d put double value on time and money. No more lying around, no more snoozing of alarm and asking for 10 more minutes when it’s really time to wake up. (Except when I work straight til 6 or 7AM and I am really doing injustice to myself by waking up at 9am).
So, there! Right now I’m in the mood to bring it on and give out my best in this endeavor!
Tuesday, April 6, 2004
Moving Out of the Home-Office Set-up
Today we went to see the office. There are a lot of advantages in getting it and it seems that I am already 70% convinced to go for it. My number one drawback is that it’s far from home, far from my room, and I won’t be able to be with my G5 when I leave the office. I want to use the G5 for both home and office. Next are the hassles of traveling from home to office and back home late at night. It’ll be like a regular office set-up once again. But I guess that’s how it really should be. I shouldn’t waste my time lingering and lying around whenever I feel like it. Time should be spent wisely and I should make sure that every minute is not wasted and I can become very productive.
Though I am being bothered by my drawbacks, I feel like we should take the risk and sacrifice a little for our business. We ventured into business to earn money. So a little sacrifice won’t hurt because later on it would really pay off.
When I was in college I thought I’d never become a millionaire before I reach 30 years. And I never thought I’d be in business at the age of 23. Now I believe my goals are really within reach – if only I continue striving to work and not lose my motivation.
I just feel like I don’t have enough time for all the things that I want to accomplish… I have a lot of pending web projects and I can’t manage to fit my schedule and finish all of them one by one. It’s as if I am overwhelmed by the quantity of workload and how I’d use my freedom to apply all the designs I have in mind that’s why I can’t seem to get started.
My resolution is to make productive use of my time during Holy Week! I should get the websites done, one by one!
Though I am being bothered by my drawbacks, I feel like we should take the risk and sacrifice a little for our business. We ventured into business to earn money. So a little sacrifice won’t hurt because later on it would really pay off.
When I was in college I thought I’d never become a millionaire before I reach 30 years. And I never thought I’d be in business at the age of 23. Now I believe my goals are really within reach – if only I continue striving to work and not lose my motivation.
I just feel like I don’t have enough time for all the things that I want to accomplish… I have a lot of pending web projects and I can’t manage to fit my schedule and finish all of them one by one. It’s as if I am overwhelmed by the quantity of workload and how I’d use my freedom to apply all the designs I have in mind that’s why I can’t seem to get started.
My resolution is to make productive use of my time during Holy Week! I should get the websites done, one by one!
Sunday, February 1, 2004
Drawbacks in Quitting My Job
In a moment, I'll be preparing myself for another long session of video editing. I love editing, esp. the techy stuff, and the best part in this job is that I get to work with a dual processor 1.5 g powermac G4 with a big flat LCD screen. It used to motivate me a lot. But then I suddenly lost excitement over my day job. For a month I thought about it carefully. I've been torn with the decision of quitting and just going freelance because I want to explore and broaden my horizon on design and all its aspects.
The only drawback is the cashflow. Honestly, I'm quite scared because when you go freelance, there is no regularity of pay. Oh, well.. my only baon is my love for risk and adventure + perseverance in achieving what I want. Hindi ko rin naman malalaman kung tama ang naging desisyon ko kung hindi ko susubukan, And I won't learn if I don't experience it. Besides, I told myself that I don't want to be an employee forever. And there are a lot of things that I want to do -- so I guess it's just right to start a business at a young age. :)
The only drawback is the cashflow. Honestly, I'm quite scared because when you go freelance, there is no regularity of pay. Oh, well.. my only baon is my love for risk and adventure + perseverance in achieving what I want. Hindi ko rin naman malalaman kung tama ang naging desisyon ko kung hindi ko susubukan, And I won't learn if I don't experience it. Besides, I told myself that I don't want to be an employee forever. And there are a lot of things that I want to do -- so I guess it's just right to start a business at a young age. :)
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