Curse No More

This morning I finished reading Jessica Zafra’s newest book entitled Twisted 8 1/2.Reading a book from cover to cover is actually one the things I’ve been planning to do since last year. But after scanning few pages, I would stop and divert my attention into something else. You’re right, Procrastination no. 3. But thanks to a very generous young woman in cyberspace who have chosen me to be one of the recipients of her Back to School Promo. 8 ½ arrived in my house in the afternoon of June 13, a very pleasant present from Elessig who is celebrating her first year anniversary in blogosphere. Thanks to her, one curse (a perfect term for a person who doesn’t want to admit that her actions have no concrete direction) is finally over. The Power of giving works.

Twisted 8 ½ is about the evolution of technology, best buy kitchen appliance and gadgets, two different interpretation of Republic Act 8047 and the 1952 Florence Agreement and the latest research in neuroscience. What a brain! She is older than me but at my age I think my brain memory is losing some archives and hers is perfectly intact. When I was reading Jessica Zafra’s Twisted three or four years ago, I always made sure that a marker was beside me. Well, I did it again. It’s a requisite if you want to widen your vocabulary. Because the author, aside from having a photographic memory is also a wordsmith. But if there is one thing that struck me the most is her knack for comedy for she unleashes her punch line with good timing.

Moving on, Youngblood 3 is next in line. I’ll finish it before all pages turn yellow and to avoid the curse from recurring. Reading books is so much fun. At a time when blogging was not yet a mania, Inquirer’s Youngblood, books of Bob Ong and Bo Sanchez were some of my favorite companions. They catered my yearning for true tales, knowledge and humor. In the last quarter of 2005, I discovered blogger.com. Motivated by my favorite authors, I tried writing my own stories. Eventually, five blogs were born in random. I suddenly discovered one of my passions. I am too far from being a great writer like my idols but at least I have a fantastic venue for self-expression and boldness. Now, I intend to go back to where everything started. Here’s the list of the other books on queue.

Happy Secrets to an Obedient Life by Arun Gogna
Twelve Little Things Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country by Alexander Lacson
8 Secrets of the Truly Rich by Bo Sanchez
Kapitan Sino by Bob Ong
Masculadoll by Louie Cano
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
Small is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher
Kokology: The Game of Self Discovery by Tadahiko Nagao and Isamu Saito

My latest shoutout: Procrastination, Don’t Block the Driveway!

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I Object!

When I was in college, my professors would always address the importance of business planning. Planning is the most basic of all managerial functions. Without it, the other functions such as organizing, staffing, directing and controlling are of no use.

Let’s take a small review on the basic steps in planning.

1. Define the business idea.

2. Establish goals and objectives.

3. Forecast cash needs.

4. Identify sources of funds.

5. Write a business plan.

(Source: Management for Filipinos)

Actually, my main subject matter isn’t really about a lecture on business planning. It’s about a book entitled “NEGOSYO Joey Concepcions’s 50 Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories.” Ok, it’s still about business minus the planning (or maybe not).

Two week ago, my uncle barrowed this book, gave it back after a week and told me that he didn’t like it. Of course, I was a bit disappointed. Disappointed not because he hated the book but because of his reason for not liking it. I respected his opinion though. However, I could not agree with it.

He did not like the book for two reasons. First, the word “entrepreneurship” is present in all stories which he considered a tongue twister (I agree). Next, he was convinced that the entrepreneurs featured in that book are financially well-off. Therefore, it is not impossible for these people to succeed since they have the resources and probably government support too. For me, this is not arguable. On the other hand, it’s not just about money. The non-monetary factors are far more important.

Successful entrepreneurs who are already rich from the time they started their business may be considered very lucky. But I don’t think they become successful just because of the amount of assets they possess. It is their brilliant mind, hard work, patience and commitment that should be given more credit. And probably their great business plan too. The book is not created to make us envy but with a purpose of stirring up our business mindset. It also tells us that everyone is doomed to fail (in different ways) but our survival highly depends on our outlook and attitude in life.

My uncle and I may have different views on this matter nevertheless, we both agree that putting up a business is risky that is why business planning is important.

.

Posted 9/14/07 6:05 PM

Photo grabbed @ sulit.com.ph

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Imagine

Imagine: Raindrops falling from the sky as gold coins or precious stones.
Imagine: Flowers bloom because God knew you were going to pass by. – St. Francis of Assisi
Imagine: Calling everything as “brother” and “sister.” “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon” to name a few. – St. Francis of Assisi
I got these from two different books- a children's book and an inspirational one. I just thought it would be good to post it here. It's nice to know that some people perceive simple things differently and in a positive way (that’s how I see it). I wished I am as imaginative as these people.

I know there are more insightful ideas hidden in other books or even in your head. Don’t let these things be destroyed by cockroach or amnesia. Share it. It might also have a good effect in other people (or maybe in me).

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