Business Mentor

Yes People Need People in this time of great difficulty. It is the time not to think of self preservation but to think and be with those who are in need. Those people who may be feeling lonely, depressed, or those who are front liners. They are the modern heroes who try to protect and sacrifice their lives for us. This is the moment when we can say that People matter most. Let us keep that strong...

Eddie Paris never could believe that a total lockdown would happen in the whole of California. Born to Filipino parents from Pangasinan,  Eddie's love for the Philippines is still close to his heart. One one of his visits, he was attracted to the sweet aroma from a kiosk selling waffle. This is Famous Belgian Waffle. He further studied and sought his friends' opinion.  The scheduled open...

Here is an interview with Eddie Paris, a Filipino American based in San Diego California. He tells us about the lockdown of California in few hours Listen

Every entrepreneur must learn to develop its own Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR. The secret of Julie Gandionco is clear with her vision and giving back to the society. Thus this is what makes Julies Bakeshop soar to success.

There are times when opportunities come in disguise. Tita Julie Gandionco never thought of putting a bakeshop.  She was after feeding 1000 workers in her 3 canteens. Yet the baker made a suggestion that with all the bread she was purchasing daily, she can well have a bakery. Tita Julie reflected and began to act..... LISTEN to this exciting Birth of JULIES BAKESHOP

Have you heard that a bakery in Cebu City was founded by a 50 year housewife of 6 children? Not knowing how to bake she started the largest bakeshop in the country, JULIES Bakeshop. Numbering to about 600, Julie Gandionco had an interesting story to share. It was a privilege  for my company to be selected as her mentor in helping grow the business. Listen

Years ago a utility company called MERALCO (Manila Electric Company) had problems on the collection of bills. Their collectors would have security concerns like getting held up. Thus management thought of letting security guards accompany in critical areas. Unfortunately it did not solve the problem. A bright idea was tossed  doing a Collector less System. The company offered to other compani...

Every business can be likened to preparing a strong foundation for a building. Most often structures are planned and studied specially the impact towards the identified goal. Injap Sia the Founder of Mang Inasal shared how he looked back 10 years ago on the business. Listen

It must be TRUE that WATER is LIFE! The couple Edward and Belle Prades began their entrepreneurial journey.  It was a bumpy travel. They established a computer shop which failed due to ordinances. There was law which prohibited school children from entering. They ventured into a restaurant and failed. Edward was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). He later resigned and joined...

Often getting and starting a Business is a Challenge! More so if the physical exhaustion catches up with the Entrepreneur. In this podcast, Injap Sia, the founder of Mang Inasal shared his experience. Listen

As they always say successful entrepreneurs' secret is Loving a Business. This is so true. If there is no love carrying on the sustainability of the business may be cumbersome. How about having Partners?  There may be people telling that having Partners may not be a sound advise. Listen to Chit Juan, a well known woman who has gone to various parts of the world and a social entrepreneur

Winners never quit and Quitters always Loose This couple's journey was not that easy sailing. Their first branch of Follicles had rough edges. It even reached the point of a total collapse.  Yet they never surrendered. Instead of shutting the branch, they took as a winner take all. They opened a 2nd branch! Listen

Starting  or the continuity of a business is the constant review of the USP or Unique Selling Proposition. I believe it is not enough that one is contented after establishing a business. An entrepreneur constantly reviews and scrutinizes if the USP is still relevant or may need realignment. Here is what my mentee, Injap Sia Founder of Mang Inasal did. Listen

Continuing the interview, we left the 1st part where the couple already married and traveling on the cruise liner suddenly received a message It was from Mae's sister to say their 1st born had a bad accident. It was here the couple decided on Crossing the Bridge towards settling back in the country. Listen ........

Everybody has a story of how they all began their Entrepreneurial Journey. This couple began when they worked Overseas in a Luxury Cruise Liner. Malvin is a an Architect and licensed in the Philippines. Mae graduated a Guidance Counsellor. However with their dreams set to sail for better opportunity, they applied as a Dining Crew and Guidance Staff. Both were singles and did not know that their pa...

Expect the Unexpected! This is the battle cry I like to share. Who could ever say that 2020, the world would be experiencing such a CRISES.... covid19! Imagine all the plans made from the previous year for targets. All of sudden one breaking news from China and the virus became so wide spread. Entrepreneurs never QUIT neither will easily surrender. It is another RollerCoaster Ride. Yet now is the...

What can set a business apart is the spirit of leadership. I interviewed the lady who used to be a PBB (Pinoy Big Brother HouseMate) named Miki Arceo-Velasquez. Miki together with her husband Ivan began a small business in Davao in 2017. The Brand Maxi Mango grew by leaps and bounds spreading in the country. The couple began looking and exploring the Global Arena. November 2019, Maxi Mango with th...

I had the opportunity of meeting this lady named Claire Scott. I was intrigued seeing her business card as The QUEEN BUSY BEE. Claire specializes on Customer Service. She came from the Hotel Industry and saw how important Customer Experience in a business. She made a big Leap of Faith. At the time when she was facing personal difficulties and recession, she began her business. Listen to her Golden...

Often Entrepreneurs specially the start ups are faced with FEAR. The ability to Face Head On those Fears may help make the journey a bit smooth as I would say. However FEAR FACTORS need to be closely studied. Come up with alternatives or solutions. Listen to some of the FEARS 

In the Philippines, Convenience Stores are growing. In fact when one walks in the Central Business District like Makati or Ortigas or even in other cities, chances are there will be branches of convenience chains However every chain has its Unique Selling Proposition or USP.  Listen to the chat I had with the key people behind FamilyMart Philippines.

Traffic is definitely here to stay. It has become part of life for every person.  Trying to be productive is the challenge. Often we get absorbed by criticizing here and there.  An entrepreneur does not waste precious time. There are things written to do. Find out as I share valuable tips 

Women carry many hats. As a mother, the resoonsibility of rearing children, as a wife to support her husband. However women are dynamic entrepreneurs!

Oftentimes, we here or read the phrase DREAM BIG Start Small How does one really begin is the question. There are so many ideas perhaps going in one's mind that where to commence is like catching one's tail. Here I share what I did when I began my business 26 years ago. I included valuable tips too Find out more

Mindset is vital when somebody is thinking of starting a business. It creates a map on how the individual will commence the entrepreneurial journey.