BOBBY Claudio
The role of small and medium enterprises in the Philippine economy has become more apparent over the years, due to their immense contribution to the creation of jobs and the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Based on data provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), SMEs account for 99.6 percent of total registered enterprises in the country and 35 percent of the country’s GDP.
To further promote SMEs and the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Philippines, PLDT SME Nation, together with Smart Enterprise, Sun Business and in partnership with Go Negosyo, has been conducting the Bossing Awards since 2010, recognizing deserving Filipino entrepreneurs who have served as models of skill and creativity and the right “bossing” attitude.
So what is the right “bossing” attitude?
To help inspire and guide aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs, PLDT SME Nation asked some of the awardees about their business and their advice for future “bossings.”
Silverworks Managing Director, Louie Gutierrez: Be relevant
Silverworks is the leading retailer of silver jewelry in the Philippines that employs about 400 people.
From a single kiosk in Makati in 1991, it has grown to a network of more than 60 outlets in major malls around the country.
Gutierrez shares, “Having been around for 23 years in the industry, you have to be relevant, so that there will always be curiosity among your customers.”
He adds that success is not about following the current fad, but “creating your own trends to be followed by others”.
Toby’s Sports Co-Founder, Bobby Claudio: Face challenges
“Toby’s has been engaged in sports distribution and retail for 36 years. With 55 stores nationwide and 800 employees, we are at the forefront of the sports business,” says Claudio, who advises entrepreneurs to “get your feet wet, get your hands on (the business).”
There will always be challenges and difficulties, he says, but a good business owner always has to face them head on.
SAMIE Lim
He adds that a good entrepreneur must always “expose himself to opportunities and is always aware of favorable business prospects, so he should never be afraid.”
Baliwag Lechon, Sarabeth Salcedo-Soriano: Show genuine concern
Having been in the food retail business for 30 years and with over 200 branches, Baliwag has established itself as a food institution in the Philippines.
Salcedo-Soriano says this feat was made possible by the company’s attitude of “non-complacency and innovation” and keeping up with developments in technology.
Since much of her business relies on tracking information, PLDT SME Nation has been providing her company with the necessary tools to monitor operations. She adds that it has been important for her to be “genuinely concerned with the people she works with” to effectively achieve goals that she has set for her company.
Lifeline Managing Director, Michael Deakin: Believe
Lifeline, which Deakin says is into the business of saving lives, has been in operation for 19 years and has already saved over 100,000 lives.
For the country’s only dedicated Emergency Quick Response (EQR) service to keep its level of success, Deakin has kept his philosophy simple: “Believe in what you do, believe in yourself. You need to dig deep and get rid of doubts.”
GLENN Yu
Seaoil President and CEO Glenn Yu: Hard work and focus
Seaoil is the Philippines’ largest independent oil company that started from one gasoline service station to over 250 stations today. But this was not achieved overnight, Yu says.
He shares, “Don’t think about how you will acquire your wealth, and don’t take shortcuts. You should focus on opportunities, integrity and being transparent. If you do this, customers will reward you and your co-workers will work harder.”
Automatic Center and Blims CEO Samie Lim: Follow the 4 As
What started out as Automatic Center, a one stop appliance chain, has evolved into a complete home furnishing store with Blims Fine Furniture.
In the 36 years that Lim has been in the industry, he follows four guiding principles in his work: have the heart to honor your past; train the mind to visualize the future; develop the skill to excel; and always have the willingness to serve.
And his tips for entrepreneurs? Follow the 4 A’s: “Have the right Aptitude for the business that you want; the correct Attitude learned from your peers; the necessary Abilities, by developing skills; and you will get Astonishing results.”
(To know more about the Bossings and the 2014 MVP Bossing Awards, visit the PLDT SME Nation website at https://www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph/bossings/.)