Recruitment of new ‘special forces’ in full swing
A new kind of “special forces” is being organized as the Philippines continues to battle the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
They will be part of the “home army” that Potato Corner is recruiting to be able to still offer its popular flavored fries across the country, including the National Capital Region that will remain under enhanced community quarantine at least until May 15.
Their mission is to be home-based entrepreneurs who can sell the fries to their neighbors during these extraordinary times when the usual retail outlets such as malls are closed as part of the measures to contain the spread of the highly contagious virus that has already infected over 7,200 Filipinos. Interested entrepreneurs only need to indicate their interest by sending an email to [email protected]. Potato Corner commits to reply with detailed information on how they can join the “special forces home army” within 24 hours. Potato Corner cofounder Jose Magsaysay Jr. told the Inquirer that the priority recruits are the existing franchisees who may want to join the pivot into the home-based business just to keep a revenue stream flowing in these difficult times. It is only when franchisees in specific areas decline to participate that the area will be given to the new entrepreneurs who want to try their hand at being a distributor despite the health crisis situation.
“Franchisees have the right of first refusal,” said Magsaysay, emphasizing that the “special forces” will only be activated during the crisis and will retreat to the background again once the situation evolves into the “new normal.”
Magsaysay explained that the rush deployment was done in a bid to have funds to move supplies, pay overhead, and keep the brand relevant despite the crisis.
“We need Potato Corner to be relevant during this crisis to maintain our brand equity and to keep our market, our customers loyal to us and be top of mind in a crisis environment that has now seen an explosion of commerce and entrepreneurship in every community,” he said.
Magsaysay stressed that entrepreneurs should always be ready to “course correct” when crisis hits and be flexible enough with its rules and way of doing things.
At this time, survival is the primary goal and Potato Corner intends to get as much help as it can get.
