Dear Aspiring Entrepreneur,
It’s been over a year since I bought John Lee’s Great by 24. The book by one entrepreneur who postponed his studies to do the things he loves the most: translation, meeting new people across the globe and making money while making spare time along the way. After I finished his book, I dared myself to email this young entrepreneur, seeking further advice. But that’s not what I’m going to share with you. Rather, it’s the Six Golden Strokes for Business Overture which you will find in Chapter 3 of John’s book.
First thing’s first: the registration of your enterprise. If you’re conducting your business in Malaysia, you’ll need to register your company or business. On January 4th, 2008, Aldric Tinker was registered as a Sole Proprietorship providing business support with the Malaysian Companies Commission (SSM). They gave me the following certificate:
Fast forward a (slow) year later, I renewed the registration on January 13, 2009. After paying a small fine and the registration fee, Aldric Tinker the Sole Proprietorship’s life was extended for another year.
Next, the Bank. No business can survive without a trustworthy banker. It’s your channel to receive and make payments! For me, I choose Maybank’s Personal Savings Account at the time. With just RM250, you can open a simple account there. For the time being, it’s sufficient. Once I get the minimum, I’ll gladly open up a Current Account with either Maybank or CIMB.
You’re given much flexibility when you’re providing a service such as copywriting. In the long run, you’ll still need an office space. No, inviting your clients to your 2-room flat is the last thing you want to do. I’ve been through this conflict over and over again. John Lee’s third Stroke is basically that: the Office. When I started out, I shuttled between my home in Section 8, Shah Alam, UiTM’s Faculty of Law and landmark Menara SAAS as well as in SACC Mall’s Coffee Bean. When you’re a service provider, as long as you have a PC and Internet access, that’s where your office is.
Though mind you, there is one tricky part: meeting clients. Where? I used to do it at Coffee Bean, KL Sentral and other ‘public places’. This doesn’t impress much. There’s no corporate identity.
As of last Friday, I maintain an office at Amcorp Tower, at PJ’s landmark: Amcorp Mall. From hereon after, I’ll be meeting my clients in the meeting room or the boardroom of Suite 1208, Level 12, Amcorp Tower, Amcorp Trade Centre, No. 18, Persiaran Barat, 46050-Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. My receptionist is ready to accept your call at +6 03 7948 5248. You can still fax me at +6 03 9282 7697, though.
No business can survive on its own. You need to team up with strategic partners and allies. This is the Fourth Stroke. When I started out, I regard a client of mine a strategic partner. Why? Because with this advertising firm based in JB, Malaysia, it’s not just about writing copy. They’ve guided me a lot since I started working with them. Support groups and network are as important. You can only cover so much with so little. You’ll need to delegate if not direct the project to someone else. At the same time, you’re going to need the knowledge you can get when you’re embarking on a new format or range of service.
Your partners alone cannot do anything much if you don’t spread the word! Advertise your business. No business experts can stress this enough, what more to say someone who’s going through it like me! If you fail to execute this 5th Stroke, your venture is as good as dead. Your advertising campaign doesn’t have to cost you half a million or so! There are many ways you can approach this. One way is through your business cards and website/blogs. Blogs and social networking sites like Facebook are relatively cheap and free! Use it!
Finally, a hotel alliance is also important. “Join one of the many hotel’s preferred guest programs or alliances”, says John in his book. You’d save the time and money when you’re familiar with one range of hotel. ;-)
There you have it, John Lee’s Six Golden Strokes for Business Overture. For more information, buy John Lee’s Great by 24! It’ll give you a treasure chest full of advices! Did I mention, I turn 23 in October 2009? ;-)
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