Get over the panic!

Bryan has an eye for business. For years, he has wished, desired, contemplated, imagined and fantasized having his own business. He followed one thing that’s not taught in business school: he trusted in God’s timing. While he waited, he kept his eyes open for opportunities and enjoyed doing consultancy work for the popular brand Bratpack.

Bryan is also a musician. He’s part of the band “Taken by Cars.” I’ve been to their gigs, and I can say the band does play very well. Bryan plays the drums so well he got nominated as top Pinoy drummer in a popular radio station last year.

Oh, and did I tell you that Bryan happens to be my son as well?

So anyway, one time, the opportunity he was waiting for finally came. While enjoying the food prepared by his Japanese friend Shinji – who also runs one of the country’s finest digital recording studios – Bryan thought of the two of them going into a food business together. And so on a Sunday afternoon in May, “Crazy Katsu” opened along Maginhawa St. And it’s doing so well today, the partners couldn’t wait to open more branches.

I was with the two of them in the early stages of the venture. Seeing how they had struggled to start the business made me think about a business truth: Starting a business is challenging, but everything changes when you open your doors and start making sales. There will be a different kind of pressure, and problems will have an increased sense of urgency. 

Before the opening, Crazy Katsu’s legal papers were delayed. At that time, a delay like that was not a disaster. Yes, they were annoyed and frustrated, but the consequences weren’t all that serious.

But it’s a different story once business is open already. If the food comes out too slow, or the air conditioning isn’t working properly, or the employees didn’t show up for work, or customers are demanding things you don’t have, panic can set in. Especially with a Japanese business partner who’s a stickler for details.

I’ve seen the Crazy Katsu partners as they were forced to deal with urgent situations, make major decisions, and take immediate courses of action. They’re in an almost panicky disposition as they found themselves inundated with problems demand immediate answers all at the same time.

This happens to first-time entrepreneurs. This happened to me when I first went into business. You probably could identify with this too.

First-time entrepreneur tends to greet each problem with the same reaction: panic. It doesn’t matter that majority of the problems are actually quite manageable. For the first-time entrepreneur, they’re all catastrophes. But over time, he learns how to deal with problems one at a time. Eventually, he discovers that the “catastrophes” aren’t so overwhelming after all. And experience is gained, wisdom begins and confidence is built.

Every kind of business deals with the urgency of putting out fires every now and then. When businesses do not have many problems, it’s either they’re extremely blessed, or there’s just not enough business coming their way. Bryan and Shinji have since grown to be confident enterprisers. So confident, that they’re ready to expand their business and face more problems.

Some thoughts on doing business:

1. To be successful you have to get over your panic.

Not only must you develop confidence in your ability to handle problems, but your whole way of thinking about problems has to change. You have to accept the never-ending flood of complications as a normal part of the business process.

2. You have to learn to enjoy that process.

Find the fun in the dealing with the everyday flood of complications and concerns. Look at it as something you’ll be laughing about in the future. I am dead serious by saying that you need to find the fun in the business you do. This is how you become creative in challenging situations. Be caught up in the fun and excitement of finding solutions to your business problems.

Call it tenacity. Call it passion. Call it courage or “stickativity” or just plain stubbornness in refusing to give up. Whatever you call it, develop that kind of positive attitude towards business problems. It’s a most important quality an entrepreneur must have. Ultimately, it determines whether you’ll succeed or fail.

And may I suggest the most important way to deal with panic and problems? Try prayer. It works for me!

Here’s another idea: Join Go Negosyo’s 2011 Young Entrepreneurs Summit on September 23 at the World Trade Center. Call 637-9229 for details.

Don’t panic. Learn and have fun.

(Spend two whole days with Francis Kong developing your leadership skills this September 29-30 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries, contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. at 632-6872614 or 09178511115.)