It's 12.14am on 1/1/12, being the start of the new year. It's been a while since I've blogged on this page. Since the last time I wrote, life has changed a lot for me. With additional commitments - both in the professional and personnel arenas, challenges have also heightened and become more overcoming. In any case, what I find exciting, is the option of driving my own idea in employment (others and self). The fact is people expect this coming year to be most challenging due to the state of the economy (well, predictions at least). However, we subscribe to the view that this is the time for companies to restrategise and opportune for them to challenge the larger companies who have always monopolised the game, and stands a high risk due to their gearing and high overheads. The big question is should a person switch from the comfort of employment to the uncomfortable hotseat of running his/her own business? Some common advice people (including your average moms and dads) would give you: - a) Do it part time first until the economy is more stabil (BUT YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO FOCUS) b) Ensure that you are protected for the start-up period (PROTECTION SHOULD INCLUDE INSURANCE AND A CONFIRMED CONTRACT WITH A RELIABLE PARTY) c) For wives, let your husbands take the leap, you should stay in the stabil environment of employment (BUT WHAT IF YOU'RE CONTRIBUTING A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE IDEA?) Here's my take on this: - i) FOCUS is really really important in anything we do. Depending on the idea, as long as it is relating to the need for companies to restrategise (i.e. a valid and relevant value proposition), it should be good risk to take (but one should take pains to validate the need for the product/ services) ii) PROTECTION should not be rigid to cover cash only. Also, limit the period of risk for one to make that call of whether the idea is working or not. Take it as a year out if in the end it doesn't work (But it should if you focus o on getting it to work, really!) iii) PARTNERSHIP between spouses could work really well (and otherwise). What's important is both of you realise the value each of you bring to the table and get fairly paid from it. And one more thing, professional #1 and married #2. iv) STAY FOOLISH, STAY HUNGRY (as the late Steve Jobs puts it) - Those who are passionate about their crazy ideas (enough to realise it) will make it happen somehow! v) LET THE IDEAS FAIL, FAST! and CHANGE FAST! So for those taking the leap this year, have a really wonderfully fruitful year. For the rest... remember that trying to do something over and over again but expecting different results is a clear sign of insanity (Per the late Albert Einstein)... so would suggest you just carry forward those unrealised resolutions rather than rebranding them if you have nothing new to move on to! haha Happy New Year!