One of the most interesting rags to riches story in the country is that of John Gokongwei. You are all familiar with how he became one of the Philippines’ top billionaires. He started selling peanuts from his backyard and now sells snacks to the world. He is now worth $425 million and is the 34th richest man in Asia. Gokongwei’s empire touches every Filipino household – from food and drinks, transportation, telecommunications, real estate, and malls, among others.
His message, which received a standing ovation at the Ad Congress going on now in Subic, has this as his main message:
Why serve 86 million when you can sell to four billion Asians? And that’s just to start you off. Because there is still the world beyond Asia.
Why indeed?
You don’t have to be a big business owner to sell to the world. Thirty-something entrepreneurs are doing it. Their products are known in other countries, but not here. There’s risk, of course, and a lot of learning involved. How to get financing, which buyers to trust, which are the best ways to ship products, how to market yourself and your company. There are many things to iron out, but few things that should deter the small entrepreneur.
Go beyond the local market. Sell to the world.
But keep grounded on this spot. Home ground. Gokongwei finished with:
I am 81 today. But I do not forget the little boy that I was in the palengke (market) in Cebu. I still believe in family. I still want to make good. I still don’t mind going up against those older and better than me. I still believe hard work will not fail me. And I still believe in people willing to think the same way.
Entrepreneurs have to BELIEVE.
(Photo from Robinsons Land Corp.)
November 23rd, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Gokongwei is my idol. He’s well-known for his frugality and shrewdness. Suppliers don’t want to negotiate with him because he’s a penny pincher!
There’s an anecdote that he won the site of Robinson’s Galleria over rival Henry Sy thru a toss coin. Sy submitted to Ortigas a higher bid than Gokongwei. But John said his bid was inclusive of taxes so it’s higher. Henry protested. So they settled the score thru a toss coin. John won. All’s fair in love, war and business.