On October 24, 2018, Globe myBusiness Academy and DTI brought together business owners and entrepreneurs-to-be from all over Davao City for a day of expert-led tips, insights and inspirations to guide them through their business journeys. Whether they’re just starting out, in the middle of running their negosyo, or right at the peak of their growth, there was something for them all to learn at the Globe myBusiness Academy Session.

Here are some of the best insights and quotes we picked up from the event:

• Starting your business

“What’s important in business is diskarte that comes with the right knowledge.” – Francis Kong

Knowledge may be important, but it’s not everything when it comes to business. A bit of street smarts goes a long way when it comes to starting your business, and throughout the rest of your entrepreneurial journey.

“Redefine passion. We shouldn’t look for it. Whatever is there that we are passionate about, that’s passion.” – Ginger Arboleda

We place a lot of pressure on ourselves to “find our passion”. Sometimes we forget that it comes down to something we truly enjoy doing, something that we are not afraid to work for. When we think of passion this way, it’s easier to find.

“What idea can I turn into a business? Where can I find that business idea that I can use and grow and build? Where do good ideas come from?” – Ginger Arboleda

All businesses start with something simple: an idea. But it’s not enough just to have one. You need an idea that you can build upon, one that can be a foundation for a whole business strategy and plan.

“Have a little introspection. Have a little thinking space before you start.” – EJ Arboleda

While choosing to start a business is a great idea, you need to play things smart in the way you do so. Don’t just jump in without doing your research first, without having a solid plan, or without adequate preparation.

• Running your business

“If there’s one thing I learned from business, it’s that learning never stops.” – Francis Kong

Don’t close yourself to learning once you’ve graduated from educational levels. Remember that learning is a lifelong thing, so always be humble enough to develop new skills or learn new techniques.

“Time is the scarcest resource today.” – Francis Kong

If you have an idea, strategy or plan that you know will work, don’t waste your time. You’ve heard of the saying, “So much to do, so little time.” Time matters so much that you have to make the most of it.

“You don’t compromise. You only give the best.” – Jaime Magsaysay

Cutting corners is not going to give your customers the products or services they deserve, and it makes a big difference to really give your all to your business — not just in the resources for your products, but in everyday operations too.

“Technology will differentiate your store from others. […] Take advantage of the technology available, but take on the learnings that you [get from experts].” – Alvin Ching

Because you always need to be open to learning new things, don’t waste the opportunity to listen to and absorb the lessons you learn and skills you develop from what’s available to you — like lifelong insights from experts, or accessible technology.

“Design your website such that it serves a specific purpose aligned with the problem of your business.” – EJ Arboleda

In terms of technology, nothing will be more of a home for your brand than your website. The most important thing for you to focus on when it comes to your site is its purpose. Whether you’re after leads, sales, or services, make sure your website is doing what it was made to do.

“You need to create more content. It’s all about content right now.” – Joey Flores

Focus also on the content you post. These days, customers consume so much content that it’s hard for them to decipher one post from another. Having something that makes your content stand out from the rest calls their attention and keeps their interest.

• Growing your business

“You have to put yourself in a situation where you will constantly think, ‘What can I do to grow my business?’. If you’re not in that mindframe, that’s risky. […] Change is scary, but it is scarier not to change.” – Francis Kong

Like learning, change is also constant in your business journey. Welcome change in your business, because your market is dynamic and ever-changing as well. You have to adjust to the world around you in order to survive, and in order to thrive in business.

“There is a huge online opportunity for the Philippines today. […] Whether [or not] you’re starting offline right now, you should be exploring online [opportunity] because the future is going to be digital.” – Alvin Ching

If you’re looking for a place to grow, there’s no better one than an online platform. As the world becomes more digital by the day, this is where your market will soon be, and where you should be as well.

Globe myBusiness Academy’s Go Lokal session in Davao was a rousing success, with various speakers there to inspire, educate and empower the people of Davao with business tips and essential pieces of advice, plus various digital tools and solutions they could use for their businesses.

Best of all, whether they were in the food, accommodations, retail, or online services industries, and no matter what stage of their business journey they were in, there was something for them to take home and find inspiration from.

For more information on Globe myBusiness Academy Sessions, sign up to Globe myBusiness Academy today.