Butz Bartolome
Butz Bartolome
Entrepreneurs always Expect the Unexpected
GMB IT | April 17, 2025
Entrepreneurs always Expect the Unexpected. Joining as boy scout, guiding rule instilled was “LAGING HANDA” or ALWAYS PREPARED. Typhoon Ketsana otherwise known as Typhoon Ondoy Photo From GMA Network The school offered different scouting activities. Furthermore competitions among schools highlighted learned skills among the students. It was nerve wrecking, under a coach demanding precise timing and synchronization. The nicest part joining a scouting jamboree usually held in different locations. One meets delegates from different parts of the globe. Similarly the school teaches every student skills and knowledge in other subjects. However learning depends on the individual. In fact some would just comply for the sake of getting good grades. However as we step out of school, we begin an inventory on preparedness. The question is Am I ready to face reality. In contrast in school there are teachers to guide every step of the journey. Entrepreneurs Expect the Unexpected: Butz Bartolome Environmental Concerns As an entrepreneur, I realize importance of preparedness. In a meeting, management discussed how weather disturbances possibly affect the business. The months of July and August often pose challenge to everybody. The country experienced “Hagupit ni Habagat” or (Wrath of the monsoon). Almost all businesses were affected due to flash floods, absenteeism of employees and poor sales. Noteworthy measures came up. For example review location of the warehouses. It may be due to a possible threat of water rising and entering the compound.Transferring to another location may be an added investment. However in the long run it pays for itself. Typhoon Ondoy or Typhoon Ketsana 2009 gave every entrepreneur bitter lesson. Another worst Typhoon Haiyan otherwise known as Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 gave everybody a hard blow. Imagine in a span of 4 years! Typhoon Haiyan November 2013 Source New York Times Yet above all Filipino spirit of Bayanihan is ever present. During those rainy days, phones brigades set up to check on the situation of every employee. Establishments began pooling non-perishables goods so assistance may be activated. Foreign aid began to pour. It was helping everybody to stand up again on their knees. Consider Human Resource Entrepreneurial preparedness involves ensuring the day-to-day management of the business. In competitive fields, an entrepreneur is faced with job offers for its management team. This may be within the country or in foreign countries. Finding the right people is getting harder. Many entrepreneurs are wondering where are those looking for jobs. Employing too many people is not advisable. Get into a lean and mean organization is great. Establishing an efficient team is the goal. Come in prepared with a back up plan. Employees always think of a better future for themselves . I always believe the entrepreneur must be watchful and maintain a hands-on management style. Noteworthy are successful entrepreneurs who are in touch and know what is happening. They never stay and relax in their offices. Consider a cross training. This will spread the expertise to other employees. Keeping the person forever may be too idealistic. Above all nobody is indispensable. Another form of preparedness Finally get immediate family members involved. Invite them to join. Treat them as internal customers. Sell and convince there is future. Listen to ideas and have a dialogue not monologue. In conclusion having written my piece, my fellow entrepreneurs can you safely say you are “Laging Handa” Or ready to expect the unexpected? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You may contact Armando "Butz" Bartolome for questions and more information. By email: aob@gmb.ph FB Page: Armando Bartolome Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franguru/ Website: https://www.gmb.ph 
