The Story of NENA (For entrepreneurs in distress)

Last night I read a posting on one of my participant's site; it shook me to the core. It was about how her daughter of 10 years old, sold her favorite Angry Bird toy and gave all the money to her mom to help make ends meet, accompanied by a piece of note.

I was so touched and inspired by the little child's act that I decided to do two things:

One - I am creating a program within ElixirEducate which I am naming NENA, after the blessed child (the mom is blessed to for having such child). NENA stands for (N)ew (E)ntrepreneurs (N)eeding (A)dvise. And this would apply to all those who were  forced into entrepreneurship out of necessity or hardship; that would include single parents, laid-offs, homeless and the poor at home. And what it means that I will give coaching at heavily subsidised rates (I will not cheapen it by disclosing further) and you only pay when you have - later, when you make the money from your business. I do not want a single cent until you are successful. (But please bear in mind that I cannot help everyone until I get more volunteers).

Two - I am going to give this advise for those who are forced into entrepreneurship out of necessity rather than choice.

1. Don't tell yourself to be positive, instead KNOW that the Almighty has decided to give you the best gift in life, entrepreneurship. It is a field that even religion regard as the 9 out of 10 doors of fortune. There is no doubt about this.
2. Have faith that the Al-Mighty have the power to change your situation and make it better. For Muslims, pray and ask from Allah and don't be vague - be specific. Remember and know that mightiness of the AL-Mighty is beyond your comprehension and his knowledge and generosity is beyond what your human mind can conceive. Rezeki is not determined by your boss, your company or your project - Even their 'rezeki' is determined by Allah; so ask yourself who have been you REALLY been asking rezeki from all this while?
3. Read and find the book, La Tahzan (Don't be Sad, Jangan Bersedih). It has helped me and millions other really pick ourselves up. Ask any bookstore or go to the library. Find it now.
4. Know that your universe is about to change and be proud with yourself (proud, not arrogant). Prepare yourself for the change and open your eyes wide of the possibilities. Walk tall; for the final determinant is the Al-Mighty Allah. LITERALLY walk tall, as you are reading this, sit straighter! Get up and stand taller, lift your shoulder and open up your chest. Try it now. You will feel stronger. Now DON'T change that posture.
5. Have a dialog with yourself. Go to a mirror or even a puddle of water and see your reflection. Tell that person, "form now on, you and me, together we will change our fate, our destiny. Together we are going to make a fortune and help others who are like us. Let's DO THIS".
6. In business, mental toughness is a MUST and the real KEY to success. Enlist all help to do this but the first help must be from the Al-Mighty, from God. How? Pray, even if you have not prayed for the last 30 year, pick up a clean towel, lay it down, find a general direction of the Kaabah and pray. Allah is the best of judge and the most knowledgeable and he KNOWS your imperfections. I strongly suggest that you pray NOW. Break from reading this and go pray, two rakaah will do. I am going to do my Solah Dhuna now.
7. See, less than 10 minutes. Next is to take action. Prayers is not likely will land gold at your feet (anything possible with Allah though), mostly it will be answered through your actions. You are not dead yet. So let's get cracking.
8. Before starting anything, improve yourself first. Make yourself more productive. Sleep half and hour earlier than usual but wake up an hour earlier. After Prayer and reciting surah Waqiah, READ. READ about your trade, your product and your business. If you have the internet that is great, rather than spending that time lamenting your state in a chatroom, browse and search for information. Spend at least forty five minutes READING and listening to instructional videos on Youtube. I do that everyday. Do it before the kids wake up.
9. Then list the things you need to do that day. When you do not have money, time is your most important resource. Plan it properly and get more things done within that day. Any free time? READ!
10. Get help. Find a business coach or a friend who has been in business and ask for advise. Don't be afraid that a business coach might be expensive, just go to them and tell them your situation and I GUARANTEE that any GOOD BUSINESS COACH will be more interested to help you rather than the money. A good business coach also believes that Allah decides his rezeki, not from you and your fees.
11. Find out your strengths and weaknesses (a friend or coach can help) and what is your product and value proposition that you can offer? It could be anything, Serunding Sambal to your mom's favorite recipe. Find someone who can give you a good picture and plan on how to make money.
12. DO NOT INVEST in anything that guarantees return and ask you to do nothing (except maybe get more investors). YOU WILL LOSE MONEY. Money never makes money, only you do. Spend wisely. Spend to be actionable. 
13. Genuine Multi-Level-Marketing is a good business to go into for a start. You can gather income steadily  by using genuine and honest tactics. Do not manipulate and lie to get customers as words will get around and soon no one will want to see or buy anything from you.
14. If you have a product of your own - go out and sell it. Products are never perfect first round so don't wait for it to be perfect but make sure you continuously improve them. Be honest with your customers; they will buy something with 60% perfection level.
15. Be humble and smile always. Life has thrown a spanner  so being humble should be easy for you. Be humble and smile - that always got me jobs. Humble, NOT PITIFUL. Do not slouch or look sad, humble is being proud at what you are doing but nor arrogant.
16. Focus, Focus, Focus...
17. If you have a family - they are your sources of strength. Do not worry for their rezeki is in the hands of Allah too. Not all is on your shoulder. Allah will take care of them too. Hug your child/spouse with smile and vigour. Tears are okay once in a while, but most effective when in prayers (that means you too, menfolks).
18. Help others whenever you can in whatever way you can.

I have no intention of making this into a spam but please do forward this to someone who you know would benefit from this advise, share this on your FB. It could be your family member, your friend or your next door neighbor. Don't spam it, send it to someone who needs this and may Allah reward you for your kindness.

Work Smart People

The Author is the principal of ElixirEducate - a training house for Smart Entrepreneur Program Series. He was an international investment banker, corporate financier and now serial entrepreneur and business coach. You can find more information on ElixirEducate on their facebook page, here.  And be a facebook friend  of Yazdi . Please share this information with your entrepreneur friend who may benefit from this post. They could be an existing entrepreneur or someone who plans to start a business.  You can also join the growing business network of Entrepreneurs in Malaysia by joining this group. Thank you.