The role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippine economy has become more apparent over the years, due to its immense contribution to the creation of jobs and the growth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Based on data provided by the Department of Trade and Industry, SMEs account for 99.6 percent of total registered enterprises in the country and contribute to 35 percent of GDP.
To further promote SMEs and the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Philippines, PLDT SME Nation, together with Smart Enterprise, Sun Business and in partnership with Go Negosyo, has been conducting the Bossing Awards, since 2010, recognizing deserving Filipino businessmen who have served as models of skill, creativity and the right
“bossing” attitude.
So what is the right “bossing” attitude?
Hoping to inspire and guide aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs, PLDT SME Nation asked some of its bossings about their tips on how they have made their businesses successful over the years, and what it takes to truly be a Bossing.
Silverworks Managing Director “Bossing” Louie Gutierrez:
Be relevant
Silverworks is currently the leading retailer of silver jewelry in the Philippines, which started as a single kiosk in Makati in 1991 and has grown to more than 60 outlets and 400 employees in major malls around the country. Bossing Louie Gutierrez shares, “Having been around for 23 years in the industry, you have to be relevant, so that there will always be curiosity among your customers.” He adds that it is not just following the current fad, but “creating your own trends to be followed by others.” In sticking to his strategy, Bossing Louie also keeps up with developments in technology, relying on PLDT SME Nation’s Internet services to keep his company’s information-technology processes monitored.
Toby’s Sports Co-Founder “Bossing” Bobby Claudio: Take Challenges Head-on
“Toby’s has been engaged in sports distribution and retail for 36 years. With 55 stores nationwide and 800 employees, we have become the forefront of sports business.” The secret behind their success? Bossing Bobby Claudio shares, “Get your feet wet, get your hands on [the business].” There will always be challenges and difficulties, but a good business owner always has to take them head on.” He also adds that a good bossing will always “expose himself to opportunities and is always aware of favorable business prospects, so he should never be afraid.” To help bossing Bobby keep stores in check, PLDT SME Nation provides Toby’s Sports with data-management systems that monitor the sales and stocks of all their branches.
Baliwag Lechon “Bossing” Sarabeth Salcedo-Soriano: Genuine concern
Having been in the food retail business for 30 years and with over 200 branches, Baliwag has established itself as a food institution in the Philippines. In achieving this, bossing Sarabeth Salcedo-Soriano shares that their success has all been through “non-complacency and innovation” and keeping up with developments in technology. Since much of her business relies on tracking information, PLDT SME Nation has been providing her company with the necessary tools to monitor their operations. She also shares that as a bossing, it has been important for her to be “genuinely concerned with the people she works with” to effectively achieve goals that she has set for her company.
Lifeline Managing Director “Bossing” Michael Deakin: Believe
“Lifeline is into the business of saving lives,” says bossing Michael Deakin. Being the country’s only dedicated emergency quick response service, Lifeline has been around for 19 years and already saved over a 100,000 lives. In achieving this level of success, bossing Michael has kept his philosophy simple: “Believe in what you do, believe in yourself. You need to dig deep and get rid of doubts.” PLDT SME Nation also tries to keep it simple for Lifeline, by providing them with the necessary communication technology, to help their customers.
Seaoil President and CEO “Bossing” Glenn Yu: Hard Work and focus
Seaoil is the Philippines’s largest independent oil company which started from one gasoline service station to over 250 stations today. But this was not achieved overnight by bossing Glenn Yu, who shares, “Don’t think about how you will acquire your wealth, and don’t take shortcuts. You should focus on opportunities, integrity and being transparent. If you do this, customers will reward you and your co-workers will work harder.” Helping bossing Glenn and Seaoil manage the business better, PLDT SME Nation provides them with quality products that let them monitor the company’s daily operations.
Automatic Center and BLIMS “Bossing” Samie Lim: Follow the 4 As
What started out as Automatic Center, a one-stop appliance chain, has evolved into a complete home furnishing store with BLIMS Fine Furniture. In the 36 years that bossing Samie has been in the industry, he follows four guiding principles in his work: have the heart to honor your past; train the mind to visualize the future; develop the skill to excel; and, always have the willingness to serve. And his tips for entrepreneurs? Follow the 4 As: ”Have the right Aptitude for the business that you want; the correct Attitude learned from your peers; the necessary Abilities, by developing skills; and you will get Astonishing results.” And in getting these astonishing results, PLDT SME Nation works with Automatic Center and BLIMS to ensure that all the information for their daily operations are in place.