The 4 P's of my Entrepreneurship Journey

Having graduated as an engineer, I was trained to adopt the “table” model/framework, always putting things between rows and columns and analysing them with formulas. Over a decade ago, I decided I didn’t fancy retiring after only having done a desk job, probably in the same company or same industry, because I’d have had to climb the corporate ladder like anyone else. I took off for a break, physically and mentally, trying to figure out what life could otherwise be. I asked myself a simple question - what makes me happy? That was easy! It was travelling. So I thought, yeah, let’s have a job that makes others happy! Off I went and started with the first “P”.

PASSION

Looking back, I adore my courage and fore-sightedness. I had no idea what the industry was all about and how I should run a travel consultancy business, I just had a love for it, and thought everyone should step out and see the world, and I wanted to help them do it; it was as simple as that! Passion has empowered me with the urge to learn, to discover, to find ways. With lots of bumps along the way, I learnt some life-long lessons.

PERSEVERANCE

The world is not as kind as you’d like it to be. It’s easy when you’re a tourist or when you’re a potential client; it’s an entirely different story when you’re trying to sell. Although I was selling an experience, often a lifetime one (I think), people couldn’t help but complain and compare. The cost factor always hit me the hardest, and I told myself it’s my responsibility to educate them that a great trip shouldn’t be weighted down by dollars and cents.

There was also the cost of maintaining the business; when I was near to exhausting my savings and funds, I persevered, believing in my motto and my vision. I honestly thought I would find clients of a like-mind. I didn’t stop going to trade shows, staying up to date with the industry and most importantly networking with as many people about my ideas as possible. Yes, the Internet era has changed the industry immensely, but word of mouth remains a powerful tool. A tailor-made experiential trip was a niche, and still is. Of course, there is the risk of the idea being copied; however, that’s exactly where the quality of mindset kicks in. One just has to keep recreating oneself.

PROFESSIONALISM

Once an impressive clientele database has been developed, and when life has become a little more comfortable, complacency is to be avoided. I realised the importance of professionalism in keeping your hard-earned clients, and in maintaining the standards of service. Believe it or not, most of my clients are my friends, to a certain extent. I get invitations to house parties, graduations, company events, etc. They introduce me to their families, friends and colleagues to organise their trips. All because I’ve stood out by making their trips memorable, helped them score brownie points with higher management, made sure their school principals and parents are delighted with the children’s first overseas experience. As my database grew, I realise I needed another “P”.

PARTNERSHIP

No one can succeed easily without great partners. Our company has sponsored a local diving club to support its causes; in return, a full-page advertisement was given for a few editions of its magazine. Relationships with suppliers are equally crucial, because with clients long-term business dealings mean better communication and service. Partnering with industry players proved to be a game changer too. Instead of competing with each other, we collaborated to maximise each other’s strength. The most important thing is that our clients got to have more choices and more all-rounded experiences. I believe in a win-win situation.

It has been a really fulfilling journey, however challenging and tricky it was at times. I don’t believe entrepreneurs are competing with each other, because the moment you take that leap of faith, you are already in your own league. No two entrepreneurs should be identical. If you must score yourself against your performance, I suggest using the subjects of sustainability and knowledge gained. After all, the battle is with yourself.