This week i am very happy to introduce to all a young entrepreneur who have his business running at Far East Plaza Orchard Road.
A very unique product that i seen at his shop.
I will update the photos and his pic soon .
But do learn about his answers to my questions where it can be very useful for all of us to learn something from this young entreprneur.
Here … for all of you….
SUFFIAN SUMAMAILI from PAPER PEOPLE
1)What kind of business do you have? What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? Well, I sell stationery products like notebooks, notepads, photo albums , folders and gift boxes. All of them which I design and created myself. I don't really see myself as an entrepreneur actually. All I wanted to do was to exploit my ability in design and creative. After working so long as a designer, I decided to think further in my interest by venturing into something different like product design. 2)Did you need to have a certain mindset to achieve success? First of all we have to be focus with our forte and direction in the things that we want to do and achieve. With good planning and a positive mindset, I'm sure that the one can achieve success. There are no such things as a good business. It is how one manages and persevere the path of having losses and making mistakes. We should all learn from mistake and try to improve in our innovation. Always think out of the box. 3)Have you noticed certain advantages to being an entrepreneur? Being your own boss. Having a roomful of ideas to play with and of course with no above you telling what to do. 4)Is it difficult to get financing for businesses? If so why and are there any solutions? It is indeed difficult to get financing for business. As we all know that Singapore is a fast forward country. I guess we are not the only one filling up those loan application forms. It is very difficult to convince those banks unless you have a really great business plan with faster returns in your profit. 5)Did you have a mentor to help you get started? I'm not sure if you guys heard of Abang Abu.His articles actually kick ass. As the business that I am in is quite niche in the market. I learn everything myself. I studied the art of making stationery and even work in an "apek" environment factory in Depot Road. They really scolded me when I do minor mistakes. Their curses can make one melt. Thus they didn't know that I am actually spying on their skills. Haha. So I guess they are my real "Kungfu style" mentors. 6)Approximately how much money did you invest before your business became profitable? A lot. Probably near to 10K. I have a lot of problems when I first get Paper People started. There were times when I actually use all my savings to keep my business running. 7)What resources were most helpful to you when you were starting your business? Business guide for dummies book. Advises from parents and support from my loyal friends. As I have ample experience in production and designs, I have some useful resources of where I can get my raw material from. 8)What ways have you found to be most effective in marketing your product or service to get sales? Be very friendly with your customers or clients. Be honest when dealing your business. Convince without forcing. And most important of all, make sure that you are having fun when running your own business. 9)What tips can you give others who want to embrace their dream but, don't have the confidence or feel they don't have what it takes to succeed? Don't be afraid of failing. Failing is part and parcel of running a business. If it doesn't work out today then it will be better tomorrow. I am prepared to share some of my leads and vital information in doing business. Be it in designing, t shirt businesses or design services, I hope to carve out those hidden talents out there who are still not very confident in running their own venture. You may email me at info@paperpeople-shop.com or call my mobile at 90279032. 10)How do you manage juggling the responsibilities of being a entrepreneur? The responsibility of an entrepreneur is for eternity. You have to be responsible in whatever you are doing. Time management plays a vital role in running a business. Manage your time properly. Set your goals target. Have a pros and cons list before setting up a business to help with your target. 11)What's next for you? I am in a mist of creating my t shirt labels whereby I transfer all my designs from my stationery into shirts and sweaters. I might be opening another stores for this speciality.. Maybe SHIRT PEOPLE or something. haha. There has been too much request on this including one of the young entrepreneurs that came to the ECONIAGA visit the other time. I think I see potential in this and I don't want to miss out this opportunity. It would be worthwhile. Secondly, I would love to set up my own design house. There have been lots of corporate orders lately and I guessed I am building up my company reputation on that prospect as well. Wasallam Suffian Sumamaili PAPER PEOPLE
Great entrepreneur to learn from! 🙂