Embracing risks

“Changing gears” was one of the most difficult decisions I made in my working life when information technology (IT) came into the picture. I was undeniably clueless what IT was, and was also quite unsure if I ever get to survive the demands that go with it. I had only with me my knowledge on export and export research of five years which is entirely unrelated to IT, and some basic skill in Microsoft Office as my only reason to use a computer. I owe it to Engr. Francis Dy, my former boss, for trusting my instincts more than I did. He introduced me to the world of software engineering in a company based in Silicon Valley.

And most of what I know about software development, IT project management, web architecture, SEO and social media, intellectual property in technology, and IT venture capital raising actually come from my mentors in Silicon Valley.

Wilmer Olano, founder and creative director of iDesign, is another influential person who taught me the importance of “taking risks” which he said is crucial to professionals who want to succeed in IT on their own. He proved it by putting up his own web design company after leaving the company we both worked for and persevered to study new tools and trends in graphic design. It was not easy for him, but the efforts he poured paid off. His was getting referrals from satisfied clients and finally etched his name in Cebu’s graphic design circle.

After realizing that it is indeed possible to be on your own without getting employed, I dove the world of freelancing in 2009. And of course, it was hard. To be on your own takes patience and ability to withstand the pressures coming from doubting Thomases around you who are afraid of taking risks and naysayers of the future of information technology. The hard part, too, in becoming an IT entrepreneur is when you deal with your new bosses – your clients. Some of them were nice but were mostly demanding. I had clients that I haven’t met or seen but did their projects anyway base on trust. I have also learned that not all clients from affluent countries are good payors or are faithful to follow contracts. Those are just some of the risks that one has to face when embarking on IT projects that are outsourced in the country.

The hardest for me was where or how to start. I was staring at the ceiling for awhile to figure out where to find clients. It was a good thing there was Odesk and Getafreelancer. They are just some of the most popular sites that advertise homebase or virtual jobs. I took some copywriting and search engine optimization jobs to keep me afloat while I was busy preparing a business plan to persuade some of my friends to invest in an ecommerce website that I conceptualized. A lawyer-friend, at first, liked the idea but eventually begged off to support the project for lack of time. I had to start again from scratch to convince my friends to invest in my project but there were no takers. It was one of those frustrating moments when those around you seemed to be so cold on fresh ideas and solutions; friends who prophecy that innovation, technology and web are the keys to competitiveness and business success — are, in fact, the very ones who shun the ideas that we firmly held.

I almost gave up IT that I had to sign a contract with a real estate company to handle the creative side of their project which was followed by a new contract with the same company. I thought it was going to be the end of my engagement with IT as I got involved heavily in project ideation for two other real estate companies that got my services. It was one of those moments when I thought that a good IT idea is but just an idea that remains in the head and that Cebuanos are not prepared to become venture capitalists to support a good IT project. But to my surprise, a friend called and asked if I ever wanted to partner with him in an IT project and accepted the offer without second thought. To cut to the chase, we have finished the project as planned and are now on our second phase with surprisingly interesting offers from our customers. Second, investors are calling us to support the succeeding phases in exchange for a stake with the company. Those friends of mine who were once cold to what I have envisioned all of a sudden called if they could get in. But too late, “We are not selling anymore” I politely informed them.

One lesson I learned from this experience is to never lose hope. Never abandon your good ideas. I share the ideas of Winston Damarillo. He is an inspiration to the IT community and to me. I have followed his story until now and he is so right “Be passionate, take risk.” If I may add, don’t be afraid, trust your knowledge chest and sell your ideas.

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