I recently concluded a series of economic and investment outlooks in this blog which featured the views of many experts I admire and respect. 

If it was a good idea to look at economic and investments, it is likewise a great idea to look at the business or ‘negosyo’ forecast for 2013, particularly on the SME front. I am pleased to present the outlook of a colleague, c0-laborer and a good friend, Mr. Paulo Tibig. Paulo is the founder and CEO of V Cargo, one of the country’s largest cargo companies. He is also known as the Entrep Champ!

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MY 2013 PROMISING NEGOSYO FORECAST

Brand new year, brand new plans and somehow, a renewed hope to make things better.

While 2012 cemented my commitment to entrepreneurship since launching my book, Strategies of a Champion Entrepreneur last September 26, 2012; I see 2013 as the year where I continue to help build more roads for those who want to make an impact in their chosen line of business.

And I intend to do just that.

A few weeks into the new year, I was invited to share my thoughts on  radio and TV  for both Kapamilya and Kapatid programs with one common topic – “Promising o patok na negosyo for 2013” (which I think was a great way to “pave” the roadmap I have set for the year).

For those who have missed it, I’d like to share my fearless forecast on the Top 5 Promising Negosyos for the year 2013.

A guide of sorts for those who are planning to put up a business or for those who want to expand and diversify their existing ventures.

Just like my book, my views and thoughts on this topic are very personal and based on my own entrepreneurial instinct.

1. CONVENIENCE Concept- because people are too busy, they want “easy access” to everything. This concept has been in the country for as long as I can remember but remains to be unexplored. The “jolly-jeep” along the busy streets of Makati and Ortigas (Central Business District) is one good example.

This year, don’t be surprised if you see a mobile salon/parlor, a mobile diagnostic laboratory (imagine the med tech visiting you at your house for blood extraction) or a mobile cargo acceptance where your package is weighed on-site and processed instantly for faster shipping.

2 .RETAIL HOPPERS– If you are a retailer of food, clothing or knick-knacks and whatnots, now you have more venue to sell your wares day in & day out; Check selling opportunities at weekend markets, nightly food stalls, bazaars and even warehouse and company sales.

3. TOURISM-related business – With the boom of low-budget airfare, Filipinos now have included travelling in their annual savings list. Exploring the country first is definitely the top priority and this will definitely help the economy in general with the hospitality sector as the number one beneficiary.

Try tourism related negosyos from transportation, accommodation and service-oriented offerings like spa, tour-guide services and giving tourists the local food experience. (Tip: Most often than not, tourists would visit the local market to get a good feel of a region’s culture).

4. SPORTS-related business – Exercise your entrepreneurial skills by venturing into sports-related business concepts. Now more than ever, Filipinos are driven by the fitness craze, using sports as a way to get fit. From weekend running around the city, trail marathons to playing football (an unfamiliar sport until the Azkals came into the picture.)

5. E-commerce – Convenient for both entrepreneur and buyer with minimal capitalization. Perfect for stay-at home moms, manage your business within the confines of your home. Talk about work-life balance!

So you see, marami tayong pwedeng maging negosyo,I still have so much in mind, but this might result to “business opportunity overload”.  What’s important is to start your entrepreneurial journey now. Who knows you might soon be the next Entrepchamp!

To help you plan better, get a copy of my book “Strategies of a Champion Entrepreneur” the book is all about 10 proven guidelines to your entrepreneurial journey towards success. You will learn Strategies that have worked for me and other champion entrepreneurs in the country. Available at National Bookstore, Fully Booked and PowerBooks branches nationwide.

I am so blessed to have been invited to be a participant in the annual  Citi-FT Financial Education Summit and the first time being held in the Philippines.

What is the Financial Education Summit about? Read the organizer’s release about  this very important event.

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Financial education now a critical life skill

Philippines plays host this year to the Citi-FT Financial Education Summit, now on its ninth year.  Organized by the Citi Foundation, the Pearson Foundation and the Financial Times, the Summit has become the leading annual global forum on financial capability.

Over 280 delegates from more than 30 countries including the Philippines, across Asia and around the globe are convening for two days at Makati Shangri-La.  This is a record high number of participants for the Summit that started in Hong Kong and has been held around the region including Australia, Singapore and most recently in Indonesia.  The delegates include representatives from non-profit organizations, financial institutions, government agencies/regulators, multilateral institutions, microfinance institutions, educational organizations and private business

The theme this year is Financial Capability as a 21^st Century Life Skill.  The conference will establish the case for financial capability as a critical skill in modern society, in both developing and developed economies, and address the fundamental challenges of measuring the impact of financial education programs and creating more sustainable delivery models.  The Summit will also explore financial education initiatives for children, youth and adults at different life stages, showcase programs for low-income groups including migrant workers, farmers, factory workers and microentrepreneurs, and discuss the role of multi-sector partnerships in advancing the financial capability field.

The Summit has put together a most impressive line-up of speakers, with keynote address coming from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco.   BSP, who has been a strong supporter of financial inclusion initiatives, is a host partner for the Summit.

The 2012 Summit in Manila will:

• Establish the case for financial capability as a critical life skill in modern society, in both developing and developed economies

• Explore financial education initiatives for children, youth and adults at different life stages

• Showcase programmes for low-income groups, including disadvantaged youth, migrant workers, farmers, factory workers and microentrepreneurs

• Discuss the development of programme standards and accreditation, and the role of multi-sector partnerships in advancing the financial capability field

• Address the fundamental challenges of measuring the impact of financial education and creating more sustainable models

Visit http://www.financialeducationsummit.org/

Check out the 2011 Highlights

Here’s a short interview I gave to Apples Jalandoni of ABS-CBN News on where to put your money.