Daring to venture out

by Siew Ching Chua

Want to be your own boss? You can - if you work hard and believe in yourself. Siew Ching Chua speaks to one graduate who took that bold step.

We've all thought about it at some time or other - how nice it would be if you were your own boss, doing the things you are passionate about. Many will dismiss such notions as mere dreams and go back to their reality of working for someone else.

However, there are some who say “Why not?” This is exactly what Sean Ngoh did. In 2004, he and his partners set up Xover Consultancy, a one-stop website company. It provides total website solutions - design, hosting, solutions, marketing and advertising.

“Our services are complete - from creativity to generating income for customers. We customise web designs to suit our customer's business image, propose advertising (online/conventional) and help develop their business from one phase to the next.We are technology business partners, rather than just website vendors.”

Getting started A Computer Science student with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Sean did his industrial training with an Internet business portal company for six months before graduating.

As an intern, Sean wondered if programming was something he wanted to do all his life. “I wanted to be a great programmer, but when I had the chance to prove myself, I didn't like it at all! I realised I had been living a false dream and I didn't have any backup plan.”

After graduating, he joined the same company as an e-business analyst, but he didn't stay long. In 2004, he and two friends convinced an investor to start up Xover Consultancy.

The investor helped with the finance, office space and advice,while Sean and his partners developed the products and services.

“Most people start in business by quitting their highly paid job, taking bank loans, refinancing their houses and so on. They put themselves at high risk in order to transform their dreams and knowledge into a workable plan. For me, it was different. Although it was tough, it was a lot easier to start a business out of nothing.”

It took time before the business started operating. There were many things to organise, money being the most important. Xover had to ensure there were enough funds to support the first six months of operation. They also needed to do research on competitors to see how they could market their company differently.

The most important task was to draw up the company's first year's goals and how they would achieve them.“A goal is like a light that guides you in the dark. When a goal is set and everyone is committed to it, the company will progress and carry everyone else along.”

A rocky beginning

As expected, most businesses do not take off from day one - even Amazon.com, the world's most successful online retail site, took years to make its mark.

“It's easy to create a business, but it's difficult to survive,” says Sean.“The market is always more competitive than you imagined.”

Xover Consultancy had a shaky start. Clients were unsure of its services, the production process was uncertain, payments were delayed and they made mistakes.“As a result, our sales figure did not grow at all.We were losing money every month and were not able to cover our increasing expenses.”

Things became worse when the investor decided to pull out because of the problems. “All of a sudden,we were all alone, like an abandoned child.”

Making another bold move, they decided to buy the company from the investor.Drastic changes had to be made to accommodate the buyout, so they moved from an office to a house, expenses were severely cut and bills paid individually.

When his last remaining partner quit, Sean was left in a lurch.“I had no savings, no income.Yet I needed to survive, I needed to pay my loans, I needed to live. That was the hardest time in my life. I thought that was the end of Xover, but something inside me told me not to give up.”

Making it worthwhile

This was a period of more change, extra hours and improvisation.With only one designer left to take care of production, Sean worked harder at looking for more clients.

“I also made sure I only spent RM10 in three days for nine meals. I lost five kg within two weeks!”

The months of diligence and sacrifice finally paid off.“We got new businesses,we were able to collect our payments and repay all debts! We started making money.

“We always remind ourselves of what happened in the past and how lucky we are now.”

“Although I learned my lesson the hard way, I am glad everything happened at the right time. It was a very important turning point in my life.”

Today, Xover Consultancy is thriving. Its biggest client is MZ Motorrad Sdn Bhd (www.mzmotorrad. com.my) and it also has some smalland medium-size ones. Xover has also provided exhibition services for EABEX (East Asian Business Exhibition) and Mummy & Me as a web partner.

The lesson to be learned

If you want to be your own boss, you must be prepared to learn and do many things, says Sean.

“Have a good and complete business plan, adopt the right mindset and always be prepared to take responsibility for everything that happens to your business. Follow your plans and be persistent, don't give up easily!” Having someone who supports your dreams is also very encouraging. His father, a businessman, had encouraged him since young to become involved in the world of business.

“He always reminds me not to give up even if the business fails,” says Sean.“I am thankful to have someone always watching my back!”

Creating your own business

While it's easy to start a business, it is surviving that makes all the difference between a good business and a failed one.

With the pace at which technology is advancing, the market is more competitive than ever. In a short period of time,what may seem like an absurd idea may eventually become the next best thing.

“If you are not fast enough to make your stand in the market, your competitors will catch up, and move ahead,” says Sean.“A successful business exists before it even starts. So plan properly and you will not be easily beaten in the game.”

“It's your mindset that determines your actions and whether you will succeed,” says Sean. “Having your own business is far more complicated than just earning and spending. It is about fulfilling your dreams and creating opportunities for others to fulfil theirs.s.”

So, still thinking of starting out on your own? Take Sean's story as an inspiration and see how far you can go with your dreams.You never know, it could take you places you never expected!

Before you even think about starting your own business, ask yourself these questions:

1. Am I a risk-taker?
2. Why do I want to start my own business?
3. Am I afraid of failure?
4. Can I devote my time to making my business work?
5. Can I push forward regardless of difficulties?
6. Am I confident about my business succeeding?

Good luck!