Improving Spirit of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs (13/10)
13/10/2011 - 38 Lượt xem
Heaped-up difficulties
Storm following other storm is only a matter of heaven and earth in the year of cat (2011). But difficulties heaping up difficulties is a business of Vietnamese entrepreneurs. After all, both calamity and subjective factors have resulted in about 48,700 Vietnamese enterprises being dissolved or shut down since the beginning of this year. Of course, according to recent preliminary statistics of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), most of those firms are small and medium-sized.
Their current problems include increasing inventory, burdens of bank loans, capital shortage for restructuring, less trading partners, high unemployment of qualified staff, and so on. Meanwhile, enterprises are forced to raise salary for their employees from October 1 this year. That is a thorny problem facing bosses not only of the aforesaid 48,700 firms but others currently in the same situation.
Proverb says "big capital is better than good ability"
Capital here must be understood in a broad sense, not only means money and valuable assets like property but also technology, management skills and public relations. If not, loss will be still the same old story even if enterprises are able to enjoy soft loans. Recently-disclosed bankruptcy of some cement plants that mainly relied on State capital was an example. In fact, some private enterprises still suffered losses though they, thanks to their lobby, had received State credit because of unqualified management skills. Some big cases have already shown that, sometimes, cahoots between any private firm and some government officials could be a danger.
Clearly, financial strength of a firm is always one of decisive factors for its development and survival. Therefore, the State always pays attention to assisting firm in this respect, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
However, at the workshop themed "Building small and medium-sized development plans for the 2011-2015 period" recently held by VCCI in Ho Chi Minh City, many delegates stated that their firms found hard to get State preferential policies. The State has just created "favorable conditions and environment" and enterprises still have had to borrow bank loans with high interest rate.
In August this year, the government set up a national fund for technology renovation with total charter capital of VND1,000 billion, aiming to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in hi-tech application and development. Accordingly, about 30 hi-tech establishments will be built and developed in the 2011-2015 period. However, many local experts say hi-tech production and development is still unfeasible even for State-owned giant firms. At the same time, some domestic economists express their doubts about the feasibility of the fund. In short, private firms should not wait for State capital. They should know to pool for their business.
Building and developing entrepreneurial spirit
The first and worst failures of a businessman originate from his or her less confidence. Loss of self-confidence is the biggest loss. Success lessons of the world's renowned business people have already proved this matter. Self-confidence depends on self-control and self-reliance, but not on diploma. The Microsoft King is said to be the idol of this.
One big loss of business people in the current context of economic downturn comes from the resignation of many well-trained workers. Entrepreneurs will be afraid of losing technological tactics, production secrets, and even competitiveness. Therefore, a true business person needs to have enough determination and talent.
Proverb says "Rich man is by his friends". Building and developing friendly relations with colleagues is expected to get half of success in life-work. It is said that, unlike businessmen in other regional countries, Vietnamese entrepreneurs lack mutual love and are not willing to help one another in time of distress. The fact is that establishing and enhancing business cooperation, rather than spontaneous trading, is a matter of special concern. To this end, business person is required to have enough both spirit and ability.
Rather than self-satisfaction, entrepreneurs should unceasingly discover and apply new advanced technology. Lack of creation and invention is now among limitations of Vietnamese business people. In the context of high inflation and global economic crisis, following up the old trail means suicide. Stories about giants of Japan and South Korea such as Honda and Daewoo will be examples for Vietnamese entrepreneurs to follow.
"Stand up and move on after a fall" and "Better luck next time" will be of great admiration for a businessman. Business risks are unavoidable, but determination to overcome all difficulties after failure to get success is noble. It is also very important for a true businessman to continuously take parts in charity and social welfare activities as well as national talent development programs./.
Source: VEN.
