Since the book was launched last Feb. 5, the GoNegosyo Book of 50 Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories has sold close to 15,000 copies in just two months and is now a best seller in National Bookstore. This is why we’ve decided to have the largest book signing event ever in National Bookstore SM Megamall on March 16 at 5 p.m. where close to 25 out of the 50 entrepreneurs featured in the book will attend. The series of book signing sessions which is being organized all throughout the Philippines is part of our continuing effort to inspire our Filipino brothers not to lose hope and to instead take control their own destiny by having a positive attitude and getting into a negosyo. Aside from the book signing, we will also have a media launch of the “Kaya Mo, GoNegosyo” TV commercials featuring success stories of microentrepreneurs anchored by celebrity entrepreneur Paolo Bediones. I guess it is time that we create the new superstars of Philippines Inc. and these are the entrepreneur idols or negosyantes.

Despite the complex world of politics, at the end of it all, we must see to it that the economy will be the focal concern of everyone because it is what will help people improve their lives. Electing the right leaders in May 14 is critical if we want to see this country to be an economic power to recon with in the future. We must look at their attributes and see who among those running is within the right character of the 50 successful entrepreneurs. Imagine if we can create enterprising people in government, this country will move much faster. We need to elect politicians who are enterprising (in the correct sense) meaning those who are able to create a number of negosyantes in their cities or provinces. How much lending is being done to help the micro entrepreneurs? How easy is it to start a business? What kinds of business opportunities are available for MSME’s? We should vote for candidates who ask and address these kinds of questions, those who encourage people that the Philippines has a bright future and those who help bring about greater optimism. GoNegosyo is all about bringing a culture change among us Filipinos, creating a spirit of enterprise not just for those who want to start a business but even those in government whose role is to foster the spirit of enterprise making it easy for people to start one.

While GoNegosyo book is an inspiring book, there are other books out there that deserve to be read like Francisco Colayco’s “Pera Mo Palaguin Mo”. He now has one for children called “Money for Kids. Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo” and I gave my kids a copy of this book for them to read so they can start early and understand how to invest their money. These are books that the schools must start to promote among the youth. Butch Jimenez and Flor Gozon’s book “Blessings in Disguise” is a great inspirational book and “Think Rich Pinoy” by Larry Gamboa is worth reading as well. When you read some newspapers you get so depressed that you want to leave the country. It’s sad that a number of Filipinos actually create greater pessimism and fear and break the only thing left for the poor surviving Filipino entrepreneurs which is hope. May we see more books and newspaper broadsheets to come out with positive news. The Belmonte family, Miguel, Kevin and Isaac, believes in fostering greater optimism among Filipinos and I commend Philippine Star for bringing the good news to their readers.

Let me share with you some comments of those who read the GoNegosyo Book:

Hi Sir Joey,
I just want to say that your book is so inspiring and it really teaches me a lot by getting ideas regarding business. Actually I’m in a stage of studying what kind of business I really want to put up. I have a lot of ideas on my mind, but I don’t want to rush things by just putting a business without any strong foundation or long term plans. I know my savings is not that so big that is why I’m so careful where to invest my money. Thanks a lot, keep on inspiring the youth to become a successful entrepreneur of our country.
Cherry

Hi Joey,
My name is Gabby Dizon, an entrepreneur and co-founder of a game development company in the Philippines. I bought the GoNegosyo book that chronicles the profiles of our country’s greatest entrepreneurs and it was a great inspiration for me.

As a young entrepreneur, I find the message of GoNegosyo to be very important in our country’s development. I’d like to know how I can help with the programs and get to meet fellow entrepreneurs as well.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks,
Gabby Dizon

Dear Sir Joey,
I’m Marc Vargas, a small businessman from Cavite and a strong believer of this “GoNegosyo” battlecry wherein the only way for this nation to move forward and eliminate poverty is to encourage our countrymen to try their luck in putting up their own businesses. You and your group in “GoNegosyo” have inspired and rallied millions of people in attaining this almost impossible job of creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere to would be investors and I congratulate each and everyone of you in “GoNegosyo” for a job very well done!!!!

Congratulations and more power!!!!
Marc Vargas

[For feedback, you can email me at joey@gonegosyo.net or thru sms at 09175591245. For free business advice, visit www.gonegosyo.org or watch the GoNegosyo Bigtime TV Show every Monday, 10:30 p.m. in RPN9.]