Is business all about money, guys? When you set out to brave through something, alone or with your trusted friends or a reliable partner, do you guys picture the profits at the end of it? Of course, if there's no profit in doing it, why should we waste our time doing it.
I was introduced to the concept of social entrepreneurship during my days as a student at my varsity. I was introduced to a student organization called student in free enterprise (SIFE) by my friend. I was curious. At that time, I had just freed myself from a commitment as a project director of a certain project but as exhausted as I was at the time, I accepted the offer. I joined the meeting.
I came to the meeting not expecting anything much, but turned out, SIFE was something...different. The projects that were going to be implemented were very different from the ones I used to participate and led previously. The members were very enthusiastic and the adviser was awesomely supportive of new members. I felt welcomed.
Those were the early days when I first stepped into the world of social entrepreneurship. That was in February 2009 and five months later, I was appointed as the organization's president and it was an overwhelming responsibility entrusted to me. Not only did I have to ensure the projects' objectives were met but I also have the people's hopes in my hands.
The first project I had to lead was providing economic activities to a village at the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur, somewhere in a place called Kuala Selangor. We made lots of visits back and forth to the village to brainstorm, discuss with the villagers and other stakeholders and identifying sponsors and project partners to support the project. I must admit, it took a lot of my time but somehow, I didn't feel as though I was wasting my time. I felt great doing something that helped people.
Yes, along the way we were taught to make money from the projects, in order to ensure:
A. project's sustainability
B. To support the operation costs involved
C. To further introduce other program & projects
But how? How do we make money out of something that was meant to help other people? How can we benefit? People are often confused with social entrepreneurship and mix them up with non-profit organization or charity. Yes, I often come across these kind of people.
Now, stay tuned for part II. I will elaborate further.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP. PARTICIPATE TODAY.
