Being "Crisis Proof" and "Crisis Free" this 2009: The Entrepinoy Movement and the Quest for 7,107 Business and Income Ideas

"The world is talking about CRISIS. Some are concerned as others are apathetic. Some prefers denial. Many are optimistic, capitalizing on the usual resilience of the Filipinos, as many as those with learned helplessness of a crisis that they have long been having even before this one. Diverse response abounds in a country which unites best in CRISIS, hopefully like this one.

So much talks… Rationalizations… discussions… BUT IT’S TIME TO ACT… or at least PROVIDE IDEAS ON HOW TO ACT!"

This is how business expert, entrepreneur, and life coach Carl Balita introduced his newly-formed movement called the Entrepinoy Movement, which he formed last January 9, 2009. He was joined by no less than distinguished businessmen and owners of successful and thriving businesses in the country.

His goal in forming the movement is simple: gather the "bright minds" from all walks of life and challenge them to provide ideas and suggestions on how to be "crisis proof" in the midst of a looming economic and financial crisis. While he always gives a challenge to all Filipinos to try to be entrepinoys through his radio program Radyo Negosyo on DZMM (Saturdays, 7-8pm with another business expert Marlo Sanchez), the movement seeks to extend the challenge through their official website http://www.entrepinoymovement.com and through various other activities that will help Filipinos earn extra income through small businesses.

Part of the advocacy of the Entrepinoy Movement is to gather 7,101 ideas through their website on how one can earn at least minimum wage at home, now - yup, as in NOW. The movement wants to ask the people ideas on how anyone - an ordinary worker, a housewife, a student, an OFW, or even a jobless person - can earn an equivalent of the minimum wage or more. This way, other people visiting the website can peruse through the multitude of ideas and use them. The site can also be a way for users to interact to each other and share not just ideas but knowledge, contacts, and other things.

I am really impressed on how someone like Carl Balita can initiate this kind of project to help all of us be educated and have the push to go beyond ourselves and strive hard instead of sulking like a baby, wailing because of agony, and blaming others for our mysery. We are now challenged not just to do our best but help others do their best also even through our own diverse ideas. As what Fr. Joel said before in his homily: "there's unity in diversity".

If you think you have that bright idea, log on to http://www.entrepinoymovement.com and share that idea. Who knows, your bright idea might give a bright future to someone.