How to Get Sidelines and ‘Rackets’

Many people ask me how I come up with all of these business ideas and all these ‘rackets’ and sidelines. You know what? That question made me think actually.

When I was younger, people were telling me that I seemed to be a magnet of opportunities. After reading ‘The Secret’, I guess I believed it more. But, I am a practical lady and I think, if you really want to succeed, reading the secret and believing it can only take you so far.

So, what I did was I went through each business idea I had in the past and tried to think of where each originated from. From these, I gathered learnings — my ‘secrets’ in achieving success.

1. Play your own game (Be Self-driven)

If you want something achieved or something done, then get them done. You don’t have to wait for validation or someone else to give you a motivational speech. Create a plan with concrete steps that you will take to turn your idea into reality.

Also, don’t let people tell you what you CANNOT do. I hear a lot of people say, “wag mong gawin yan kasi meron na nyan” (don’t do that, because there is already someone else offering that). To that I would say, “I’ll do it better!”. It doesn’t mean that just because someone else is offering a kind of service or product, you are not supposed to create your own version. That’s not how the world works now. You can actually create, and make sure that you have your unique selling proposition in mind. Why would customers go to you instead of your competitor? What value do you offer? What are you there to address?

2. Treat others well and be willing to help them

I am all for helping others, even competitors. When a person comes to me to ask for my help, as long as I have the resources and the capability to do so, I do help them. Also, to get sidelines and rackets, you have to be genuinely (let me repeat that — GENUINELY!) nice to people. These people will be the same people who will help you in the future. As for me, I sometimes go and contact organizations and brands that I see potential in and that I want to try to help out. I have contacted a few for Manila Workshops (some of them are our partners now and we are very successful in achieving our goal). For those who don’t want my services, it is actually fine by me. When I approach people, I normally have a grand ‘win-win’ plan for both of us. If it doesn’t push through, I jump to the next big idea for another person, organization or brand.

Don’t be afraid to create partnerships, but of course, do check on the background and the experience of the people you are looking at to partner with. I hear a lot of people say that they don’t want to partner with friends for businesses since this will just end friendships. I don’t agree with this. For me, just as long as you and your friend document (really write down roles and responsibilities and expectations from each) everything, then you’re good to go. I suggest also to partner with people who know that putting up a business is a risk. There are no guarantees!

3. Feeling of abundance

I stay away from people who are NEGA (Negative). When I wake up each day, I always tell myself that I will get a lot of clients today and I will be able to help others through the work that I do. I always tell myself that there is an ocean of untapped market and I have to do is connect with them. In getting sidelines or jobs, always feel (feel is the operative word) like there is an abundance of job openings that you need to choose from! Never feel that no opportunities are there for you or that there is a scarcity of jobs. Try to avoid that feeling and you’ll see that opportunities will come your way.

4. Follow through
When you plan to contact possible clients that you can be of service to, do contact them right away. Don’t forget to follow through. When a potential partner asks for a meeting date, do give them a date. Again, follow through. Most of the time, opportunities don’t turn to real and tangible scenarios because of lack of follow through.

5. Know what you’re good at
To get to create ideas that will turn into successful businesses or sidelines, you should know what you are good at and leverage on these. Use these skills in the business or sideline that you thinking of. Try to partner with someone who will fill in on your weaknesses.

So these are the five things that I can tell you to remember in creating sidelines or rackets. Do let me know if you have other tips in mind! 🙂

Love lots,

Mommy Ginger