People who want to succeed in business must have a vision, must be hardworking, and innovative.

This was the advice of entrepreneurship advocates to Negrenses who came to the Go Negosyo sa Bacolod caravan last Friday the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

Bacolod-born chef Gaita Fores, owner of Cibo Manila, said an entrepreneur must be willing to work hard because success does not come easily. "Visualize, set a goal and dream for yourself," she said, adding that it also a matter of telling one's self that you can do it.

Fores said those who want to set up a restaurant business must love to eat because whipping up a good meal has to come from the heart.

"It must be something nga enjoy ka gid while you're doing it," said Fores, who started her catering business in her family's garage two decades ago.

Dr. Vicki Belo, who's at the helm of the Belo Medical Group, said she opened a beauty clinic, which offers dermatology and cosmetic surgery services, to fill a need. That is, for Filipinos to make themselves look good to boost their self-esteem.

Belo, who is popular for her liposuction and botox treatments, said pimples and excess weight were her problems during her younger days. "I made my problem a negosyo."

Fores agreed. "No guts, no glory. Opportunities come where problems arise," she said.

Negrense businessman Roberto Montelibano, whose first investment was for a gas station, said he also believes entrepreneurs must have guts and know how to take risks.

He said that investing in other businesses or diversification could also be a sound move, to break the limitations in putting money in just a single business.

Jay Aldeguer of Island Souvenirs said innovation also plays a major role in a successful business.

The problem in many Filipino businesses, he said, is lack of innovation so this must be addressed.

You must have a good program to start with, said the entrepreneur, who also credits his success to his creativity in making T-shirt designs.

Myla Villanueva of MDI Group of Holdings, which is into software development, said since Filipinos are now known globally for their developing softwares and animations, those who are experts in technology can take advantage of the industry demand.

"All you need is your mind and a computer," she said.

For her part, Vivienne Tan, founder of the Entrepreneurs School of Asia, shared what her father, tycoon Lucio Tan, has imparted to her.

"Hardwork, love for (people) and loyalty," she said.*NLG

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