At first, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Until one time, I was tasked to apprentice at an XL (Phone credit sales) in North Jakarta. This is my experience.
Learning how to top up credits (Note that the students are new to cell phones and do not own their own)
On the first day, I learned how to active a card. I felt there was a business opportunity there, so I decided to be brave and to pose questions to Mr.Ardi (Director of XL in North Jakarta). After I received the support of Mr. Martin (YPU’s Director), I asked Mr. Ardi if I could do a business in selling phone credits. I thought doing that would be a good practice to build up my entrepreneurial spirit.
As it turned out, Mr. Ardi’s response was remarkable. He asked me, “Do you really want to sell credits?” to which I replied steadfastly, “Yes sir!”
Mr. Ardi then gave his his reassurance, “Trisna, you don’t have to hold back with me.”
It was then that I felt the support of Mr Ardi and I was very proud and happy.
The first opportunity came. On Saturday, 31st March 2012, there was a Mathematics course opening ceremony at YPU. I thought, this would be my chance to start the business of selling credits. With the many guests who would be attending, surely there would be a chance where several of them would purchase credits from me.
However, as the day passed, what I had hoped did not materialize. Not many people bought credits. Perhaps that wasn’t my lucky day, but God must have other plans.
At one point, one of the mothers came to buy credits. Wah, my heart felt so glad, the first customer of my business!
As time goes by, I try hard to keep this business going. While the result isn’t much, that is not my goal. What I seek is a way to train myself to be independent.
If given a responsibility, don’t neglect that responsibility you are given. If even once you fail to follow through in your responsibilities, then your opportunities will be gone just like that.
-Trisna
