Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – A simple and consistent mindset is the keyword for starting a business. These tips were given by I Ketut Sumayana, the owner of CV Bali Pure who started the business in 2016 with only IDR 300,000 in capital.
Ketut is one of the business actors assisted by the Sampoerna Entrepreneurship Training Center (SETC), an MSME empowerment program assisted by PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. (Sampoerna) through the umbrella of the “Sampoerna for Indonesia” Sustainability Program.
Bali Pure has now become one of the MSMEs with a variety of products such as virgin coconut oil (VCO), hazelnut oil, turmeric powder, red ginger powder, moringa leaf powder, to class B cosmetic products.
Apart from the domestic market, Bali Pure’s products are currently being exported to the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore and are currently exploring entry to Sakura Country.
“First, think simple. I get turmeric from farmers, then think about what I can make and people need from this turmeric. I see that there is turmeric powder in the shop. So, I can make this from turmeric, the price is IDR 1,000 per kg, it can become IDR 25,000 ,” he said in the webinar Indonesia Skills Week by Prakerja, Monday (21/8/2023).
Indonesia Skills Week by Prakerja is a free and easy training because it is done online (on line). Sampoerna, through SETC, is one of the partners providing training to alumni of Pre-Employment Card participants.
Indonesia Skills Week by Prakerja carries the theme “Turn Your Passion into a Business” by learning from the journey of pioneering the business of the founder of Bali Pure, Sumayana. This man from Bali is one of the MSMEs that received assistance from SETC.
As an illustration, SETC is an integrated entrepreneurship training center from Sampoerna which has been operating since 2007. This training center stands on an area of 27 hectares (ha) in Sidoarjo, East Java. SETC also has training and meeting rooms, a tissue culture laboratory, areas for livestock, fisheries and research, and lodging.
SETC is always consistent in providing training, mentoring, coaching, and networking for MSME actors who want to develop. In the end, the benefits can be felt, not only by MSME actors, but also for the people in their surroundings.
In its journey of more than 16 years, SETC has supported capacity building for around 67,000 trainees from all over Indonesia, including Sumayana who joined SETC’s mentorship since 2018.
The founder of Bali Pure said, thanks to a number of training sessions with SETC, the business that was started with a capital of Rp. 300,000 can now become an MSME that is growing positively and already has offices and production lines according to BPOM standards.
Perseverance and consistency in marketing the products has made Bali Pure’s sales slowly increase and are able to reach foreign markets. “Recently, I and SETC left Japan (the Wellness Food Japan 2023 exhibition) and we are exploring exports there,” he explained.
Initial Capital IDR 300,000
Sumayana recalls that Bali Pure’s business started from a small garage in North Bali with a capital of only IDR 300,000. The business was started because he saw the potential of coconuts in 2016.
Without thinking complicated, Sumayana started processing coconut into VCO. The entire production process is carried out manually with the main objective of providing added value. If coconuts were previously sold at a certain price, Bali Pure’s VCO production can be marketed at IDR 75,000 for a 100 ml pack.
“Thinking must be simple. To make this VCO, we process coconuts from farmers. We manually peel, squeeze by hand, filter and ferment. Like babies, we have to learn to crawl to be able to run. Start first from those around us,” he explained.
Sumayana did not deny that Bali Pure’s products had had few buyers in the first six months. However, persistence and consistency to continue producing while utilizing online marketing through social media and marketplace then bear fruit.
“Of course we produce products that people need, not (products) that we want. Today no one is buying, tomorrow someone will order a lot. So we have to fulfill that. Take advantage of digital, post on social media, websites and others,” he explained.
Sumayana said, several overseas buyers found Bali Pure products through social media posts and websites.
This former hotel employee does not forget to provide tips for anyone who wants to start their own business. According to him, to be able to start a business, someone must have entrepreneurial mindset or can create and take advantage of opportunities.
He gave an example during the pandemic, sales of VCO products plummeted. Bali Pure then targets natural products hand sanitizers which is proven capable of hoisting sales up to 200 percent.
“So we see and take the best, most potential and promising opportunities. An entrepreneur must also be good at socializing and building networks,” he explained.
Sumayana believes that everyone can become a business actor if they recognize their potential and dare to think creatively. Sharpening creative thinking can be done by attending seminars and training, including socializing with friends.
Furthermore, the entrepreneurial mentality must also be fostered by not being preoccupied with what other people say. Business actors must survive and focus on goals. If there is a problem, business actors must focus on the solution, not dwell on the problem itself.
“If you are new, don’t be criticized if you are offended. If you are offended, we will not move forward. Then, don’t demand payment before providing the best service,” he added.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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(dpu/dpu)