Lots of passion, but still needs a reality check

Even now, I cannot say with certainty whether I have or have not have been somewhat blinded by my passion and my little innovative idea. But at least I now understand that having a bright idea isn't enough. Having products that are good and that can sell, bringing in business consistently and managing the cash flow are the real challenges.

Along the way, I've been fortunate enough to get mentorship from friends who are successful in their fields. Their advice to me was straightforward - start with a business plan, explain how I would produce the products, what it would cost, who would buy them. I racked my brain for months to ensure I've all of the angles. I thought it would be useful for helping me think through through the process of running the business, but reality was very far from that.

There's no correlation between the quality of a business plan and the business, I then realized it is revenue that determines the survival of my humble little start up company. The sooner I bring in revenue the better.

Many social enterprises fail because the product or service they offer isn't valuable or not valued in the market. Simply creating social value isn't enough. The best social entrepreneurs must sell, they persuade people to buy what they have to sell. It is also very important to get ideas off the ground, and be very adaptive and responsive on developing products, services and strategy.