For the past 5 years, I have been fortunate enough diving myself into social business eco-system in Vietnam – starting fresh as an intern at a small team of 4 at a news platform for culture/art scenery in Vietnam, to a co-founder of a visual graphic post-production company which employed people with disabilities. My journey is still much undiscovered at the current stage, as social business is still something recent to the public in Vietnam, in spite of efforts by several pioneers in this field namely British Council, CSIP, UNDP… Nevertheless, there are some lessons I have learned during the journey.
- You are surrounded by a lot of naysayers – Let’s face it, the majority of the people still don’t get the idea of social business and social entrepreneurship. My wife still doesn’t get exactly what I am doing despite my generous endeavors of explanation. I guess I have to write a book explaining what I am doing for my family… Most of the time, the people who are unfamiliar with the matter tell me: “How can you make a decent living while trying to make good products, fair compensation, and fulfill tax duties?” (my answer is: certainly it can be)
- The great idea, stories, and written passion are easy on the paper and sweet to hear, execution is another story. In my experience, although the local community of social entrepreneurs/change makers is relatively small, there are few individuals getting too much exposure from media and public, while their actual works are somehow limited or stagnated. It is actually a double-edged sword: It is good to have someone taking role-models/figures which fit their natural charismatic personalities (while some who are actually doing works just don’t have this luxury or time for the media); however, there are risks if the false role-models decide to do bad kinds of stuff and eventually are discovered: the whole eco-system image would be severely damaged. (remember Elizabeth Holmes and her “impact” company Theranos?). They all seem passionate and charismatic about what they are doing. Their stories and vision statements are all truly inspiring, bla bla… But the fact is, real entrepreneurs work hard for their cause, and they know they can’t do it themselves: they value time, team-work and appreciate the hardship of the journey they are going forward.
Elizabeth Holmes – Theranos. Copyright The New York Times - There are “bad guys” and “good guys” in social business – so yes, please be cautious (in some degrees unless you know them so well!) of whomever you are working/partnering with. I do mean even a long-lasting friendship requires rules and principles, so does the relationship in the eco-system. I left the social business I helped co-founding and executing it from scratch to a profitable 50-full time-staff company because I could not stand the timid, deceitful and individualistic mindset of the other co-founders. On the other hand, there are more good guys in the social business, probably in higher percentages than the traditional business’, and they are all awesome! I have been getting lots of advice, support from people all around the world during my work. Some big corporations (Microsoft, Slack, Facebook, Salesforce…) are offering supports for impact business/social entrepreneurs – so it could be invaluable for your young impact start-up if you can access to the great business solutions for a small fee/free.
Megamind – Copyright Reserved Walt Disney - It can’t be a perfect work-life balance but still, it is up to you to make work your life and life your work. Seem cliche? I mean how do you feel if you wake up in the morning and already know today you will make some decisions which turn out have some impacts on your co-workers, community? And then you are home with your big smiles and spend your time with your family, telling your son your story today? Do homework of drawing your own work-life “flexible” balance.
In conclusion, working 5 years in social business eco-system in Vietnam has broadened my vision/perception tremendously. But the most valuable thing I have learned is the belief which is now validated: it is possible to build a business model which is caring for its stakeholders, customers, employees, while possibly creating positive sustainable social impacts. My first stage “belief confirmation” is now completed, so the next stages ready I am.
Henry Le's blog 