Tag: About

About Favoriot — Part X: Age Does Not Matter in Business

What is the Best Age to Become an Entrepreneur?

Is There an Ideal Age?

What is the best age to become an entrepreneur? Should you start with work experience or without any at all?

This question often affected my mind when I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with Favoriot. As someone who has been involved in the tech world for a long time, I frequently wondered whether age plays a significant role in an entrepreneur’s success.

Some might argue that starting a business at a young age is the best option.

You have plenty of energy, new ideas always emerge, and the courage to take risks is high. However, if you are too young, you may lack relevant experience.

Conversely, you might have more experience and knowledge as you get older, but your energy and willingness to take significant risks might diminish.

The Misconception of Youthful Success

In the entrepreneurial world, there’s a common misconception that success belongs to the young.

Stories of young entrepreneurs who achieve great success often reinforce this view. However, the inspiring story of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, proves that age is not a barrier to achieving great success.

Colonel Sanders started his venture to create a global fast-food empire at the age of 62, at a time when many people were considering retirement. His story isn’t just about achieving success later in life; it’s also about unwavering perseverance and debunking the myth of ‘overnight success.’

His success didn’t come overnight but resulted from a lifetime of experiences filled with challenges and valuable lessons.

Experience as a Valuable Asset

I often reflect on my journey with Favoriot. I started this venture at an age that some might consider late. However, I knew that the experience I had accumulated over the years in the tech industry was my most valuable asset.

I recall working at various companies and gaining experience in telecommunications and technology, which ultimately helped me develop Favoriot.

Much like how Colonel Sanders started KFC with two decades of experience in the food industry, I also began Favoriot with years of experience in technology and IoT.

This wasn’t a leap into the unknown but the result of continuous learning, courage, and a deep passion for technology.

I often tell myself, “It’s never too late to become what you want to be. Age is no obstacle to starting your entrepreneurial dream.”

Building From Scratch

One of the most fascinating aspects of Colonel Sanders’ story is how his secret chicken recipe was popular among locals even before KFC was established. This contrasts with many entrepreneurs, including myself, who often start with a blank canvas.

We strive to build brand identity and a customer base from the ground up. However, this challenge is also what makes the entrepreneurial journey so exciting.

Every entrepreneurial story is unique and has challenges, risks, and rewards.

I remember how I started Favoriot without any customers or major recognition. My team and I worked hard to build a name in the market.

Every day, we struggled to gain attention and convince customers of the value we offered. I recall how we frequently faced rejection, but like Colonel Sanders, we never gave up.

I often remind myself, “Resilience is the key in the world of entrepreneurship. Don’t let age or challenges stop you from achieving your dreams.”

Courage to Start

The courage to start something new is crucial, no matter your age.

From experience, I’ve learned that success in entrepreneurship doesn’t come from how early you start but from how strongly you persevere. Colonel Sanders’ story gives me the strength and confidence to keep fighting, even as I grow older.

I often tell myself, “Age is just a number. Dreams are timeless. Start now, start anytime.”

The Importance of Resilience

In the world of entrepreneurship, every step is a lesson. Every failure brings us closer to success. Like Colonel Sanders, who faced many rejections before his recipe was accepted, I, too, have faced various challenges and failures.

However, every time I fall, I get back up stronger.

This is the biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey — resilience and perseverance are at the heart of an entrepreneur’s success.

Age is No Barrier

Colonel Sanders’ story also reminds me that age does not limit success. It’s about experience, resilience, and an unwavering spirit.

His story inspires anyone considering starting an entrepreneurial journey, regardless of age. Irrespective of the outcome, every entrepreneurial journey imparts invaluable lessons that shape and enrich our lives.

As I embark on this journey, I hold on to these truths, finding solace and inspiration in the paths tread by others like Colonel Sanders.

I realize that the best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now, regardless of your age.

Critical Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The critical lesson I’ve learned from Colonel Sanders’ story and my experience with Favoriot is that age is just a number.

Success in entrepreneurship is not age-dependent; it relies on resilience, experience, and the passion we bring.

Every life experience and skill we’ve learned along the way is a valuable asset in our entrepreneurial journey.

I’ve also learned that every entrepreneur’s journey is unique. We must embrace our journey with all the challenges and opportunities that come our way. Success doesn’t come easy, but with strong resilience and determination, it will eventually be achieved.

Adaptability is also crucial.

In a constantly changing world, we must always be ready to adapt to new circumstances and overcome any obstacles that arise.

Most importantly, we must believe in ourselves and our vision. I always remind myself that self-doubt is natural, but we cannot let it hinder our progress or dampen our spirits.

With solid confidence, burning passion, and unwavering perseverance, we can achieve anything we dream of in the world of entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship is a Journey of Learning

In conclusion, the entrepreneurial journey is about learning, resilience, and an undying passion.

No matter your age, you can succeed if you dare to start and continue with high spirits.

Success in entrepreneurship is not defined by age but by the resilience, experience, and passion we bring to every step.

About Favoriot — Part IX: Leaving the Comfort Zone

How Leaving a 30-Year Career to Build FAVORIOT Taught Me the True Meaning of Resilience, Adaptability, and Personal Growth.

I never thought the day would come when I’d leave behind the comfort of a stable paycheck and a corporate career spanned over three decades. For over 30 years, I climbed the ladder, navigating the structured world of management, cushioned by the perks that came with it.

It was a good life.

I had the luxury of business-class flights, expensive hotel stays, and the security of a regular, sizeable income. Yet, despite the success, something gnawed at me.

For years, I had nurtured a vision, an idea to revolutionize industries with the Internet of Things (IoT). FAVORIOT was the manifestation of that dream.

But, like many dreams, the reality of turning it into a viable business came with sacrifices that I hadn’t fully anticipated.

And boy, there have been plenty of those.

The Financial Rollercoaster

The first thing that hits you when you leap into entrepreneurship after decades in the corporate world is the financial shock. Imagine trading in the safety of a consistent income for the erratic, unpredictable rollercoaster of a startup’s finances.

One month, you might have some cash flow; the next, you’re staring at empty accounts, unsure how you’ll cover basic expenses.

It wasn’t long before the reality of the situation sunk in. I wasn’t drawing a salary. The reliable, monthly inflow I had been accustomed to was replaced by uncertainty.

This wasn’t the life I had envisioned. “What have I done?” I’d mutter to myself, looking at the financial spreadsheets in disbelief.

There were days I wondered if I had made the right decision if I had underestimated the financial challenges of running a startup.

But it was too late to turn back.

FAVORIOT had become my mission.

I was no longer just Mazlan Abbas, the corporate executive. I was now Mazlan Abbas, the entrepreneur responsible for my team and the vision we had set out to achieve.

Adjusting to New Realities

With the financial uncertainty came a drastic shift in my lifestyle. Gone were the days of business-class flights and luxury hotels. My new reality involved budgeting carefully, stretching every ringgit, and reconsidering what I once deemed essential.

I vividly remember a moment when I was about to upgrade my laptop. It was something I wouldn’t have thought twice about before.

But now, standing in the store, I had to pause. “Do I need this?” I asked myself.

The answer was no.

I could make do with the one I had for a little longer. Every ringgit saved could go back into the business.

Vacations became a thing of the past, too.

We scaled back overseas trips and made do with local getaways when possible. I had to remind myself that these sacrifices were temporary, all part of the bigger picture.

But that didn’t make it any easier.

When you’ve spent years living a certain way, adjusting to a more frugal lifestyle can be difficult.

Cutting Back on Personal Luxuries

Starting a business from scratch means cutting back on personal luxuries. I had to say goodbye to spontaneous upgrades of gadgets like phones and computers.

The days of regularly splurging on the latest tech were behind me. Instead, I evaluated every potential purchase, asking, “Is this essential?” more times than I could count.

I missed the freedom I once had to spend money on what I wanted when I wanted. But there is something humbling about scaling back. It teaches you discipline and forces you to focus on what truly matters.

My priorities shifted.

Gadgets and luxuries became less important as I poured my energy, time, and resources into growing FAVORIOT.

It wasn’t easy. I won’t lie.

There were moments of frustration when I wanted to throw my hands in the air and shout, “Why am I doing this?” But deep down, I knew why. I believe in FAVORIOT and its potential to make a significant impact.

And that belief was enough to keep me going.

Navigating Uncertainty and Isolation

The sacrifices weren’t just financial or material. Entrepreneurship has an emotional toll, one that I hadn’t fully anticipated.

You’re constantly navigating uncertainty, making decisions with no guarantees of success. Every day felt like a tightrope, and you were unsure if the next step would bring progress or disaster.

And then there’s the isolation.

Running a startup can be a lonely endeavor. Sure, I had a team, but responsibility was mine to carry. There were moments when I felt utterly alone, questioning whether the sacrifices were worth it.

“Is this what I want?” I’d ask myself during sleepless nights, staring at the ceiling. The answer wasn’t always straightforward.

But in those moments of doubt, you learn the most about yourself.

You discover your resilience, your ability to push through even when the path ahead seems uncertain. I slowly realized that this journey wasn’t just about building a business. It was about building myself, too.

Perseverance and Growth

Over time, I started to see the challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Each setback, every moment of doubt, taught me something.

I learned to adapt, persevere, and trust in the process.

I remember one particular instance when we struggled to secure a deal that could have made a vast difference for FAVORIOT. Days turned into weeks, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on me.

I was frustrated and anxious and started to second-guess everything. But then, a colleague said something that stuck with me: “Mazlan, every ‘no’ gets us one step closer to the right ‘yes.’”

That shifted my perspective.

I stopped seeing rejections and setbacks as failures and started seeing them as part of the journey.

They were lessons in disguise, pushing me to refine our approach, strengthen our offerings, and grow as a leader.

Reflecting on the Sacrifices

So, is it worth it? The financial uncertainty, the lifestyle changes, the emotional toll — is the entrepreneurial journey worth the sacrifices?

For me, the answer is yes.

But it’s a profoundly personal question every entrepreneur must answer for themselves.

I’ve had to give up more than I ever anticipated.

But in return, I’ve gained something far more valuable. I’ve learned resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance. I’ve experienced personal growth in ways I never imagined possible. And I’ve had the privilege of building something from the ground up, watching FAVORIOT evolve from an idea into a reality.

But more than that, I’ve realized entrepreneurship isn’t just about financial success or personal achievement. It’s about impacting, creating something that matters, and leaving a legacy beyond yourself.

FAVORIOT is more than just a business to me.

It’s a mission, a purpose, and a testament to what’s possible when you’re willing to take risks and make sacrifices.

The Entrepreneur’s Mindset

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the importance of embracing uncertainty.

As an entrepreneur, you step into a world where nothing is guaranteed. Success is not promised, and failure is always lurking around the corner.

But that’s what makes it so exciting.

Every day is a new challenge and opportunity to grow, learn, and adapt. It’s not always easy, but it’s gratifying. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, resilience is the backbone of entrepreneurship.

You must pick yourself up after every setback, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.

The Power of Community and Support

On this journey, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the importance of community and support. Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Surrounding yourself with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, friends, and family who believe in your vision is crucial.

They provide not only emotional support but also fresh perspectives and opportunities.

I’ve been fortunate to have a robust support system, and it’s made all the difference.

They’ve been there to celebrate the victories, no matter how small, and to offer a listening ear during the tough times.

It’s a reminder that while entrepreneurship can feel like a solo journey, it’s a collective effort.

The Entrepreneurial Journey is Yours to Define

As I reflect on my journey with FAVORIOT, I recognize the sacrifices I’ve made and the immense growth I’ve experienced. It’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

The challenges, the setbacks, and the sacrifices have all shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today.

For those considering this path, know that it’s not easy.

The sacrifices are real, and the journey is fraught with uncertainty.

But if you’re willing to embrace the challenges, learn from every experience, and keep pushing forward, the personal and professional rewards are worth it.

Entrepreneurship is more than just a career choice.

It’s a mindset, a way of life, and a journey of self-discovery.

Despite all the sacrifices, it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

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