What was my vision of a successful business man? Let me describe it in detail so you can laugh at me long and hard. “ I walked the crowded streets of NYC wearing my brand new Armani suit. My hair gently brushed backwards, still moist from the $500 cut at the barber. On one pocket of my silky suit, I could feel my iPhone vibrating, while on the other a fat wallet full of credit cards from accounts all over the world. I gently brushed my hair with my hands and could feel the cold touch of my golden Rolex on my forehead.” That was how I imagined myself after being a "successful" businessman.
Now is the time when you can look at me and say “you materialist piece of s#!%t.” However, before you say that and start thinking of me as an arrogant little boy I want to explain where this vision of success comes from, and Mendo will love it. It comes from Hollywood and how they portray wealthy people in their movies. Just think about Harvey Specter, Bruce Wayne, Tony Stark, etc. I have grown up in a society where movies show young kids that the more you show-off, the more successful supposedly they are. Nevertheless, thanks to the maturity and autonomy that the “Get Over Yourself” project has given me I have come to understand that there is nothing more erroneous than thinking that success is measured in materialistic outcomes. The ultimate goal is never to make a profit, but to create something that has true value. Both for you and the consumer.
Before the project started, I wanted to be the CEO of any group. As always my urge was to be the leader so I could improve my business skills for when I got to college; as well as being able to brag about being CEO. Be honest, who hasn't dreamed of being CEO of a giant corporation... This seemed like a good start. However, when I joined “The Daily Bagel” I found that the CEO spot was already taken. A younger I would have sulked and joined a different group, just because the job that was left (accounting) didn't seem appealing. I used to think accounting was for employees not for “the big dogs.” However, this time I saw it as an opportunity to learn how to use Excel and start understanding the real value of money.
Before our second sale, I went to school during Senior Skip day just because I wanted to validate the Excel I had created the past week. I went to class excited to showcase what I was calling my masterpiece, just to be told that we weren't going to use what I had done. Still, I found it valuable as I now know more about Excel than I ever imagined. The second lesson that the project has taught has been the value of money. After the second sale, I remember seeing the profit of 410 soles and being proud of the group. Nevertheless, Barreto asked me for 200 soles to prepare for the next sale and my emotions changed. I knew it was important that the group got this 200 soles, and I was by no mean trying to keep them from doing so. I just wanted to make sure that we were buying accordingly and not wasting our money. Now the company is my baby, and I do not wish anything to harm it, especially not operating costs that could be avoided. Nevertheless, after a well thought discussion and the proposition from the group we resolved the issue and it was evident that the 200 soles did better than harm as our profit now stands at over 600 soles.
So those simple words that seemed unimportant and just another title at the beginning of the year finally make sense. I have gotten over myself and understood the importance of money and being open to ideas and new things. I look forward to my new job in accounting for "The Daily Bagel" and hopefully our good fortunes continue throughout the year.