|
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in stories of overnight success and viral business growth. Social media is flooded with highlight reels—startups raising millions, entrepreneurs living the dream, and companies scaling at lightning speed. But behind every big success is a story that started small, grew patiently, and weathered the storms of experience.
The Humble Beginnings of Every Great Venture Every towering tree was once a tiny seed. The same is true for businesses. When I started OneNetworx nearly 14 years ago, it was nothing more than a small office-garage operation, armed with big dreams but limited resources. There were days when the future seemed uncertain and progress felt painstakingly slow. But looking back, I realize that those early struggles were not setbacks—they were the foundation of everything we have achieved. Why Starting Small Isn’t a Weakness There’s a quiet strength in starting small. It forces you to be resourceful, to value every win, and to learn from every mistake. When you’re building from the ground up, you gain hands-on experience that no textbook or seminar can provide. You become intimately familiar with your business, your market, and—most importantly—yourself as a leader. Success is not a destination; it’s a journey. And on that journey, patience is your most powerful ally. The temptation to take shortcuts or rush results is always there, but true growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s forged in the day-to-day grind, in the lessons learned from failures, and in the humility to start again when things don’t go as planned. Experience: The Greatest Teacher The reason OneNetworx is still standing after almost 14 years isn’t because we avoided challenges—it’s because we faced them head-on. Every obstacle, every setback, and every tough decision has taught us something valuable. Experience brings lessons, and lessons bring growth. Without the hardships, we wouldn’t have the wisdom or resilience we have today. I’ve learned that survival in business isn’t just about having the best product or the biggest budget. It’s about having the grit to keep going, the humility to keep learning, and the faith to trust the process. The journey is rarely linear, but every twist and turn adds to your story—and your strength. Practical Notes for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Final Thoughts: If there’s one thing I want fellow entrepreneurs to remember, it’s this: Great things take time. Don’t rush the process. Be patient, stay humble, and trust that every experience—good or bad—is shaping you into the leader your company needs. OneNetworx is proof that starting small isn’t a disadvantage; it’s a blessing in disguise. Through all the ups and downs, we’ve managed to survive, adapt, and grow. And as we look to the future, I know that the lessons of our past will continue to guide us toward even greater heights. So, if you’re at the beginning of your journey, don’t be discouraged by your humble start. Embrace it. Learn from it. And let it be the launchpad for your own story of growth and success. Ready to start small and dream big? Your journey begins today.
0 Comments
We’ve all heard the saying: “The customer is always right.” It’s a mantra that’s echoed in every business seminar and customer service handbook. But is it always true? And more importantly, what does it really mean for business owners and service providers?
Recently, I found myself on the other side of the customer service fence. I had persistent issues with my internet connection—slow speeds, intermittent outages, and a general lack of reliability. After many failed attempts to resolve the problem, I decided to terminate my account. I knew my decision wasn’t exactly a win for the company, but what surprised me was how tedious and unhelpful their account termination process was. Instead of making things easier, the company seemed indifferent, almost as if they were hoping I’d just give up and stick around. I felt ignored and frustrated. It wasn’t until my frustration boiled over and I complained—firmly—that they finally paid attention. By then, it was too late. The damage was done, and my bad experience guaranteed I’d never recommend their service. As a business owner myself, this experience hit home. I’ve always believed that our job is to be a solution for our clients—not the source of their headaches. We exist because of our customers. Without them, our business has no meaning or purpose. The Real Meaning Behind “The Customer is Always Right” The phrase isn’t about giving in to every demand or tolerating abusive behavior. It’s about understanding that every customer interaction is an opportunity to build trust, loyalty, and reputation. When a customer gives feedback—positive or negative—it’s a chance to improve. If we ignore their concerns or make their lives harder, we’re not just losing a sale; we’re erasing the value we claim to provide. Mistakes happen. Processes sometimes break down. But what matters is how we respond. Are we proactive, empathetic, and solution-focused? Or do we wait until the customer is angry before we act? In my case, the telco company’s delayed response only confirmed my decision to leave—and left a lasting negative impression. At OneNetworx, we strive to be different. We want our clients to feel heard, valued, and supported. We treat every complaint as a chance to learn and every interaction as an opportunity to serve better. Our clients are not just transactions—they are the lifeblood of our business. Is the customer always right? Maybe not in every detail. But their feelings, their experience, and their feedback are always valid and always worth listening to. After all, without customers, there is no business. We exist for them, and our success depends on how well we serve them. For several years, OneNetworx entered into a close partnership with a non-life insurance provider, acting as their sales and marketing arm. We invested our time, resources, and trust—providing dedicated manpower, handling recruitment, training, and even covering operational expenses out of our own pocket. Our teams worked hand-in-hand, believing in a shared vision of growth and mutual success. We treated them not just as a business partner, but as part of our extended family.
But in early 2024, everything changed. Without warning, the company accused us of owing them a massive sum—an amount they claimed was overdue receivables, which we knew was grossly exaggerated and unsubstantiated. They used that claim to avoid paying the millions they owed us for advances we made for branch operations, employee salaries, and office improvements—expenses we covered due to their repeated delays in reimbursement. We also advanced company funds to pay valid insurance claims for clients and to cover commissions for agents, all because of their poor accounting processes. Even the commissions due to our company were never paid by this insurance provider. Additionally, equipment such as computers, printers, and even furniture that we purchased for their offices was never returned or reimbursed. Instead of open dialogue, they even had the nerve spreading damaging accusations to third parties, putting our reputation and credibility at risk. Worse, the sudden termination of our partnership, left our employees blindsided and terrified for their livelihoods. The sudden loss of income, the fear and uncertainty, and the public airing of unverified information created a wave of anxiety and despair across our organization. The betrayal was so deep, so personal, that it did not just shake our business—it shook our lives. The struggle and stress brought about by this company’s actions ran so deep that, tragically, we lost one of our employees. The pain of that loss is immeasurable. No amount of business recovery can ever bring back a life lost to the consequences of another’s injustice. This is a scar that will never fully fade. The Sting of Betrayal I remember the day everything changed for our company. My employees—good, hardworking people—were caught off-guard by a betrayal we never saw coming. Fear swept through our office like a cold wind. People who had families to support, dreams to pursue, and lives to build suddenly faced uncertainty and hopelessness. I saw the strength drain from their faces, and I knew—deep down—that this was not an accident. The company we trusted wanted us to suffer. They wanted to break us, to destroy what we had built with so much sacrifice. The pain of that memory still lingers. Every time I recall the fear in my employees’ eyes, the anger returns. I have moments where I want nothing more than to fight back with every legal recourse available. I know I could. I know I would have every right. I know they have violated our laws, our company's rights, and rights of the employees. But then, I remember—my trust in God must be greater than my desire for revenge. It’s already been a year but the anger and pain is still fresh, and the consequences are still real. There are days when I am tempted to let bitterness take root, when the injustice feels too heavy to bear. I even struggle with the irony of their company’s name—a name that claims to be a “house of God,” yet acted in ways that could not be further from His heart. But God’s word is clear: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” —Romans 12:19 (NIV) This verse is a daily reminder that vengeance is not mine to take. My anger, however justified, is not the answer. God sees what was done in secret; He knows the truth. Trusting God for Justice I believe, with all my heart, that God will fight for us. Just as He defended the Israelites against those who sought to destroy them, He will defend us. In the book of Exodus, God spoke to Moses and the Israelites as they stood trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea And throughout history, God has shown that He brings justice in His own perfect time. He punished the kingdoms that oppressed and betrayed His people . I trust that the same God who delivered justice then will deliver justice now. A Prayerful Ending To anyone reading this who has been betrayed, who has felt the sting of injustice and the temptation to fight back in anger—I see you. I feel your pain. But I encourage you to trust in God’s promise: He is our defender, our vindicator, and our refuge. Let us surrender our pain, our anger, and our desire for revenge to the One who knows all things. May we find peace in His justice, and hope in His love. Like me, I often say that I have already forgiven those who wronged us. But the truth is, there are still remnants of their injustices that remind me from time to time—painful echoes that resurface when I least expect them. The wounds may not always be visible, but they linger, quietly challenging my resolve to let go. Yet even in those moments, God’s words reassure me that He is silently fighting our battles. I may not always see His hand at work, but I trust Him. I trust that true justice—God’s justice—will come, in His perfect time and in His perfect way. So I choose to surrender my pain, my anger, and my longing for vindication to the One who sees all things. My heart finds rest in His promise: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” —Exodus 14:14 Soon, justice will be served—not by my own hand, but by the hand of the One who is my Defender. Excerpt & Dedication: This article is dedicated to the memory of our beloved colleague, Rex Michael Bactad (Facebook). His life was a testament to dedication and kindness, and his loss is a pain we carry every day. We honor him by seeking truth, justice, and by holding on to faith that God will make all things right. We will find justice soon. Running a business is never easy. As an employer, I’ve come to realize that employees are truly one of the most important resources of any company. Their talents, dedication, and day-to-day contributions are vital to our shared success. But let’s be honest—being at the helm also means facing moments of disappointment and frustration.
There’s a fine line between being a caring employer and being taken advantage of. I’ve always believed in treating my team with empathy and respect. I care about their well-being, their growth, and their families. But sometimes, that care is misunderstood. When an employer is too lenient or too soft, some employees may mistake kindness for weakness. They begin to expect more and more, forgetting that employment is a partnership, not a one-way street. Employees are hired because they are expected to help the company grow, to be part of the mission, and to create value. Yes, companies have a responsibility to provide fair compensation and a safe, supportive workplace. But employees also have a responsibility: to give their best, to be accountable, and to understand that salaries are not gifts—they are earned. Shifting the Mindset: “What Can I Do for the Company?” Imagine if every employee, instead of asking what more the company can do for them, started each day by asking, “What can I do to help my company succeed today?” This simple shift in mindset can transform not just a business, but a person’s entire career. Great employees don’t wait to be motivated by higher pay or better benefits—they find meaning in their work, take pride in their contributions, and see themselves as partners in the company’s journey. They understand that when the company grows, everyone benefits. They know that loyalty, initiative, and a strong work ethic are the keys to long-term success. Employers should continue to lead with compassion, but don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Care for your people, but also challenge them to rise to their potential. Employees on the other hand must reflect on their role and their attitude at work. I encourage employees to ask yourself, “How can I add value today?” Be proactive, be responsible, and be grateful for the opportunity you have. When you give your best, you’ll find that recognition, growth, and rewards tend to follow. Thrive to create workplaces where both employers and employees are inspired—not just by what they receive, but by what they contribute. |
Angelo "Jojo" Villamejor
President/CEO of OneNetworx AuthorMy journey with Onenetworx has been nothing short of transformative, and I'm excited to share my insights and experiences with you through this blog. Archives
November 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed