The 1,825 days into my journey.

I have been always fascinated in the world hospitality , and having experience GM positions, from pre opening to transition a hotel and in between building a business that start from my passion for coffee, it build me into these understanding that have brought me so far into this journey. It run first and foremost back to the strong foundation of building your team, understanding your market (SWOT ) and deliver an outstanding service to drive the market.

Recently I have been invited to do a special class Introduction to Specialty Coffee for a vocational school in Sidoarjo, East Java SMK1 Buduran, as well as conduct a coffee sharing session for Haga Kopi in Pasuruan and Malang.

All the above events are successful as much as all the students and the guest listening, learning and testing out coffee on our cupping session from 3 different region of Indonesia, I learned so much on the dynamics of the coffee business as well as the growing interest of specialty coffee in East Java.

There is no doubt that coffee is on the rise as the choice of beverage for the ‘hip’ crowd, its in the very early stage as mostly they drink coffee for socialize or attracted to iced flavor coffee variant sold at the relatively low price compared the one sold at the specialty coffee shop. That’s fine and well, as those who enjoyed the iced flavor coffee will soon graduate to a specialty coffee drinking, who need coffee as their daily staple.

A little being paid attention that this ‘boom’ will soon stabilize. One day, majority of people will move into what I call “coffee drinking society”.

When that happen, there will be price equilibrium where people will want to drink coffee, from a reputable roaster and reputable farm/ region because of their distinctive taste or roasting result at a certain price point on daily basis with a friendly and capable barista ready to serve behind the counter.

What I observed with this growth, very little attention are given to the development of well trained barista to cope with the opening of coffee shops (plural) all over. Majority business owners / companies are mostly interested in a experience ready to go barista and very little chance for someone to start with a zero knowledge and skill. This condition also I observed happens to the hotel industry, the focus are very rarely on developing talent, prepare them for their career ladder within the organization.

The trip open my eyes to a new horizon, that Indonesia is now coming to beginning to become a coffee drinking society which is a great news for all the coffee farmers across the archipelago.

I believe this is where my next journey heading, I have learned so much from all aspect of hotel investment and operation combine this with my actual business experience, I believe in developing human all the way, mentoring people and practice sound business. Will be throwing my hat into the ring, whether back In to the hotel industry or pushing the gospel of good coffee for all.

In closing, I wrote this for 2 audience,

Students/ workers

Highly encourage you to step beyond your comfort zone, students you have the upperhand on this whilst you are studying, please use your time wisely to figure out your passion and follow through by perhaps take a part time work, internship, anything that would help you prepare once you graduate.

Remember your job is not yet available now but with the right skill and positive attitude that you learn, you might be hire for or create your own new job title.

For workers, when you are working 9 – 5 you have the opportunity to start something as your side business this are not the time to just cashing all in.

In the internet age like today, almost anyone with simple laptop or smartphone can start selling something . Whether service or product, create the opportunity, start now, don’t wait for that perfect moment cause there will be no such thing.

Be ready to give this a chance your best shot, you will never know, this side business could be your next income source.

Where to start? How about follow your passion, good place to start.

Managers/ Head of Company / Business Owners

Set aside sometime to review your team and listen to their aspiration.

Yes,you are the leader where you are setting the direction but since most of your team member will need a different approach altogether be prepare to adjust your way in leading them in order to lead them better.

There is no one cookie cutter for all your team members. Give time for mentoring and coaching, and you will win their hearts and their commitment.

Repeat all the above and you will see the difference.