Rod Jao was brought up in a very humble household, which truly stuck with him in his passion for helping others. Coming from the Philippines, he knew what it was like to live in a developing country and saw many people who frankly just didn’t have much. It appears that these experiences truly affected him and drove his humanitarian efforts.
As far as professional success goes, Rod is the President of a privately held investment company that invests. He holds interests in commercial and residential real estate and provides venture capital investment opportunities to seed and fund companies in industries such as manufacturing, food and beverage, and telecommunications.
As part of Rod’s background, he has been involved in software and network marketing. One of the youngest members in the history of one of the biggest direct selling companies in the world to achieve this level of success is him. He has been involved in opening key international markets and participating in countless public speaking engagements in front of thousands of people worldwide. In addition, he brings with him an international network of contacts that have been critical in the development of global sales and marketing strategies.
How did you get started in this business?
As a kid, I’ve always been entrepreneurial. From my first business at 5 years old selling comic books on the end of the street to going to the local wholesaler to buy candy and setting up a little stand to sell to my mom’s church friends on Sundays. In grade 7 I went to my friend’s house and noticed a stack of electronic stopwatches. He said his uncle closed his business down in HK and brought the inventory here. A week later I was in the mall and noticed those stopwatches were selling for $50. I asked my friend’s uncle how much he would sell them to me for and he said $15. I then started to sell these stopwatches to all the schools in town for $25.
My late teen years were spent distributing mobile phones. I was one of the first to import mobile phones to the domestic market. These experiences led me to discover Amway, one of the largest multi-level marketing businesses globally. At the time, at the age of 21, I was able to reach a high level of success. It was a tremendous experience and journey for me as I was able to learn and be mentored by many amazing people and saw many lives change for the positive.
I spent a few years here before starting a series of my own business across a range of different industries. These included, but were not limited to technology, venture capital, beverage, real estate, and finally back to starting my network marketing company with my business partner with Allysian Sciences.
How do you make money?
Whether it is through building a company and then selling it, or realizing the revenue streams and building a passive income through investments, its always fun to create new opportunities
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
It depends on each business; some are high growth, and some are steady. There are many factors that lead to the time it takes for a business to become profitable.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Whenever I start any business venture I know doubt and challenges will always be a part of the journey. I try to look at doubt as a compass to adjust strategies and find other ways of looking at possibilities and issues to solve a problem
How did you get your first customer?
Again, this is really based on the business, the timing of the product, the market we’re trying to reach, and the people who have already expressed interest prior to launch.
For the most part, by the time we officially launch a business, we have enough pent-up demand and excitement that leads to high sales growth in our first month of launch.
After being in the business for a number of years, I’ve been able to build up a strong network that allows me to meet new clients and businesses partners frequently.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
It’s important to understand the market and the customers we are trying to target. These demographics may change based on the businesses or products we’re launching.
Obviously, with social media being such a big part of our everyday lives, we’ve been staying up to date with these various platforms.
Organic testimonials I find are the most effective. If your product does add real value to people’s lives there’s nothing that can beat an honest review.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
Success is a subjective term, but I believe it’s the journey and not the outcome that makes you successful. I define it as not what you get, but the person you become; the character you build throughout the journey when dealing with challenges. The ultimate success for me is that I raised good kids that share the same values and respect others.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Within business, the best part is seeing how our products and/or services can positively impact the lives of our customers and clients. With Allysian Sciences, for example, the best part is hearing the testimonies of our flagship product mastermind was able to help people achieve the best version of themselves. We’ve heard everything from better exam results to improved mood, to better self-esteem. At the end of the day, our main goal isn’t to make the most money but to help the most people.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
We can’t disclose too much of our future plans as they are still a work in progress, but we can say there are big things ahead.
I’m in the works with my sons on launching several new businesses in areas we’re passionate about. When my kids were young, I always taught them about finding their interests and skills and find a way to make money out of that. Whether that was something related to sports, music, or food products, I’ve always been able to find a way to make a business out of it.
I’m excited that my kids are finally at the age where they can provide valuable work and ideas to our business. We can work alongside each other, and each is responsible for our aspects of the company. It’s always been a dream of mine to work in a family business, and this is just the beginning.
What business books have inspired you?
There are a few off the top of my head I’ve recommended anyone who reaches out to me.
Being Happy by Andrew Matthews, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and my personal favorite, How to Win Friends and Influence Others by Dale Carnegie.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Take risks and continue to learn from your mistakes. What’s often overlooked in our society today is taking a chance. Everyone is comfortable with the idea of having a steady-paying job and living within their comfort zone. You don’t get rich by staying in your comfort zone.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
I am afraid that my plate is full right now.