I mentioned “we” in the title to emphasize that the achievements made by Angsamerah were not done alone. Being independent does not mean being alone. Many individuals and organizations have contributed to Angsamerah’s efforts to achieve the expected outcomes of health services and programs.
Let’s be honest, doing independent investment in the area that would make social impacts is not easy. Especially these days, there’s a tendency of absolute different understanding as far as earth and sky, about the concept of private versus public, profit versus social. Even though I believe that it’s just a part of relative variation, meaning those two things (private and public, profit and social) equally play an important role, are able to adjust with situation, to align and be beneficial.
In managing the goals, mission and vision of the organization, Angsamerah continues to balance the roles of the public, private and government, as well as profit versus social orientation. The basic stability certainly must uphold and prioritize the humanity aspect.
Experience shows that the following three main factors influence the decision to begin an independent investment with social impact.
1. One’s determination and courage
Though there’s the word “we”, it requires strong determination and courage from one decision maker to begin with. Then after that, it can turn into a business of two or three people, a team, it can even develop into an organization with a legal entity. Determination and courage make us think actively and move forward. Perhaps now an intriguing question comes up: how can determination and courage emerge in a person? It’s an interesting question. My thoughts on this will be answered in a separated article.
2. The main principle of independent investment is a combination of three elements; knowledge, time, and finance
Don’t be surprised if all of a sudden the determination and courage shrink down or even gone because we’re too fixated on financial issue. I have experienced it myself, even to this day sometimes it still falls off.
We forget that there’s another important principle that we have, which is knowledge differentiation, experience, skill and time. We manage agenda and other responsibility efficiently and effectively.
I hope that this paragraph gives you a chance to think whether or not you’re interested with independent investment in health and social issues.
Is it then shrink your interest or determination? If yes, what could possibly be the cause? It’s okay if you are not interested to do independent investment, or maybe interested but still hesitant. It’s a choice and you are the one who better understands your own interests and priorities.
3. Document it
Make time to write down your thoughts that wanders around your mind or discussion results regarding problems or solution ideas and intended targets. Then constantly update, add and narrow it down. Written document could help our workplan to be more directed and sharper, lighten our workload in the future, and help predict and minimize unexpected risks. Furthermore, written documents can be used as proposals to get financial investment opportunities.
Reflecting on my journey beyond 12 years of investing in social businesses, I feel how self-investing is suitable and enjoyable, as well as giving self-satisfaction in my journey of making sense of life. Hopefully there are more and more people in Indonesia who will appreciate and have the determination and courage to support the culture of independent investment in social issues. Especially if you or your organizations are involved, even initiating pioneers of this kind of business in the society.