You created you first company at the age of 26.
RMA: It was a computer company with two partners, was at the beginning of photocopies, but I thought we should change, because it began to appear scanners and multifunction printers, it was in 2001. The concept was to try to sell computers at a reduced price, a white label; we order the parts and ensemble it here. We were kids who had little experience. Then we started to create websites, but it was too much. The ideas were good, but we cannot control everything and I ended up selling my part, I thought I needed a different view.
Since the beginning you wished to be the sole proprietor?
RMA: Yes, when you start working for you, do not want to it for others. It is important the work I do in the office, but is not the same. At 26 years old this company served as a learning opportunity. I never see it as a failure. The idea did not work because was not prepare properly, neither had a team failed to achieve that and no marketing. The fault was ours, and then I had always the idea of opening a comic store.
You began the 7th dimension.
RMA: I liked CB so much that I order the issues from Lisbon and Porto, and then when my friends knew, so I order also for them. At one point, I had so many requests that I open an account in the supplier and taking into account the profit margin, I could rent a room. The 7th dimension was something I liked because it not something half-like so when the problems began, I would just discarded it. What happens is that many people say, I'll open a coffee shop, I wonder: but you love coffee? No. I replay: I give you two years. Those who loves what they do prevail, even in adversity.
In this adventure you are alone, because you don't want partners?
RMA: Because partners need to have all the same vision. If not, we are not pulling the company in the same direction. So I thought at the time, I'd rather do it alone. I decided to open an independent bookstore and everyone said you're crazy, just my mother believed, she said to me, if you're doing it is because you have some reason. It all started in the cheapest room I could find. I've had clients fixed. I got an area on the second floor, on the street Camara Pestana. Later I open this new space. Then the Magic people came. More than a place to sell books, is a venue for socializing, a group that is sort of a community. Here no one is excluded. I know every customer by name. It is an advantage I have over FNAC, even after the opening of that store customers remained faithful. The idea is that is special, more than a bookstore, I want a space where there is an experience. We have to give something more than a product.
Where there are formations course?
RMA: Following the mission of the seventh dimension. In the background is to allow a place of refuge. Gradually I started with the kids who needed to learn, with comic workshops. I did the training course for trainers and also began to provide training in computer science with unusual methods. I told people to jump during classes and assimilated among the way some concepts. The feedback was very good and enjoyed seeing how people learn and achieve leverage knowledge. I was very happy. (Laughs)
But how did you start with these financial workshops? You noticed that there was a gap in the market?
RMA: Yes, people have no idea of how to manage their money. You talk to them and they say I do not know where my money went. To me this type of statements bothers me. How you not now? (Laughs) I know exactly how much I spent on food, gasoline and how much do I have to spend by the end of the month. Through the several categories and how much I spend on each one, I have my budget. If for example I spent less on food this month means that I can eat out. People do not know how to manage. We give ideas on how to save. When asked the students, how much does it cost an hour of your work? Invariably respond, the total salary of the month. I mean, that's not what I asked and so they realize, they don't know how much it's worth an hour of their work.
Then you teach people to manage their money?
RMA: That's just a phase, hence the name of financial university. Students define their mission, as do companies. The reason why they are in this world. Your nature is cultural, that's why you have a magazine. We have tried to develop these abilities in the arts, in music, whatever they want to. People have to stop to think of them, focus; many do not have the slightest idea in which areas are better or not. We do a test to determine where that person match and can guide it in that sense, for a purpose defined objectives and how to reach them. We talked about motivation, strategies for savings and investment over one year, five years and projects for ten years.
What is the average age of your students?
RMA: From aged 19 to 50 years old. Began last year. It was an idea that I mature and I went with a friend, Eduardo Grácio to London, the National Congress Achievers. Three days when you hear various speakers such as Richard Branson, Tony Robbins, among others. There are 10 thousand people gathered in a pavilion just to hear them talk about their journeys. As he had the same vision, the ideal, we have created a training that is not at all similar to what people were used. The crisis turned out to be an ideal time to put these ideas into practice. Like this idea, I plan to open a child development company, Gymboree.
What is a child development company?
RMA: It is a space where many classes take place, structured by American scientists, to develop the skills of children by age. It starts from zero to six years old. These education programs were tested, which allow kids to start walking at nine months is a fun way to help parents at a critical time. People think that babies eat and sleep, but from zero to three years are the period that triggers the brain and neurons are constantly bombarded with information. The aim is to achieve maximum potential-
How then we reach the concept of pechakuchas?
RMA: I found out while reading a media book is a Japanese concept. I researched the subject, I contacted them and said that I liked to establish a partnership, signed the contract and host the event here.
You do not have the Grinch voices?
RMA: Yes, but I do not care. I hear it also for the workshop. Then I start thinking, if I organize it what would I lose? Time and money, but then if I don't I am dwelling on the subject. I'd rather waste time and money, than go through life thinking what if I had done something.
Do you think your generation is less entrepreneurial?
RMA: I think they should be more. We have the potential now with the advent of new technologies evolution. In the past we were more isolated in the mid-Atlantic, an island within an island, not now. With the internet we can contact Japan, then negotiate the terms and a few hours later sign a digital contract that allowed me to participate in a global event. My generation should be more entrepreneurial because now is not limited to the local market.
Do not you think it comes from people wanting for a job?
RMA: That's it. People are very mediocre. It's more comfortable to be working from nine to six in the evening with the guarantee of a paycheck at the end of the month, rather than take risks. There is a phrase of Eleanor Roosevelt I like, do something every day that scares you. In the university's financial workshops I notice that there are many young people, they feel they have a potential that can be monetized. They are a different generation. More active.
http://roberto.setimadimensao.com/
