The reading level for this article is Novice
SifuVERSUS
Gilded Chessboard | sifuvers@otenet.gr | President/CEO | 01/31/2003 | Sole Proprietor
Sifu VERSUS is the President/CEO of the Gilded Chessboard##comma## a worldwide Hip Hop foundation##comma## based in Greece.
What kind of training or education did you acquire before your venture?
I started working for Hip Hop more than years ago. The idea of a worldwide foundation for the preservation of the artform has been my goal ever since I was in High School. The first step was joining the ICU back ##aps##96. Gilded Chessboard was created in ##aps##98##comma## a little bit after the ICU disbanded. We##aps##ve been adding new members ever since.
What services or products does your organization offer?
We organize events##comma## release compilations etc. We##aps##re based in Greece##comma## but we have members and affiliates everywhere.
What type of business or organization do you operate?
We##aps##re a non-profitable organization.
How many employees do you currently have?
Currently##comma## 21.
How did you originally discover the idea for your organization?
An idea based on KRS One##aps##s Temple of Hip Hop and ICU##comma## restructured to fit our needs and goals.
How did you originally fund your organization?
Personal funds and we intend keeping it this way.
Are you the founder of your organization?
Yes.
Do you believe there is any distinct culture within your organization? If so, please describe it.
I##aps##m as important as the newest member. Equality is our rule.
What obstacles or challenges have you faced in your organization?
Communication was a problem. But##comma## you know. They say there##aps##s nothing we can##aps##t overcome.
Did you accept any advice along the way? Do you believe new organizations should be open to such advice?
I##aps##d better not answer that.
Did you receive any help along the way from other businesses or organizations? If so, how and from whom?
We##aps##ve worked with the BOTY people in Germany and the local City Hall.
What have been the keys to success in your business? What do you believe are the keys to success?
Faith and not breaking promises.
What kind of relationship do you establish with your customers or clients?
I believe we have.
What types of marketing do you employ?
I have to say that printed ads have been the most succesful so far##comma## but I##aps##d also like to say that the Internet has played its role##comma## too.
Do you employ any web or online marketing?
Yes##comma## we##aps##re currently redesigning our website.
What role does trust play in business or in your organization?
We all make mistakes. Some of the mistakes I##aps##ve done have proved to be helpful after all. But##comma## I##aps##d better not go into depth.
Did you struggle with starting your own organization or venture? Why did you decide to begin on your own?
The latter.
What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting off now?
Any knowledge is power.
Do you notice any trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?
I see the changes in the global market##comma## ##aps##cause of the whole war issue.
Do you believe networking and contacts are important? If so, how?
You hold my hand##comma## I hold yours. Anyway##comma## things are kind of different in our field. We##aps##re based more on street smarts and codes##comma## so it##aps##s all up to a man##aps##s word.
What do you think about contracts and other legal obligations? Are they important in your business?
You have to be careful and not let emotions get in the way.
If there is one thing that would sum up your advice to new entrepreneurs, what would it be?
See the answer regarding knowledge.
What, if any, final advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
Just keep up the hard work.
