Starting from scratch: Don't be afraid of failure

Although starting a business is a last resort for most graduates, some people are risk-takers. They thrive on adventure, toil to realize their ideas and actually succeed.

Xin Jiewei, 25, is a pioneer entrepreneur in the animation industry. He has operated his own business, Wincool Animation Studio, for more than two years since he graduated from Tongji University in Shanghai in 2006.

He was one of the first group majoring in animation.

"The environment for university graduates to start a business is getting better and better," says Xin, the general manager. "Many senior alumni kind of envy the preferential policies that we can enjoy today."

Xin got 80,000 yuan (US$11,670) from the Shanghai Technology Entrepreneurship Foundation for Graduates and started from scratch with classmate Chen Jingyang at the end of 2006.

There were frustrations and problems, as Xin had no work or company management experience. He turned for advice to successful businessmen and read books on management.

Business is pretty good. Family and friends are supportive.

"Encouragement is all we need. A genius could be a real genius with support," Xin says. "And a guy with no talent could be also be a genius if he gets encouragement that gives him confidence."

The company is now a team of five young, passionate animators. It offers animation production, design for publications, event planning and manufacturing self-developed products such as paper bags and postcards with original designs.

Xin does work for big names like China Mobile, the country's largest mobile phone operator, and Shanghai Television Station.

"Further development and getting more clients are the most urgent issues," says the general manager.

"Young people should do something they like. Persistence, responsibility, passion and no fear of failure are essential to be an excellent entrepreneur from scratch."

Xin's willingness to take on adventure is seen in his enthusiasm for nature and sports.

He has explored the Tibet Autonomous Region where beautiful cloud formations remind him of animation and inspire him. He is fascinated with Nepal.

"Some souls never rest. Travel gives meaning to life," he says.

"The art form of animation is a mix of tranquility and movements. Together with the sound, it expresses ideas and feelings to the full."

As a young and enterprising manager of a start-up, Xin is a model for other young college graduates.

(Shanghai Daily March 16, 2009)