Successful businesses inevitably encounter challenges and require the courage to seize diverse opportunities. RANS Entertainment, owned by celebrity Raffi Ahmad, is a prime example. Raffi recently shared his entrepreneurial journey during a “Fridaypreneurship: Trends & Insights in Managing Investments in the Entertainment Industry” at the XIX Engineering Laboratory of the SBM ITB (24/11). The Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Subiakto Sukarno, inaugurated the event.
Raffi commenced the session by recounting his journey in 2000, starting from humble beginnings.
“Many people now view me as highly successful, although my journey began from the bottom with a modest salary,” shared Raffi. “Indeed, it’s crucial to appreciate and enjoy every step of the process.”
Beginning his acting career in junior high school, Raffi gradually saved until he could commit to it fully. By 2016, he felt secure in his acting career but recognized a new potential in digital entertainment.
He ventured into this new direction with his wife, evolving it into RANS Entertainment. This digital business, which commenced in a home garage with four employees, has expanded across various platforms, playing a significant role in Indonesia’s media and entertainment industry.
“It turns out that when people are comfortable, they have only two choices: to fall on their own until it becomes painful and challenging to climb back up unprepared, or to descend gradually in search of something to climb up again,” stated Raffi.
Raffi emphasizes the importance of collaboration as a way to create meaningful value that can be remembered by many. Additionally, life skills and manners are crucial for an individual, as no great entrepreneur exists. According to Raffi, a successful person is always helped and prayed for by many, highlighting the need for collaboration among fellow human beings. For him, there is no Superman, only a super team.
According to Raffi, it is important for entrepreneurs to have an idealism, but they must remain realistic and be aware of their current conditions. Entrepreneurs have only two choices: to follow opportunities or to create opportunities. If one is not yet able to create opportunities, there is no harm in pursuing existing ones.
“In the past, I made many transitions, from acting in films to soap operas and eventually becoming an MC. “Many friends questioned why I chose to switch careers, even though I was already a film star,” recounted Raffi. “My dream isn’t to be a star but a sky where other stars can shine.”
Raffi adheres to the principle that hard work yields results.
Raffi highlighted the importance of not becoming complacent in comfortable conditions in entertainment and business. Challenges during his acting career prompted him to explore content creation. However, being a content creator and creating viral content is not enough.
“Therefore, I transitioned to becoming a business creator,” stated Raffi. “I studied all aspects of the business and had to like it. You must start from the bottom, learn the ropes, understand the COGS, and grasp profitability—these are the most crucial elements.”
Raffi acknowledged that successful businesses don’t emerge overnight. Many of his friends, including himself, succeeded in only one or two of dozens of attempted businesses. Moreover, there are instances of businesses succeeding for a year and then abruptly closing. Thus, recognizing moments and opportunities becomes crucial. Regardless of the business, one needs imagination to become a business creator.
Finally, he emphasized that everyone has to start somewhere. The business’s infrastructure is vital, and while branding can be altered, the business’s foundation remains paramount.
“The life of a business lies within us. “It’s rare for a business to flourish without its leader’s involvement,” concluded Raffi.
SBM ITB students avidly absorbed Raffi’s experiences, posing numerous questions about challenges, business issues, risks, and potential opportunities for new ventures targeting Gen Z customers
