I have a confession, I am not exactly a fan of any Marvel Comics. Nonetheless, I enjoyed their movies and the way they set up their movies. In today's blog entry, I do not want to talk about Iron Man or any other major super heroes but a character that started off with a minor role but eventually given top billing with his very own TV series. The person that I would like to discuss is Agent Phil Coulson.
Agent Phil Coulson is played by an actor Clark Gregg. According to IMDB, he is a veteran of both TV shows and movies. What fascinates me is that how could a character who had less than five minutes of screen time in Iron Man when on to have his own very TV series. In short, this actor has won over the hearts of fans and leadership of Marvels.
I do not know Mr Clark Gregg in person, but I would like to hazard guess about his success. Despite having a minor role in Iron Man, Mr Clark has worked hard to play the role of Agent Carlson. He went on to appear in multiple Marvel movies and short films. Most of his screen time is relatively short, but he is portray as Agent Phil Coulson has made an impact and has won fan's support. Fans wants to see more of Agent Coulson and the inner workings of SHIELD. Thus, giving birth to the TV series -- Agents of SHIELD. In life many people and including myself complaining that they are not given any big opportunity. The thoughts is always -- "I can do more, I deserve better". There is nothing wrong with having such thoughts. Rather the question that we have to ask ourselves is -- "Have I played my role as best as I can play?". If we cannot even play a small role well, how could we expect others to give us a chance to play a bigger role? Just when we thought that no one is watching, please think again. No matter how small is our action and role, someone is watching and judging. Mr Clark Gregg is a good example -- short screen time with huge impact.
There is really no such thing as a small role in life. Each role has a part in life's puzzle. Play your role well and do your best. You will never how your hard work will be rewarded. Please let Mr Clark Gregg be your inspiration.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Do You Know Your Business Partner?
Before you answer the question, re-read the title of the blog again. Your quality of your business is only as good as your supplier. I have already mentioned this in my previous writeup.The quality of your business partner is also important. Some readers might roll their eyes and say this is a no brainer. Yes! It is a no brainer, but the risk of business partner messing up is very real.
Few days ago, I got a call from client whom we worked on a restaurant project. The client asked me to help him to secure a supply of cooking gas for his restaurant. In Malaysia, cooking gas comes in giant canisters. It seems that he could not count on his chef to have the cooking gas delivered to the restaurant! This client was traveling as such he was not able to monitor the delivery.
What I did was straight forward, I called the chef making sure he is in the restaurant to take the delivery, call the supplier to arrange the delivery. I do not make any money out from this incident but there are some lessons can be learned.
The client should have been able to make delivery arrangements with the supplier before he travels. Cooking gas is the lifeline for any restaurant. It is also the single point of failure to the business should the restaurant runs out of cooking gas. Incident such as this is good for my business to built up the relationship with the client and supplier, but it is not healthy for the client when the business lifeline is out of their control.
I find it hard to accept the fact that chef is not capable in reaching out to the supplier. As a chef he should have ultimate control over the kitchen. The chef's conviction towards the restaurant is now being questioned. There is just no excuse for the chef on not following up on important issues such as ensuring the supplier of cooking gas. With a business partner who is not motivated, other business partner has to work harder to fill the deficit. In the long run, the business partnership will ultimately tear itself apart.
Starting a business and sharing the same dream is very easy. The willingness is to wake up from the dream and make things into reality is difficult. Choose your business partners carefully. If it not working out, shut it down.
Few days ago, I got a call from client whom we worked on a restaurant project. The client asked me to help him to secure a supply of cooking gas for his restaurant. In Malaysia, cooking gas comes in giant canisters. It seems that he could not count on his chef to have the cooking gas delivered to the restaurant! This client was traveling as such he was not able to monitor the delivery.
What I did was straight forward, I called the chef making sure he is in the restaurant to take the delivery, call the supplier to arrange the delivery. I do not make any money out from this incident but there are some lessons can be learned.
The client should have been able to make delivery arrangements with the supplier before he travels. Cooking gas is the lifeline for any restaurant. It is also the single point of failure to the business should the restaurant runs out of cooking gas. Incident such as this is good for my business to built up the relationship with the client and supplier, but it is not healthy for the client when the business lifeline is out of their control.
I find it hard to accept the fact that chef is not capable in reaching out to the supplier. As a chef he should have ultimate control over the kitchen. The chef's conviction towards the restaurant is now being questioned. There is just no excuse for the chef on not following up on important issues such as ensuring the supplier of cooking gas. With a business partner who is not motivated, other business partner has to work harder to fill the deficit. In the long run, the business partnership will ultimately tear itself apart.
Starting a business and sharing the same dream is very easy. The willingness is to wake up from the dream and make things into reality is difficult. Choose your business partners carefully. If it not working out, shut it down.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Tile Size and Slipperiness
For those who are observant, they would notice that the tile size used in the bathroom are normally much smaller than the other parts of the house. Besides the surface of the tile, the size of the tile also affects the slipperiness of the surface. Smaller the tiles, the more tiles are required to lay in an area. This increases the number of line gaps within the area. The more lines the more friction it can provide for the feet or shoes. As such, the surface become less slippery. Do note that you would still need rough surface tiles for wet areas.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
All about Tiles
Recently, we have been working on a house project. The dimension of the house is around 4000 square feet. The owner wanted both floor tiles and wall tiles for the property. Wall tiles are only limited to both bathroom and wet kitchen.
During the exploration phase of the project, we learned that the owner is very cost sensitive and insisted on homogeneous tile. What homogeneous tile means the outer layer of the tile is the same color as the inside of the tile. When you chip a homogeneous tile, the damage should not be too obvious. Another term for homogeneous tile is called full bodied tile.
With the current tile making technology, for a normal housing project the decision whether to use a homogeneous tile should not be a main consideration anymore. In the olden days, the tiles used are what we called ceramic tiles. These tiles are easily chip and damaged, thus leaving an ugly uneven color on the tile surface. Thus, many would choose homogeneous tile to avoid such an eye sore. Modern ceramic tiles are a lot tougher and should withstand a lot more knocking before chipping. Any tiles would survive a simple furniture move and day to day living. The choice of homogeneous tile is limited and significantly more expensive. The color of such tile is only limited to light or earth color. Dark surface tiles are only colored on the surface.
Another type of tile that has gain popularity is the porcelain tile. Porcelain tile has a higher density than ceramic tile. It is a lot tougher and able to absorb a lot more knocking than ceramic tiles. In fact, a lot of modern buildings that has heavy foot traffic are using porcelain tiles. Depending on the usage, this type of tile comes in different surface. Rough surface for wet areas to prevent slip. While polish smooth surface for the living room. The price of tiles between surface of the same series is also different. Therefore, any buyers should check with the supplier carefully.
The recommended gap between floor tiles is 3mm. Leaving a good gap between tiles is to prevent it from popping up. Tiles are sensitive to temperature changes. When is cold, the tile shrinks. When is hot, the tile expands. As the tile expands and the gap is too narrow, the tile has no where to go but pops up. While laying tiles, the workers would use separaters of certain size to determine the gap between tiles.
This is what I have learned working from tiles. I am sure there are a lot more that I need to learn. In my next write up, I will talk about managing cost of tiles.
During the exploration phase of the project, we learned that the owner is very cost sensitive and insisted on homogeneous tile. What homogeneous tile means the outer layer of the tile is the same color as the inside of the tile. When you chip a homogeneous tile, the damage should not be too obvious. Another term for homogeneous tile is called full bodied tile.
With the current tile making technology, for a normal housing project the decision whether to use a homogeneous tile should not be a main consideration anymore. In the olden days, the tiles used are what we called ceramic tiles. These tiles are easily chip and damaged, thus leaving an ugly uneven color on the tile surface. Thus, many would choose homogeneous tile to avoid such an eye sore. Modern ceramic tiles are a lot tougher and should withstand a lot more knocking before chipping. Any tiles would survive a simple furniture move and day to day living. The choice of homogeneous tile is limited and significantly more expensive. The color of such tile is only limited to light or earth color. Dark surface tiles are only colored on the surface.
Another type of tile that has gain popularity is the porcelain tile. Porcelain tile has a higher density than ceramic tile. It is a lot tougher and able to absorb a lot more knocking than ceramic tiles. In fact, a lot of modern buildings that has heavy foot traffic are using porcelain tiles. Depending on the usage, this type of tile comes in different surface. Rough surface for wet areas to prevent slip. While polish smooth surface for the living room. The price of tiles between surface of the same series is also different. Therefore, any buyers should check with the supplier carefully.
The recommended gap between floor tiles is 3mm. Leaving a good gap between tiles is to prevent it from popping up. Tiles are sensitive to temperature changes. When is cold, the tile shrinks. When is hot, the tile expands. As the tile expands and the gap is too narrow, the tile has no where to go but pops up. While laying tiles, the workers would use separaters of certain size to determine the gap between tiles.
This is what I have learned working from tiles. I am sure there are a lot more that I need to learn. In my next write up, I will talk about managing cost of tiles.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Watch Your Suppliers
Recently, my business suffered from a string of complains with one of our cabinets. Through a series of investigation and conversation, we learned that the complains tend to focus on the same company that supplies the cabinet.
We selected this supplier was based upon its willingness to experiment and learn. Our investigation shows that they are only able to do small scale project. As the project scope increases, their resources are stretched to the point where they are not able to maintain consistency with the product qualities.
Being the contractor, we could have taken the easy way out by cutting off this supplier. Rather we have decided to continue working with this supplier with smaller scale project and probably other products. Before taking any drastic actions, we have to ask ourselves why we pick this supplier from the first place. If the supplier are able to hold on to the value where we first selected them, we believe in second chance. Moreover, we all make mistakes. If both of us can learn from it, it only strengthen our working relationship and improve we can offer to our customers.
To many, they may not agree to what we are doing now. Especially in a business environment where perceived to be no loyalties and honor. As for now, we are not willing to cut him lose, unless not yet.
We want to:
The quality of work/ services that you can provide to your customer has a direct correlation with the supplier's quality. Therefore, hang on to your suppliers and treat them with care.
We selected this supplier was based upon its willingness to experiment and learn. Our investigation shows that they are only able to do small scale project. As the project scope increases, their resources are stretched to the point where they are not able to maintain consistency with the product qualities.
Being the contractor, we could have taken the easy way out by cutting off this supplier. Rather we have decided to continue working with this supplier with smaller scale project and probably other products. Before taking any drastic actions, we have to ask ourselves why we pick this supplier from the first place. If the supplier are able to hold on to the value where we first selected them, we believe in second chance. Moreover, we all make mistakes. If both of us can learn from it, it only strengthen our working relationship and improve we can offer to our customers.
To many, they may not agree to what we are doing now. Especially in a business environment where perceived to be no loyalties and honor. As for now, we are not willing to cut him lose, unless not yet.
We want to:
- Grow together with the supplier. Come up with the best product that we can offer, at the most reasonable price.
- Leverage from the supplier's expertise and network.
- Built a portfolio of good suppliers where we are able to quickly gather resources and take action should any good opportunity arises.
The quality of work/ services that you can provide to your customer has a direct correlation with the supplier's quality. Therefore, hang on to your suppliers and treat them with care.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Entrepreneurship is Enterpreneurshit.
I started this blog is to keep track and share my experience in starting up my company. The journey has not been easy. The blog entry below by Mark Suster says it all well. It is an old entry but says it well.
Yes. Entrepreneurship is Enterpreneurshit.
Yes. Entrepreneurship is Enterpreneurshit.
Monday, August 12, 2013
A Failed Cafe and Cost Management
Over the weekend, I received a sad news. A cousin of mine who opened a cafe in December 2012 has decided to close down the business. He said the business is running out of cash and it is not doing that well. Since Mark Suster talks about failure, I too would like to chip in my 2 cents worth of opinion about it.
I visited cousin's cafe two weeks after its grand opening. My first visit was on a Saturday night and I was surprised to see the place was barely 20% occupied. I followed up with a few more visits and the situation remains the same. The location of the cafe is all right. It has ample of parking but in a location where I will not call it as popular. At night, there are hardly any traffic around the area. There is a famous food joint opposite the cafe. The location is really not that dead. Nonetheless, I still feel the place has the potential.
The operation hours is from 7 am until 3 am daily. Cousin was very tight lip about the operation cost. The following calculation are based on my observation. Each shift, he has around seven staffs and approximately five kitchen staffs. Assuming that he has two shifts with the same number of staffs. Each staffs draw approximately 800 MYR (246 USD) a month, he would need a net profit of 19,200 MYR a month to pay his employees!
The above is only the cost of his employees. The size of the menu is also rather large, especially for a new cafe. The cafe offer close to a hundred types of drinks and dishes. I can imagine the amount of money has gone into food wastage. As I write this blog, I wonder how many dishes that are ordered less than 10 times.
In all honestly, the cafe has a lot of potential. I learned that its lunch business was doing fine. They could have reduce the operation hours and focus on lunch services. No doubt they could be forgoing business opportunities in the evening and night. The very least they can slash their employee and food cost by half. Probably they might be able to keep their head above water for another few more months.
Next is to rework the menu. The menu size can be cut down by half. Focus on the 20/80 rule. Chances are they will have 20% of their menu is taking up 80% of their orders. The business should then focus on that 20% and make it better.
Finally, it is to promote the business. I believe the business owners did some promotion. I shall refrain from commenting as I do not know what they have done. For myself, I would encourage my patrons to check into Foursquare or Facebook. Any form of check in, the customers will get 10% from the bills. In addition, I would partner with any car clubs to visit the cafe. There are ample of parking space around the business, car clubs members will not have any issues finding parking. For car club members, I too would throw in 10% off on drinks. As you can see, I try to refrain from going into expensive advertisement blitz. I am certain advertisement would work, rather I would choose to exhaust all my lost cost options before bringing out the big guns.
I do not know whether my strategy would work, but that's how I wold manage the cafe business. In any business, managing cost and cash flow is important. If the owner let any of it gets out of control, chances of failure increases exponentially. Still I hope cousin and his business partners can learn from this incident. A business can fail, but this does not mean they are a failure.
I visited cousin's cafe two weeks after its grand opening. My first visit was on a Saturday night and I was surprised to see the place was barely 20% occupied. I followed up with a few more visits and the situation remains the same. The location of the cafe is all right. It has ample of parking but in a location where I will not call it as popular. At night, there are hardly any traffic around the area. There is a famous food joint opposite the cafe. The location is really not that dead. Nonetheless, I still feel the place has the potential.
The operation hours is from 7 am until 3 am daily. Cousin was very tight lip about the operation cost. The following calculation are based on my observation. Each shift, he has around seven staffs and approximately five kitchen staffs. Assuming that he has two shifts with the same number of staffs. Each staffs draw approximately 800 MYR (246 USD) a month, he would need a net profit of 19,200 MYR a month to pay his employees!
The above is only the cost of his employees. The size of the menu is also rather large, especially for a new cafe. The cafe offer close to a hundred types of drinks and dishes. I can imagine the amount of money has gone into food wastage. As I write this blog, I wonder how many dishes that are ordered less than 10 times.
In all honestly, the cafe has a lot of potential. I learned that its lunch business was doing fine. They could have reduce the operation hours and focus on lunch services. No doubt they could be forgoing business opportunities in the evening and night. The very least they can slash their employee and food cost by half. Probably they might be able to keep their head above water for another few more months.
Next is to rework the menu. The menu size can be cut down by half. Focus on the 20/80 rule. Chances are they will have 20% of their menu is taking up 80% of their orders. The business should then focus on that 20% and make it better.
Finally, it is to promote the business. I believe the business owners did some promotion. I shall refrain from commenting as I do not know what they have done. For myself, I would encourage my patrons to check into Foursquare or Facebook. Any form of check in, the customers will get 10% from the bills. In addition, I would partner with any car clubs to visit the cafe. There are ample of parking space around the business, car clubs members will not have any issues finding parking. For car club members, I too would throw in 10% off on drinks. As you can see, I try to refrain from going into expensive advertisement blitz. I am certain advertisement would work, rather I would choose to exhaust all my lost cost options before bringing out the big guns.
I do not know whether my strategy would work, but that's how I wold manage the cafe business. In any business, managing cost and cash flow is important. If the owner let any of it gets out of control, chances of failure increases exponentially. Still I hope cousin and his business partners can learn from this incident. A business can fail, but this does not mean they are a failure.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
There Is Always Need To Learn
I have only started working since I graduated in the year 2000. My background is accounting and finance with a post grad in computer science. After nearly ten years in the IT industry, I got involve in the hospitality and residential building industry.
At the beginning, I came into the business as the bean counter and IT guy. As the business expands, I have to start dabble in the business side of things, especially in project management. Since I am already a project manager in my full time job, it is not a problem. The biggest challenge is understanding the hospitality and building industry.
When I first started, I could not differentiate between materials nor its usage. My business partners has been patient with me and work allocation never really demanded me to have any industrial knowledge. Nonetheless, I have never like to fall behind or needing people to tip toe around me.
Whenever I have the chance, I would grab a copy of the materials pamphlets given by our suppliers. I made sure I read whatever I can from it. The vendor's sales person are a perfect source of information. Being their customers, they are more than willing to share their knowledge and opinion. There is really no such thing as asking a stupid question. As far as these sales person are concerned, not all their customers are familiar with the industry. As such, they are used to strange and out-of-this-world type of questions. I even asked for samples and test out whatever vendor has claimed to be working. Through testing, I was able to provide feedback and understand the products better.
Spending time with the vendor actually helps two things. One is my understanding and also building up relationships. I was able to make my order more accurately and getting better deals from them. Of course, being a good paymaster helps a lot as well.
As a matter of fact, I actually find myself studying a lot harder than during my school days. In school I was not really sure how it will impact my life. In business, your knowledge determines the success of your deal and each decision's effectiveness.
Regardless which industry you are in, it is never too late to start learning. To be successful in your industry, all you need is to know 10% more than your competitor.
At the beginning, I came into the business as the bean counter and IT guy. As the business expands, I have to start dabble in the business side of things, especially in project management. Since I am already a project manager in my full time job, it is not a problem. The biggest challenge is understanding the hospitality and building industry.
When I first started, I could not differentiate between materials nor its usage. My business partners has been patient with me and work allocation never really demanded me to have any industrial knowledge. Nonetheless, I have never like to fall behind or needing people to tip toe around me.
Whenever I have the chance, I would grab a copy of the materials pamphlets given by our suppliers. I made sure I read whatever I can from it. The vendor's sales person are a perfect source of information. Being their customers, they are more than willing to share their knowledge and opinion. There is really no such thing as asking a stupid question. As far as these sales person are concerned, not all their customers are familiar with the industry. As such, they are used to strange and out-of-this-world type of questions. I even asked for samples and test out whatever vendor has claimed to be working. Through testing, I was able to provide feedback and understand the products better.
Spending time with the vendor actually helps two things. One is my understanding and also building up relationships. I was able to make my order more accurately and getting better deals from them. Of course, being a good paymaster helps a lot as well.
As a matter of fact, I actually find myself studying a lot harder than during my school days. In school I was not really sure how it will impact my life. In business, your knowledge determines the success of your deal and each decision's effectiveness.
Regardless which industry you are in, it is never too late to start learning. To be successful in your industry, all you need is to know 10% more than your competitor.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Cleaning Up The To-Read List
I love reading. The source of materials that I read comes from webpages, books, newspapers, and magazines. Normally I would read digital books and webpages from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 phone. The screen size is just perfect to carry around and read while waiting. Whenever I come across webpages that I wanted to save for later reading, I would use the Evernote tool to save the webpage for later reading.
One of my biggest challenge is sorting out my reading materials. Around the house and my office desk, I have all kinds of half and to read materials. The same goes to my digital reading materials as well. As I accumulate more reading materials, it has become overwhelming. I see books and magazines everywhere and I would get distracted by some other reading materials as I am just reading through whatever that was in my palm.
I have spend the weekend trying to get myself back in order and free up some space in the house. The first thing that I did was to put all my reading materials into one location in the house. In this case, that would be my study room. I have to fight the temptation to procrastinate the clean up whenever I pick up something that catches my interest at that time. Without any thoughts I just want to pile all the notes, books, magazines and newspaper clipping into one area.
With all the reading materials laying in one central location. I look at my short term and long term goals. The goals will be the basis of how I should sort out the reading materials. For example, I have given up hope on learning how to code. Those programming books goes straight to the donation bin. I am still trying to aim to be certified as a PMP practitioner. Those materials will stay and pile together. For those really long term goals such as learning French, I would put those aside on the "maybe" pile. During the sorting process, I have to be ruthless. Whatever reading materials which I have not touch for more than a year, it is lightly that I will not need it again. Those goes into the donation bin. During clean up, I have found old prints that the ink has stuck the papers together already.
After shredding a bag full of papers and stashed two boxes of books and magazines. My reading list now is more manageable. My short term goal reading materials will be sitting next to my desk, while my long term goal reading materials are kept in the bookshelf. The "maybe" books will be in the storeroom.
The idea is to keep all the books in their respective locations. I will not simply put my books around the house. Whenever I need a break from the book, it has to go back to the same place where I took it. When I finish with the reading materials, I would either consider to be filed, shredded or given away. By doing so, this helps me to keep the house in order as well as making sure I get the necessary reading done and not get distracted.
If I have better ways to manage your reading materials, do share! Remember though, books can only give you knowledge and not wisdom.
One of my biggest challenge is sorting out my reading materials. Around the house and my office desk, I have all kinds of half and to read materials. The same goes to my digital reading materials as well. As I accumulate more reading materials, it has become overwhelming. I see books and magazines everywhere and I would get distracted by some other reading materials as I am just reading through whatever that was in my palm.
I have spend the weekend trying to get myself back in order and free up some space in the house. The first thing that I did was to put all my reading materials into one location in the house. In this case, that would be my study room. I have to fight the temptation to procrastinate the clean up whenever I pick up something that catches my interest at that time. Without any thoughts I just want to pile all the notes, books, magazines and newspaper clipping into one area.
With all the reading materials laying in one central location. I look at my short term and long term goals. The goals will be the basis of how I should sort out the reading materials. For example, I have given up hope on learning how to code. Those programming books goes straight to the donation bin. I am still trying to aim to be certified as a PMP practitioner. Those materials will stay and pile together. For those really long term goals such as learning French, I would put those aside on the "maybe" pile. During the sorting process, I have to be ruthless. Whatever reading materials which I have not touch for more than a year, it is lightly that I will not need it again. Those goes into the donation bin. During clean up, I have found old prints that the ink has stuck the papers together already.
After shredding a bag full of papers and stashed two boxes of books and magazines. My reading list now is more manageable. My short term goal reading materials will be sitting next to my desk, while my long term goal reading materials are kept in the bookshelf. The "maybe" books will be in the storeroom.
The idea is to keep all the books in their respective locations. I will not simply put my books around the house. Whenever I need a break from the book, it has to go back to the same place where I took it. When I finish with the reading materials, I would either consider to be filed, shredded or given away. By doing so, this helps me to keep the house in order as well as making sure I get the necessary reading done and not get distracted.
If I have better ways to manage your reading materials, do share! Remember though, books can only give you knowledge and not wisdom.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Decluterring
The last two weeks, my house is being renovated. The plan was to tear down the whole kitchen and put in another one. The rest of my apartment will then get a new coat of paint. The last time that my house did anything this major was 10 years ago. As the renovation progress, I would need to move furniture around and put stuffs away to make way for the workers to do their job.
It only begin to dawn to me that I actually have accumulated a lot of stuffs through the years. Camera bags alone, I have counted four! One brand new backpack and a brand new computer notebook bag. There were also files and notes that I have collected for "future reference" that has never arise. As such, I have taken the opportunity to declutter my life.
First I separate my stuffs based on its functions. For examples, books and notes will be piled together. Bags will be piled together etc. I do it one room at a time. In each pile I will go through one item at a time. I ask myself when is the last time I have used or needed that item. If is more than 12 months ago, chances are I will not be needing it anymore. It either goes into the donation pile or to sell pile. By just going through that activity, I have thrown away most of my old notes and gave some of my stuffs away.The exercise is not easy at all. I have to ask myself this question whether do I really need it. Or I just keeping it for nostalgic reasons or creating a false sense of security. If the item is hardly ever used, chances are it is not needed anymore.
For the stuffs that I need, I will separate it into three categories. The ones that I use regularly, use at least once every three months, every six months and finally every 12 months. The more frequent ones will be kept in a more handy area, while the ones that are lesser used will be kept in storage. I have to be honest, chances are the ones that are kept in storage will ended staying there for a long time until I decide to clean it out again...
Another tip which I think is great to have is the One In One Out policy. For every item that we buy or bring into the house, I should also dispose something from the house. If this does not reduce the clutter, at least it maintains the clutter does not get worst. We actually have more things that we actually need. Clean out your stuffs today! Believe me, the energy within the room is better and whole house breath better too.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Exercising On A Busy Schedule
As many already know, I am currently holding a full time job and trying to running my hotel management consultancy. Since I have a young family, getting things done is already a challenge. No matter how busy is my schedule, I would do my best to stay active and workout. Here are some few things that I have tried and it works for me.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, as soon as I get up I would hit the floor for a 30 push ups and brush my teeth when done. After cleaning up myself, I would do another 30 pushups. That is already 60 pushups before taking my morning shower. When I get back from work, I would do another 30 pushups before changing and shower. While other days such as Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, I would do the crunches with similar sets and numbers.
On Sundays, While my kids attend their swimming lessons, I would be doing my laps next to them. I may not get the kind of workout and sweat that I wanted but it is still way better than doing nothing. Regardless of the schedule, there is still pockets of time that you can work out, if you are willing to search for it. Stay fit and stay active.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Two Minutes With Sir Richard Branson
Richard Branson one of the richest man on this planet and he cannot stop learning. So you should never stop learning too.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Never Trust Other People With Your Own Money
Two weeks back, a friend whom I have known since high school called me and told me that he needed cash to help his company to turn around. We used to hang out and attended each others wedding ceremony. I would actually consider him as a good family friend, we go as far back as 1992.
When he needed help I went all the way to help him. At that time, I have some cash that I was preparing for my kid's education insurance and vehicle tax. He promised that he will return the money in a weeks time. The money should have been back before I needed the money. At the time of this writing, the promise was made two weeks ago.
Sadly, I have to pay for the vehicle tax which I have to borrow money from someone else. My insurance will be due soon and I honestly doubt I will be getting my money back soon. I have called him and make appointment with him. He kept on saying he has the money with him. Yet, there are all sorts of lame excuses, unanswered calls and mobile phones that are switched off.
I have been brought up with a strong beleive in having trust in other people. This is how I live my life and this is also how I operate my business. It is only through trust that we can have a long term successful business relationship. No doubt I feel the pain of my monetary lost, but it hurts most is having to lose trust and faith in a friend. If he had told me that he is in financial difficulty, I may not have lend him so much but I am sure I would still lend him some and prepare the write off the amount.
What has this world come into? If we cannot trust our friends and family. The only thing that we can really trust is money? I honestly hope not! Maybe this is why I am struggling with my hotel management/ supplier business. I actually put trust ahead of money.
Do I still trust my friend? Sigh... I am afraid I have lost faith in him. Even if he does returns the money to me, I would still see him as my friend but I would be extra careful with his request.
As I am struggling in my own red ink. I know for sure I will NOT drag my debts. I would rather go without food than destroying the trust that others has given me.
When he needed help I went all the way to help him. At that time, I have some cash that I was preparing for my kid's education insurance and vehicle tax. He promised that he will return the money in a weeks time. The money should have been back before I needed the money. At the time of this writing, the promise was made two weeks ago.
Sadly, I have to pay for the vehicle tax which I have to borrow money from someone else. My insurance will be due soon and I honestly doubt I will be getting my money back soon. I have called him and make appointment with him. He kept on saying he has the money with him. Yet, there are all sorts of lame excuses, unanswered calls and mobile phones that are switched off.
I have been brought up with a strong beleive in having trust in other people. This is how I live my life and this is also how I operate my business. It is only through trust that we can have a long term successful business relationship. No doubt I feel the pain of my monetary lost, but it hurts most is having to lose trust and faith in a friend. If he had told me that he is in financial difficulty, I may not have lend him so much but I am sure I would still lend him some and prepare the write off the amount.
What has this world come into? If we cannot trust our friends and family. The only thing that we can really trust is money? I honestly hope not! Maybe this is why I am struggling with my hotel management/ supplier business. I actually put trust ahead of money.
Do I still trust my friend? Sigh... I am afraid I have lost faith in him. Even if he does returns the money to me, I would still see him as my friend but I would be extra careful with his request.
As I am struggling in my own red ink. I know for sure I will NOT drag my debts. I would rather go without food than destroying the trust that others has given me.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
A Thought on Lance Amstrong Interview
Lance Armstrong the former winner of seven times tour de France had admitted to taking drugs on the interview with Oprah Winfrey. This individual literally went from hero to zero within 24 hours. I fully understand the outrage and disappointment. In fact, I got even suck into reading his book -- It's Not About the Bike.I was touch by his struggled against cancer and it has been inspiring. It came to me as a surprise that he admitted for taking drugs. Through
the book, he has been a strong advocate of against taking any
performance enhancement drugs.
I do not follow any cycling sports nor his career in any way. All I knew he was someone who beat cancer and went on to dominate an era of sports. With the recent confessions, he has lost his winning results, his sponsorships and his legion of fans. The question now for him is, what next?
Apologize. Besides just being coming clean with his actions, he would need to spent the rest of life apologizing to the world. If I am were him, he has to wear the badge of shame and reach out to the younger generation about the danger of drugs. Spent time at hospitals talking to cancer patient on how he has messed up and wanting to make a change. I understand the whole wold refuses to forgive Lance Armstrong, but I also willing to see the fact that he has done a lot for the cancer community. He still has an able healthy body, for many that's already a blessing. Lance should use that to reach out and touch everyone's heart that he is indeed sorry. Could this also be a potential reality TV series?
During the interview with Oprah, Lance has mentioned that he want to compete again. I do not think that is something that he should pursue in both short and medium term. This is not what he should be doing as his brand is in tatters. Whether he wins or loses, it is still a lost to him as a brand. Why? There are lack of trust.
Speaking of brand. The brand of Lance Armstrong will never be the same again. Nonetheless, it still catches attention for both right and wrong reasons. From now, his brand should be someone who is fighting an uphill battle to gain trust, to come clean and to live an honest life. This brand may not come with wealth and fame, but it will still reaches the hearts of many for doing what is right. If Lance Amstrong can play his cards right, his brand can be bigger and more relevant than just cancer survivor and former touch de France champion.
If he is sincere about turning a new leaf and willing to reach out to the masses face to face about how he was driven by greed; I am willing to stand inline to support him.
I do not follow any cycling sports nor his career in any way. All I knew he was someone who beat cancer and went on to dominate an era of sports. With the recent confessions, he has lost his winning results, his sponsorships and his legion of fans. The question now for him is, what next?
Apologize. Besides just being coming clean with his actions, he would need to spent the rest of life apologizing to the world. If I am were him, he has to wear the badge of shame and reach out to the younger generation about the danger of drugs. Spent time at hospitals talking to cancer patient on how he has messed up and wanting to make a change. I understand the whole wold refuses to forgive Lance Armstrong, but I also willing to see the fact that he has done a lot for the cancer community. He still has an able healthy body, for many that's already a blessing. Lance should use that to reach out and touch everyone's heart that he is indeed sorry. Could this also be a potential reality TV series?
During the interview with Oprah, Lance has mentioned that he want to compete again. I do not think that is something that he should pursue in both short and medium term. This is not what he should be doing as his brand is in tatters. Whether he wins or loses, it is still a lost to him as a brand. Why? There are lack of trust.
Speaking of brand. The brand of Lance Armstrong will never be the same again. Nonetheless, it still catches attention for both right and wrong reasons. From now, his brand should be someone who is fighting an uphill battle to gain trust, to come clean and to live an honest life. This brand may not come with wealth and fame, but it will still reaches the hearts of many for doing what is right. If Lance Amstrong can play his cards right, his brand can be bigger and more relevant than just cancer survivor and former touch de France champion.
If he is sincere about turning a new leaf and willing to reach out to the masses face to face about how he was driven by greed; I am willing to stand inline to support him.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Tell Yourself This... I Derserve Better and I am Good Enough
I grew up in an education environment where I brought to beleive that I am never good enough. Since young, I learned that someone will always be better than me and I have to try my best to raise to the occasion. Even when I started working, the annual face-to-face discussion it is always about gaps to overcome, slipped opportunities because of certain qualities that I lack.
By no means I am perfect, and there will always be challenges and issues to overcome before I can achieve what I want. I was brought up to be humble and should not underestimate the competitor. Unknowingly, I have also developed a self-defeat mentality. Whenever I see opportunities, the first thing that I would pick out is how I am not good enough for it. I saw a position that I wanted, I also see chasm that is between my ability and the required skills. I wanted to bid for a contract, I saw other giant corporates who are also bidding for the same contract. I have already say no on behalf of the prospective opportunity.
We are human beings, there will be gaps. It is how we choose to overcome it. Instead of gaps, why don't we see opportunities that connect us to the opportunity. Please tell yourself and remind yourself.
"I deserve better and I am good enough!"
Go out there, take some chances and explore. There will be times we will suffer failure. It is ok, it is part of learning. More importantly, you can stand up and fight another day. Never say no on behalf of the other person.
By no means I am perfect, and there will always be challenges and issues to overcome before I can achieve what I want. I was brought up to be humble and should not underestimate the competitor. Unknowingly, I have also developed a self-defeat mentality. Whenever I see opportunities, the first thing that I would pick out is how I am not good enough for it. I saw a position that I wanted, I also see chasm that is between my ability and the required skills. I wanted to bid for a contract, I saw other giant corporates who are also bidding for the same contract. I have already say no on behalf of the prospective opportunity.
We are human beings, there will be gaps. It is how we choose to overcome it. Instead of gaps, why don't we see opportunities that connect us to the opportunity. Please tell yourself and remind yourself.
"I deserve better and I am good enough!"
Go out there, take some chances and explore. There will be times we will suffer failure. It is ok, it is part of learning. More importantly, you can stand up and fight another day. Never say no on behalf of the other person.
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