Billie Jean New York MSG 2001

Michael Jackson is really really good with his music & dance moves - bringing it to the highest level of art form!.. Will miss his talent.

Perspectives - Selling Shoes story

Long time ago, i attended a creative training. The trainer was not impressive - the session was boring in fact. However, one takeaway for me is this story he shared with us which i remembered to this day. Here's the story.. but i modified it a bit..

One day, John the GM of a shoe company assembled David and Tom to his office. And he told them that he intend to find new market for his shoes. Separately, he sent them overseas toa developing country. David who flow off first reached the place and was dismay to find that the folks there were so backward that they dont wear any shoes. Tom arrived a day later and found the same conclusion. However, he was happy with his findings.

A week later, back in John's office, the GM asked them for their assessment. David, in his rather depressed tone, said that there is no market as no one there wore any shoes! GM then turned to Tom who was grinning all this while. When it's Tom's turn, he said he saw great potential there as no one wore any shoes! So there's a huge market to be filled. A very big market gap waiting for them to develop! ;-)

Lessons learned: (i) see things thru different lens, (ii) employ people who view things differently from you, (iii) always challenge your beliefs & creativity

What is a browser?

I am shocked to learn that many people still dont know what a browser is.. maybe we took it for granted all these days.. ;P

yummy Tofu Cheesecake in Singapore - can order online!

or visit BakinCow.com

Running a home-based business

If you have been retrenched or sick of your present job, you may be inclined to think of starting your own business. It can be a tough but rewarding journey. And many may not have the big budget or financing needed to rent an office or hire staff.. So, probably the next best thing is to do it on your own and at home.

I've listed 7 pointers below to help us in our thinking process.. like a checklist..

1. Niche market. There're many businesses out there selling millions of goods or services. So, you must find your own niche to differentiate yourself from the rest. Otherwise, you will end up in the commodity section where people fight on price alone.. Apply market segmentation wisdom here.

2. Branding. Even if you are a small player, branding is still important. Whether you are selling your service or simply yourself, you need to brand it. Branding is not just a nice looking logo. It is everything about your business, practices, product/service, image & you! Even how your website looked reflect the intrinsic value of your brand.

3. Be creative. Be innovative. To stand out from the crowd, you have to be creative and innovative in all aspect of your business. Being small means you can be flexible in your offering to prospects. Use that to your advantage.

4. Have a plan - financials, milestones & targets. And follow thru while fine-tuning along the way. Even a one-man outfit still need a good plan. Set revenue & profit targets. Set milestones. Set review date. Do perform scenario planning - best, normal & worst case scenarios. Finally, the most important for startups is the cash-flow management. In it, you must learn to manage your receivables well. You may have booked your sales but if no real money flow to your bank you will not be able to sustain for long. Beginning stage, look at your plan on a weekly basis..

5. Quality Service. Customer-oriented. All said, at the end of the day, the question is whether you deliver value to your customers. And service is one of the most important factor you must consider! In whatever you do, be customer-oriented.

6. Internet & technology as a tool. Make full use of Internet & technology to make your business more effective & efficient. Do note that these are just tools, however. Just because everyone is on facebook and twitter you must have a presence there too. It all depends on your target market. Do consider your ROI (return on investment) in these areas. For example, if your target audience dont use the internet or google most of the time, it may not be wise to invest much time, effort & money on Google ads. Having said that, you must review the status quo periodically as consumer behavior changes over time.

7. Do not mix work and play. Even though you are at home, do separate working and family times. At best, separate your work area as well. Discipline is called for at the highest level here. And try to keep in touch with the world out there! Sometimes you may be too closed up that you loose touch with the rest of the world. Call your ex-colleagues & friends out for coffee and catch up with them. Know what's going on other parts of the business world.

Buy invaluable stuff.. just for fun!

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Peaks and Valleys by Dr Spencer Johnson

Another great book by Dr Spencer John, the guy who wrote 'Who moved my cheese'.

This time, he tells a story about life's ups and downs using the peaks and valleys analogy.

I especially like his way of teaching someone life's skill without telling someone.. instead thru storytelling craft.. ;-)

In a nutshell, it (my own interpretation) teaches us that during life's peaks, (i) Be Humble, (ii) Save resources for rainy days, (iii) Help others, (iv) Be nice.

And during valley days, (i) Stay vigilant, (ii) Reflect more, (iii) Prepare for upturn, (iv) Still Help Others, (v) still Be Nice! ;-)

Andrew Matthews life philosophies - join facebook group!

If u are a fan of Andrew Matthews life philosophies, do join this facebook group!

10/20/30 in business idea presentation

Read from somewhere the following pointers when doing a presentation to potential investors.

It's called the 10/20/30 rule of powerpoint.

a) 10 slides at most for your presentation.
b) present no more than 20 minutes.
c) font size no smaller than 30 pts.

The idea is to keep clear & concise with your business idea. The ten topics that a venture capitalist cares about are:

1. Problem
2. Your solution
3. Business model
4. Underlying magic/technology
5. Marketing and sales
6. Competition
7. Team
8. Projections and milestones
9. Status and timeline
10. Summary and call to action

Do you agree with his point?

The website link.

His video is very interesting too! Guy Kawasaki "The Art of the Start" @ TiECon 2006

iPhone 3GS finally available in mid June!

Curry chicken and vinegar pig's trotters

Read from newspaper. Drive there. Tried it. Not bad! Though wished there're more meat..

But the stall lady Ice said they used the bony portion as the elderly loved it tat way and it's the traditional way too.. Perhaps a mix may do better..

Nonetheless, this family food stall biz is worth a visit! ;-)

Venue: Blk 156 Yishun St 11

new chef Marco in Hell's kitchen

This is wonderful news! Just read that Marco Pierre White will be starred in the Hell's kitchen taking over Gordon Ramsay.. And if we all remembered Ramsay whose foul-mouthed everyone, White will be the direct opposite of him..

As White said, he will do three things differently in the show - (i) he will not swear, (ii) he dont belittle people, (iii) he doesnt bully people, (iv) he feeds everyone within the time frame. It's a direct hit at the show's predecessor! ;-)

Some facts: (i) Ramsay once gave White a dressing down that brought him to tears when the former's a chef probably many years ago! (ii) White is a self-taught cook working his way up from a kitchen apprentice, (iii) White now 48 is the youngest UK chef to receive three Michelin stars at age 33.

A little research on Internet, saw his pictures with him holding cigar or cigarette.. ;-( hope he will give it up!

Nonetheless, i wish him luck & hope to see him on TV soon.. ;-)

"I am the person i am because of the experiences i've had, whether they are good or bad. And the greatest teacher in life is pain. Without feeling the pain, you never obtain the knowledge which prepares you for the future life. So i have no regrets." - White.

Unique outdoor dinning experience - Romanza

It is truly unique to dine with your date out in some park.. quite romantic.. definitely not common sight in S'pore.. this young biz Romanza is doing just that! As more ppl seek more interesting way to romance.. maybe let Romanza folks plan & organise one for you?! ;-)

Dried Food goes online

How times have changed in Singapore.. now u can even purchase dried foods online!

Check out http://www.hengs-empire.com/

Amazing life of Helen Keller & Anne Sullivan

Documentary


The Helen Keller Story - Part 1


The Helen Keller Story - Part 2



The Helen Keller Story - Part 3

Tough People

Tough times never last
but tough people do.
- Zig Ziglar

'Up' movie

Seem like a good one! may go and watch..