Best Notepad
I have been looking for a good note pad for a while. The note pad should be small enough with a pen holder for bring around to note down any ideas and thoughts. Recently I had purchased the "Zeitvektor" which is a compact one, featured with synthetic leather and colourful cover. It's price is modest. I am still not sure this is the one I settled. Let's use it to prove it.
Any good recommendation?
Browse here to see at the bottom
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sharing of the Top
I'd had a chance to join a dinner with the senior managers and directors. I remember a director's word very clearly. Everyone has weakness and short-comings. That's human and that doesn't mind. The key is to understand your weakness and work hard to improve it. The biggest enemy is not your weakness but your laziness. Just quote his case. He is not good at presentation and therefore he keeps practice before he goes out for a public presentation.
It's time to catch up my mandarin again!
I'd had a chance to join a dinner with the senior managers and directors. I remember a director's word very clearly. Everyone has weakness and short-comings. That's human and that doesn't mind. The key is to understand your weakness and work hard to improve it. The biggest enemy is not your weakness but your laziness. Just quote his case. He is not good at presentation and therefore he keeps practice before he goes out for a public presentation.
It's time to catch up my mandarin again!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Queen of Cuisine (cont'd)
6. Believe you can succeed Anyone can have a positive outlook when things are going well. Being resilient and able to tough out hard times often makes you realise that you can make do with a lot less than you think and forces you to be creative with problem solving
7. Everything is a learning experience You could have the most well thought out plan in the world, but things beyond your control can toss the plan out. Don't give up. Remember that most overnight success take seven to 10 years.
8. Keep things in perspective When my family in New Orleans lost everything after Hurricane Katrina, I realised that a lots of things I though were major problem really weren't I keep a grounded perspective in business. You win some, you lose some.
9. Get a life All work and no play can lead to serious burnout. One of my clients once told me - if you need to take some time off, just say no. It is important to find time to recharge and relax.
10. Take the plunge No guts no glory. You have to stop dipping your toes in the water and jump in the pool. The scary thing about going into business for yourself is that you are taking a risk.
6. Believe you can succeed Anyone can have a positive outlook when things are going well. Being resilient and able to tough out hard times often makes you realise that you can make do with a lot less than you think and forces you to be creative with problem solving
7. Everything is a learning experience You could have the most well thought out plan in the world, but things beyond your control can toss the plan out. Don't give up. Remember that most overnight success take seven to 10 years.
8. Keep things in perspective When my family in New Orleans lost everything after Hurricane Katrina, I realised that a lots of things I though were major problem really weren't I keep a grounded perspective in business. You win some, you lose some.
9. Get a life All work and no play can lead to serious burnout. One of my clients once told me - if you need to take some time off, just say no. It is important to find time to recharge and relax.
10. Take the plunge No guts no glory. You have to stop dipping your toes in the water and jump in the pool. The scary thing about going into business for yourself is that you are taking a risk.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Queen of Cuisine
Lori Granito, who runs Go-Gourmet and Magnolia, proves that hardships can be overcome but rishs have to be taken. Ten Things to learn:
1. Take care of your staff People are your best asset. I wouldn't be anywhere without them. If you want them to look after your customers, you have to look after them first. Remember that they represent your company to the public at large. I try to hire people with enthusiasm, energy, and maturity, not necessarily people with the most experience.
2. Transform your clients from passive buyers to true believers Focus on going above and beyond all the time, creating an army of customer advocates. I treat every customer's events as though it were my own because I know that passionate customers can transform your business.Loyal customers are created through experiences with you, your product and your company.
3. Be genuine Don't try to force relationships with your clients and don't overwhelm them with too much information or too many offers. Try to find ways to engage them.
4. Don't compete with your competitors Know what your competitor is doing, but don't try to compete with them on price or item by item. Find out what your unique selling position is, focus on executing it to the best of your ability and seek ways to constantly improve on what you do. Your biggest competitor should be yourself.
5. Win the battle you're in While our company has several different revenue streams, we always keep an eye on our core business. Trying to take on too many new challenges can dilute your ability focus on the battle that's right in front of you.
to be continued...
Lori Granito, who runs Go-Gourmet and Magnolia, proves that hardships can be overcome but rishs have to be taken. Ten Things to learn:
1. Take care of your staff People are your best asset. I wouldn't be anywhere without them. If you want them to look after your customers, you have to look after them first. Remember that they represent your company to the public at large. I try to hire people with enthusiasm, energy, and maturity, not necessarily people with the most experience.
2. Transform your clients from passive buyers to true believers Focus on going above and beyond all the time, creating an army of customer advocates. I treat every customer's events as though it were my own because I know that passionate customers can transform your business.Loyal customers are created through experiences with you, your product and your company.
3. Be genuine Don't try to force relationships with your clients and don't overwhelm them with too much information or too many offers. Try to find ways to engage them.
4. Don't compete with your competitors Know what your competitor is doing, but don't try to compete with them on price or item by item. Find out what your unique selling position is, focus on executing it to the best of your ability and seek ways to constantly improve on what you do. Your biggest competitor should be yourself.
5. Win the battle you're in While our company has several different revenue streams, we always keep an eye on our core business. Trying to take on too many new challenges can dilute your ability focus on the battle that's right in front of you.
to be continued...
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Managing Stress
- Learn to breathe : Take a really deep breath and hold it for a moment before breathing out through your mouth. Exhale slowly as you count 10 or 15. Focus on relaxing your stomach and shoulder muscles as you breathe out.
- Take one-minute vacation: Pick a favourite mental image, such as holiday location or the face of a loved one. Practise brining this image to mind whenever you need to relax. Give yourself a full minute to enjoy the positive feelings associate with the image.
- Relax your muscles: Tense muscles stop your breathing deeply, so stretch regularly to allow your body and mind to loosen up.
- Expend some energy: An overstimulated brain is programmed to fight or flee - it wants activity. Give your body a chance to use this pent-up energy by walking around the office, as a short-term solution, and making regular exercise a part of your routine.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Adobe Lightroom
Recently I discovered a new photo editing and management software called Adobe Lightroom. It is designed with Adobe photoshop CS3 technology, yet from a photographer workflow point of view. It is very user friendly, especially if you really went into darkroom before.
Browse Here
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Hong Kong Electronic Fair (Spring Edition)
This April is the most busy month for us. While most people are enjoying the weekend, I am actually working during Saturday and Sunday at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Although my survey project is s small one compared to other team-mates, it still a demanding month where we work for many consecutive weekends without a rest. While most people may prefer a relax day by staying at office, I actually prefer to work at the trade fairs where I can directly interact with the operation colleagues and facing the customers. It is extremely important to get in touch with customer face to face to hear their comments and feedback!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Google Acquired DoubleClick
Google has purchased DoubleClick at US$3.1 billion to acquire DoublickClick's network of advertisers and web publishers.
You all know Google is good at Text Ad but not display / rich media - video / graphical advertising. This is a very good strategic and synergistic move for Google to expand their product service offerings.
The internet world changes so fast. DoubleClick, owned by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman and JMI Equity and management. Last year DoubleClick sell out it's newsletter engine to Epsilon and quickly acquired by Google this year. It so obvious the core assets of DoubleClick is not newsletter broadcast tool where you can pick up any competitors product around, it is their advertiser networks and products that counts.
"By working together, we're going to be able to offer a variety of tools for advertisers to do better Internet targeting," said Susan Wojcicki, a vice president of product management with Google, speaking on a conference call with reporters. "Advertisers will be able to spend more and be able to make rational decisions about how they are spending their ad dollars."
See Industry Comment
See Google Official Press Release
Google has purchased DoubleClick at US$3.1 billion to acquire DoublickClick's network of advertisers and web publishers.
You all know Google is good at Text Ad but not display / rich media - video / graphical advertising. This is a very good strategic and synergistic move for Google to expand their product service offerings.
The internet world changes so fast. DoubleClick, owned by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman and JMI Equity and management. Last year DoubleClick sell out it's newsletter engine to Epsilon and quickly acquired by Google this year. It so obvious the core assets of DoubleClick is not newsletter broadcast tool where you can pick up any competitors product around, it is their advertiser networks and products that counts.
"By working together, we're going to be able to offer a variety of tools for advertisers to do better Internet targeting," said Susan Wojcicki, a vice president of product management with Google, speaking on a conference call with reporters. "Advertisers will be able to spend more and be able to make rational decisions about how they are spending their ad dollars."
See Industry Comment
See Google Official Press Release
Monday, April 09, 2007
Best Ways to Manage from the Middle
Middle level manager always sustain higher pressure than others. I've tried to aggregate some management tips from what I've read so far:
Middle level manager always sustain higher pressure than others. I've tried to aggregate some management tips from what I've read so far:
- Get away from the desk and talk to employees at all levels
- Understand and train subordinates and help them to understand the bigger picture
- Understand the business, not just my own business or areas of work
- Do not forget personal prioritites
- Network with other fellow managers
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Sotheby's Spring Auction
Just by chance visited the Sothebe's Spring Auction. My first time visited the Auction in person. It is an interesting and exciting experience to see a painting started with HK$2 million bided up to HK$4 million in 3 minutes. More importantly, there are many famous contemporary Chinese painting, it's worth a visit indeed.
Browse here
Thanks iPod!
This is an interesting story I read from the internet. Kevin Garrad was on a street patrol in Iraq and as he rounded the corner of a building an armed AK47 insurgent came from the other size. The two of them within just a few feed of each other when they opened fire. The insurgent was killed and Kevin was hit in the left chest where his iPod was in his pocket. . It slowed the bullet down enough that it did not completely penetrate his body armor. Fortunately, Kevin suffered no wound.
Kevin could send his iPod back to Apple for repairing. By the way, could solders listen to iPod when they're on duty?
Check out here
Friday, April 06, 2007
Otters Holding Hands
My friends always ask me whether there is interesting video clips in you tube. Here I recommend this - one of the top 10 in the last two weeks that attracted over 1.5 million clicks. It shoot in Vancover where two Otters holding their little hands together. Even though the water drive them apart, they get awake and grasp each other hands again. Otters are used to stick together to prevent sea wave driving them apart Yet, the video is so touching and adorable!
Browse here
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Mobile Advertisement
Although it has been early 30 years since the first commercial cellular phone network was launched, advertisers have yet to figure out how to get their messages out to mobile phone users in a big way. There are 2.2 billion cell-phone subscribers worldwide, with 25% annual growth rate each year. yet spending on ads over cellular networks is just $1.5 billion worldwide, a fraction of the $424 billion global ad market.
Technical obstacles like handset technology, network bandwidth, screen sizes make the advertising campaign complicated. Even more, customers are hostile to their personal phones suddenly barraged with pictures and advertisement. Countries like US. Singapore, India and China are now considering regulating these commercials.
Imagine..korean teenagers send on average 66 text messages a day. They have higher emotional attachment to their mobile than to their mothers. Once the consumer are convinced with the benefits, the market is here!
Although it has been early 30 years since the first commercial cellular phone network was launched, advertisers have yet to figure out how to get their messages out to mobile phone users in a big way. There are 2.2 billion cell-phone subscribers worldwide, with 25% annual growth rate each year. yet spending on ads over cellular networks is just $1.5 billion worldwide, a fraction of the $424 billion global ad market.
Technical obstacles like handset technology, network bandwidth, screen sizes make the advertising campaign complicated. Even more, customers are hostile to their personal phones suddenly barraged with pictures and advertisement. Countries like US. Singapore, India and China are now considering regulating these commercials.
Imagine..korean teenagers send on average 66 text messages a day. They have higher emotional attachment to their mobile than to their mothers. Once the consumer are convinced with the benefits, the market is here!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
杯子與水的哲學
有一次，我們幾個分別了多年的同學相約去拜訪大學的老師。老師很高興，問我們生活得怎麼樣。
不料，一句話就勾出了大家的滿腹牢騷，大家紛紛訴說著生活的不如意：
工作壓力大呀，生活煩惱多呀，做生意的商戰失利呀，當官的仕途受阻呀…彷彿大家都成了時代的棄兒。
老師笑而不語，從廚房拿出一大堆杯子，擺在茶儿上。這些杯子各式各樣，形態各異，有瓷器的，有玻璃的，有塑膠的，有的杯子看起來豪華而高貴，有的則顯得普通而簡陋……
老師說：「大家都是我的學生，我就不把你們當客人看了。你們要是渴了，就自己倒水喝吧。」七咀八舌，大家說得口乾舌燥了，便紛紛拿了自己看中的杯子倒水喝。
等我們手都端了一杯水時，老師又發言了。他指著茶儿上剩下的杯子說：「你們有沒有發現，你們手上的杯子，是最好看，最別緻的杯子，而像這些塑膠杯沒有人選中它。」
當然，我們並不覺得奇怪，誰都希望自己拿著的是一隻好看的杯子。老師說:「這就是你們煩惱的根源」大家需要的是水，而非杯子，但我們有意無意地會去選擇漂亮的杯子。這就如我們的生活．．．如果生活是水的話，那麼，工作、金錢、地位，這些東西就是杯子，它們只是我們盛起生活之水的工具。
其實，杯子的好壞，並不影響水的品質。如果將心思花在杯子上，大家還有心情去品嘗水的苦甜，這不就是自尋煩惱嗎？
有一次，我們幾個分別了多年的同學相約去拜訪大學的老師。老師很高興，問我們生活得怎麼樣。
不料，一句話就勾出了大家的滿腹牢騷，大家紛紛訴說著生活的不如意：
工作壓力大呀，生活煩惱多呀，做生意的商戰失利呀，當官的仕途受阻呀…彷彿大家都成了時代的棄兒。
老師笑而不語，從廚房拿出一大堆杯子，擺在茶儿上。這些杯子各式各樣，形態各異，有瓷器的，有玻璃的，有塑膠的，有的杯子看起來豪華而高貴，有的則顯得普通而簡陋……
老師說：「大家都是我的學生，我就不把你們當客人看了。你們要是渴了，就自己倒水喝吧。」七咀八舌，大家說得口乾舌燥了，便紛紛拿了自己看中的杯子倒水喝。
等我們手都端了一杯水時，老師又發言了。他指著茶儿上剩下的杯子說：「你們有沒有發現，你們手上的杯子，是最好看，最別緻的杯子，而像這些塑膠杯沒有人選中它。」
當然，我們並不覺得奇怪，誰都希望自己拿著的是一隻好看的杯子。老師說:「這就是你們煩惱的根源」大家需要的是水，而非杯子，但我們有意無意地會去選擇漂亮的杯子。這就如我們的生活．．．如果生活是水的話，那麼，工作、金錢、地位，這些東西就是杯子，它們只是我們盛起生活之水的工具。
其實，杯子的好壞，並不影響水的品質。如果將心思花在杯子上，大家還有心情去品嘗水的苦甜，這不就是自尋煩惱嗎？
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