Carry Thy Cross

We had an eventful week. Though the investment that was supposed to come through didn't, because of hiccups by the other party, life had to go on, on the corporate front.
That's the thing with life. It goes on regardless of circumstances and especially so when you run a company. Did we have contingency plans? Nope, not for this time. Not when everything was legalised up to the final thread. But like all things Murphy inspired, things can go wrong and they do. For the beaten traveller on a seasoned battered road, you are best tested in circumstances like these.
So heave on one must, and hope that things ride through. There is another legal hoop that will buy the fellas time. So we will give them that before legal proceedings start. We would rather not go through the hassle because time means money to us. We'll cross each bridge when it comes. Have you ever wondered why some people have more troubles than others? LOL. I do. Yeah, we're the privileged chosen ones. Hah.

Gift to myself

The weeks rolled by and I have done my so-called spring cleaning. There were so many things that I throw out that I wonder if I had my head screwed right all these years. And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.. I see trees of green........ red roses too.. Haha. Yes, I should break into a song.
I am too harsh with myself. I hope to be able to look at the things I've done, instead of the things I have not done. Like looking at a glass that's half full instead of half empty, that kinda thinking.
So wish me luck. I hope the next couple of weeks will bring on a happier me, a positive me, and most importantly a kinder me to myself.

one for the road

Most times we govern our own fate. I was packing my years of accumulated gunk and found that there's a distinct pattern in my life. I am a hoarder. Perhaps I am insecure. Or perhaps I just treasure people and things that are associated with them. But after twenty years of junk collecting, it's time to move on. The sad part is (though I am not sad per se), I think I didn't matter half as much as the people who mattered to me. I am not bitter, just enlightened, albeit it took me a long time to come to this realization. Or to put it accurately, I probably knew then, but I needed to hang on. I am a hoarder, remember? And so I cling onto things that matters to me. But is it worth the ride? Painfully I think not. But it took away twenty years of my life. Am I repeating the pattern? Of course. You can't throw habits like these overnight.

So what little lesson am I imparting here? The realization that what we are clinging onto may not be good for our health! LOL! Yes, that's the gist of it. It can lead to cancer, it can lead to all kinds of health ailments. So, cling on if you have to, but cling with a lighter grip. You will allow better blood circulation for yourself and your jugular veins and nerves will thank you for it down the road, or what's left of it. "Amen" ;)

vintage years

It is a good idea to work hard when one is young, and hopefully to be able to harvest the fruits of your labour in your golden age. Now, when that is not possible and you find yourself still in bad shape when you're in your mid fifties or even older, do not throw in the towels yet. Though it is also a case of 'no choice', it helps if you go through your golden years with an open heart and an open mind. Count your blessings. There will be people who are less fortunate than yourself. So, pick yourself up and work and try to save a little. In today's times, it is close to impossible to save, especially when you're trying to make ends meet every month. But really, do try to be positive. A little does add up, and things will work out, no matter what. It's the scheme of things in life. As long as one is willing to work hard, you will not starve. You will have to do with less, but remember that happiness is also important. You might actually be happier than that millionaire or superstar next door. :p

Find strength in dire straits

One's strength is always tested when the going gets tough. So try to take advantage of 'bad' situations and take it as strength building. I always tell myself that as a morale booster. Yes, I am a strange chick, lol.

One little example is when I need to get my teeth done at the dentist. And I am phobic of dentists, so you can imagine how I feel when a trip is due. I practise self hypnosis and pray of course. It gets me through and I do feel stronger for it.

Another example would be, when I have to hunt for banks who would give our company funds. It can get humbling because they tend to 'talk down' to you when you're looking, instead of the other way when they come knocking on your door, and ask you to take funds.
So I practise my negotiation skills and build my strength on this. Again, I come out of the experience a little wiser and perhaps a little humbled, but that's fine, because it's good to touch ground and remember how it feels to be 'small' again. That gives me the impetus to push even harder and make the business more successful so that we would have more banks coming to us instead, haha. Humor helps in dire straits!

So remember, in every bad situation, there could be something learnt, save for health issues. In a terminal case, it is a different ball game, but again I think the one who is facing the circumstances do gain a different perspective and is so much wiser than the rest of us, though faced with a shorter life sentence. Yup, I think we're all living a life sentence on earth. :P
On this humbling thought, I wish all business people continued strength and may your business grow stronger, alongside with you! God Bless.

Baptismal growth of fire

One lesson I learned about survival is to trudge on even when the situation seems bleak. Saying that, I think business owners should take an honest look at their situation and differentiate if theirs is at a state of possible revival. If there is a chance that it will and all it needs is a pump of capital or temporal cashflow, then he should try to knock on more doors to get the funds.

The key is to honest to yourself. Put ego and even panic aside. Take a few days break away from the hot pot and re-look at it with renewed eyes. If the situation is quite beyond hope, cut your loss. Sell it cheap, or sell it at the price she's worth. Point out her potential to would-be buyers and wait. Do not panic sell. I did that and it was painful. But I could empathise with anyone in that situation because when it gets to that stage, the mounting bills are not helping to keep your nerves on an even keel.

One learns all these through 'baptismal growth of fire'. Having gotten burnt is one of the best lessons in life. But learn you must, to avoid repeating mistakes and hopefully, churn out a wiser you in the process. So good luck, take that few days off and come back with a new vigour!

church mouse finds cheese

some businesses are flourishing despite the downturn.
so what's their secret?
they capitalize on the situation and turn it to their advantage. it could be the products they're carrying or the services they deal with. so to survive the sluggish times, one needs to be versatile and be open minded to accept new changes. seize the day so they say. i wish all business people stamina and resilience during this trying times. find your cheese in the next corner. stay strong.

success and humbleness

I was surprised to see a familiar face on TV. This kindly person was the recipient for some awards. When he comes to our shop, he carries no air. One would never have expected that he is the CEO of an international company. Looking at his humble disposition, I hope I will be able to emulate his attitude in life. He probably could afford a couple of houses with a dozen cars thrown in, and he does not come across the least arrogant. If I didn't catch him on national tv a few nights back, I would never have known.

Krafonline Handmade Batik Store

First impressions are always important. Following that, especially after an important business meet, you might like to do a follow-up with an appropriate gift to show your appreciation.
Something ethnic is always nice and it sits well with both local and overseas clients. Traditional Batik is one gift that will always be appreciated. At official functions and casual meets, one can wear Batik comfortably and still make an impression.

I came across this Batik store and it has the most beautiful collections of Batik shirts and accessories.

I haven't met anyone who is not intrigued with this traditional art that has been around for ages. Every piece of item is unique due to its infusion of color strains and designs. You can also check out their batik blog for exciting new items.
To enlighten first timers, Batik is a Malay word which refers to wax-resist method of cloth dying. The burst of colors in the making are a joy to look at and how do I know this? I have had the chance to make Batik many years ago. But of course it was 'unprofessionally' done and a home project. I remembered tying marbles and rubberbands to lengths of cloth and repeatedly introducing new colors to each new dip. And being a novice then, I had 'hit and miss' spots with the colors not immersing properly at some spots. But you don't have to go through all that now if you want to present a Batik gift to a friend or a client, LOL!

Buying gifts for men can be a headache because it always seem safer to settle for either ties and wallets due to lack of appropriate choices in the department stores. There is a thin line of wanting to appear professional and not getting too personal in the choice of gifts! So, for people often in this dilemma, your problem is solved now. Go check Kraf Online Shirts and you will be
relieved that there are now more choices of gifts that you can present to men business associates.
And now for the exciting part, you can use the following coupon code: crafty.
It's good for 10% off all purchases!

positive vibes in a healthy mind

One good tip to stay positive is to keep company with positive minded people.
Misery loves company and so it is not healthy to move around with doom minded people. For one thing they will sap you off your positive vibes and secondly, some of these folks are actually 'happier' feeling miserable. Perhaps they dare not come out of the dark tunnel they're in because it has become familiar grounds. The unknown is always scary so it is understandable.
But it is not good to stay on the dark side of things. Go on now, go stand in the light. It is not as intimidating as it looks! Good luck!

Easter is a good reason to start afresh

The problem with being a boss is, you cannot let personal feelings mar your day. No matter how shitty and justifiable the problem gets, you just have to harbour the bad feelings and toss it out. The company cannot function with a giddy-head boss, talking about which, this vertigo had better be tossed out soon. I am not even sure if I am well, LOL! One gets so used to situational avoidance so that life can go on, and after a month and a half, you wonder if you're actually healed. I sound like a nut case, but being a survivor (albeit a bad one at that at times), I adapt. Sometimes I adapt so much that I think I have lost my soul in so many ways. The bottom line is, the show goes on, and the company still need to run.
So, Happy Easter, everyone! I wish you a great start, a new beginning, and what better time than now, to have a revival of sorts. Easter means that The Lord has risen. Not promoting any religion but it is a good time to use this opportunity for anyone who might want a good time to revive their business or relationships, or anything that needs mending. Let's head for new cells, rejuvenate the old, cast out the bad and start afresh.

Journey of experience takes a lifetime

So here I am at 3.40 am, writing this post.
I've learnt that many things in life can only be learned when you're three quarters way down the road. So we're left with a quarter of what's left when we can deem ourselves to be a little wiser.
Isn't that pathetic? There is no short cut. One has to learn through trial and error. You may have a good mentor, but the likely scenario is that one may be too stubborn to take it in. Youth has its disadvantages. Bull headed and all, it's all part of 'growing up'. I wonder what people do with the last quarter of their life. The irony. When it's ending, we finally learn our lesson.

How to stay positive

It is all too easy to mouth it, but to actually practise it when the world is literally spinning around you when you have prolonged vertigo episodes requires superhuman feat. So, what is the key?
Praying helps. Not that I know what I'm sometimes praying when I'm feeling lousy. But it is a positive form of action. Doing anything positive for mental health helps.

Similarly as in business, when the throes are at door's knell, it does not help if we prematurely condemn ourselves before the final breath. So be positive. The cheese could be just around the corner. And when you don't trudge that extra mile, you'd never know. Like my prolonged vertigo, I am thinking that each day is a day nearer to my getting completely well, rather than focussing on the negative. It helps. And when that fails from time to time, read up on positive things. Never hang around despondent company. Misery loves company, remember that, lol!

personal happiness and work

Learning to keep cool is important. It can be tough when your customers are rude. Being in business for twenty over years has not made me immune to spikes of anger. And when that happens, I do feel a little bad for allowing my emotions to get the better of me. But over the years, I believe I have mellowed a fair deal and my anger management is better compared to perhaps ten years back. I do envy managers who are totally cool even in the most explosive of situations. Age plays a part I believe. Another important factor is personal happiness. That will overflow to the workplace so I think one should take care to leave personal feelings out of the working arena.

price to pay for everything

So much weight on my shoulder, and I don't think anyone truly can empathize. The people whom you'd think could, actually probably do not, but could you blame them anyway? You've brought things upon yourself, and you've only got yourself to blame.
So I tell people nowadays, (actually I don't), perhaps in a soliloquy way, do not make mistakes that could be avoided. Don't succumb to temptations. There IS a price to pay for everything.

Glow party accessories

Want to glow without electricity and be the live of the party! It would be totally fun to have everybody excited when they see you come around. And I bet you will be the hot topic of the party and everyone would want to know where you get these funky paints!

The latest glow face paint can be applied easily and safely. The paint which is more like a gel, can be used on the face and body. They are also made by iGlow, the same people who made the glow hair gel. iGlow body gel is FDA and EU approved so you can be assured that it's a safe product. Just apply and later wash off with soap. That easy!

So you can now literally stand out in the crowd or better still, plan your party with lots of glow novelties where everyone can have their share of fun. This is the ultimate of party accessories and if you're an event organizer, you will definitely want to include these in your party management. Check out glow-sticks.org for the widest and wildest glow accessories that will make your party one that people will remember for ages!

For those of you who don't want to apply stuffs on their bodies, there's hope yet, LOL! You can go for glow necklaces! Yes you've heard me right. It's glow glow glow all the way with no cumbersome attachments and wires attached. They even have flashing glow necklaces that will definitely steal the limelight of 'dull jane' next to you, opps. :P
In short, if you want a successful party, or want to be the live of the party, you must check out these glow accessories. There's more items than what I've mentioned here. I can say that the manufacturers really have it hilt to their brows with all these glow in the dark products. Seeing them has even made me want to have a party, just because! LOL!

cyclic business setups

The cycle of life continues in the building. Old new who took up tenancy has bitten the dust and new new are coming in to set up shop. Old old are just watching in apprehension of when it's their turn to start a-tumbling down. Yes, this is the reality of life in the dangerous lane. Yes, danger in losing a few tens of thousands if one is lucky. Renovation and licenses all add up even before one can start business. To each his own I guess.

running a tight rein

I have said many times that one needs to be devoid of emotions when you are in business. You cannot run a ship if you have feelings. There are so many things to take care of and all sectors require a firm head to govern. Of course it doesn't help that the owner of the head is having a bout of vertigo at the moment. But if you're the boss, the show goes on. There are moments when you'd wish you're not in charge but as the boss, you have the sole responsibility to pick yourself up. So, as I'd always say, you make your bed, you lie on it.

X Factor in business

Anybody can open a shop.
It is maintaining it that requires skill, and timing and luck and a whole lot of gamut that goes into the running of a business. You may even require that elusive "X" factor. Yes, X factor is needed even in business. You see some businesses succeed against all odds, and some failing beyond comprehensible reasons. So, look before you leap, and if you have leaped, I wish you all the best. Because it really requires lots of invisible factors that goes beyond reason to make a business succeed.

Manage your debt level before it's too late

When debts start getting over your head, it's not the time to hide under the sheets.
I know it's easier said than done. I've been there unfortunately. There are days when you don't even want to get out of bed.

Contrary to what most people might think, being in debt didn't start off with a big indulgence purchase. Sometimes we help others in worse shape and erroneously think we can get out of the rolling debt because we can manage the minimum monthly payment. In no time, that minimum sum grows into a tidy sum that equates half of our income and that's when the problem escalates into a insurmountable battle of dollars and 'sense' each month.

At this point, consumer credit counseling is needed before all hell breaks loose. These are people who are professionally trained who can help us seize the problem at the bud and can help us look into positive ways of shaving off those high interests and negotiate reductions on our colossal debt principle and interest into one low payment.
I would not have known of such a service available if I had not come across consumer credit counseling service offered by consumercreditcounseling.com. Read on if you can. You might be able to help a friend who is in trouble and having difficulty managing his financial state of affairs. This problem is more common than we think.

Sometimes on our own, we tend to be defensive about our overall debt figures. After all, who wants to scare a family member or a friend of the massive debts we've built up. As I've said, I have been there, and am admitting that I am still clearing off sizeable amount of loans each month. I was lucky that I was able to sell off my companies at each point when the various businesses took off. I was always challenging myself with new businesses and every one of those set ups requires hugh amount of capital outlay. Because I was sure that they would be profitable, I pumped in significant amount of capital each time. So you can imagine the kinds of debts I was often exposed to. So as soon as each enterprise took off, I sold off the businesses to new takers, thereby recuperating my initial loss. Please do not do what I do if you do not have a brave heart. It's pretty suicidal at times. Anyway, entrepreneurs are not always sane people, LOL!

So, back to topic, there is reliable consumer credit counseling available when debts go out of hand. Be prudent with your spendings, especially in bad economic times. But do spend diligently, because the economy needs people to spend or else everything will come to a standstill and the world cannot recover from the economic blow.
With this, I wish everyone a good financial year and may the year of the ox bring prosperity to all business owners.

Paying it forward

There was a tourist who popped by the shop today. He asked for help in some matters. We assisted him as much as we could though knowing full well we will never see him again, and the favor could never be returned. That's what life is all about. We cannot always expect returns for all our good deeds. We could always pay it forward.